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GP-IB(cPCI)F

IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface Card compact PCI
  • Manufacturer Contec
  • Category: IEEE (GPIB) Cards
  • The CONTEC GP‑IB(cPCI)F is a high‑performance IEEE‑488.2‑compliant GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) communication interface card designed for CompactPCI systems. It provides high‑speed data transfer up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec and supports bus master transfer, enabling efficient communication between industrial PCs and measurement or control instruments. The board is part of CONTEC’s F‑Series lineup, known for its high‑speed, high‑reliability GPIB communication solutions.
- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to international GPIB standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of test and measurement instruments.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbyte/sec, suitable for high‑throughput data acquisition and control applications.
- Bus Master Transfer: Enables direct data transfer between the board and system memory without CPU intervention, reducing system load and improving throughput.
- 2 Kbyte FIFO Buffers: Independent 2 Kbyte FIFO memory for both transmission and reception ensures stable, high‑speed communication even with large data blocks.
- GPIB Bus Analyzer Function: Allows real‑time monitoring and analysis of GPIB bus signals, useful for debugging and system diagnostics.
- High‑Precision Timer: Built‑in application timer for precise timing control and event scheduling under Windows environments.
- SPAS Event (Slave Mode): Supports Serial Poll Active State (SPAS) event handling for flexible system configurations.
- Long‑Term Availability: Uses CONTEC’s proprietary high‑speed GPIB controller (compatible with NEC µPD7210C), ensuring stable long‑term supply and reliability.
- Diagnostic Utility: Includes hardware and communication test utilities for verifying board operation and connectivity.
- Line Monitoring: Capable of reading all control line statuses (IFC, ATN, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and data line states (DIO1–DIO8).
- Cross‑Platform Software Support: Compatible with Windows and Linux API‑TOOL drivers, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments.
- CompactPCI Form Factor: Designed for 3U × 4HP CompactPCI slots, ideal for embedded and industrial automation systems.

Country of origin: Japan

Customs tariff number: 8473 3020 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GP‑IB(cPCI)F IEEE‑488 (GPIB) CompactPCI Interface Card




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(cPCI)F
Model: GP‑IB(cPCI)F
Series: High‑Performance F Series (GPIB F Series)
Article Number: GP‑IB(cPCI)F
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
Product Type: CompactPCI IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card
Category: Communication Interface Board – GPIB Bus Master Type
Website: [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

The CONTEC GP‑IB(cPCI)F is a high‑performance IEEE‑488.2‑compliant GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) communication interface card designed for CompactPCI systems. It provides high‑speed data transfer up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec and supports bus master transfer, enabling efficient communication between industrial PCs and measurement or control instruments. The board is part of CONTEC’s F‑Series lineup, known for its high‑speed, high‑reliability GPIB communication solutions.




### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to international GPIB standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of test and measurement instruments.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbyte/sec, suitable for high‑throughput data acquisition and control applications.
- Bus Master Transfer: Enables direct data transfer between the board and system memory without CPU intervention, reducing system load and improving throughput.
- 2 Kbyte FIFO Buffers: Independent 2 Kbyte FIFO memory for both transmission and reception ensures stable, high‑speed communication even with large data blocks.
- GPIB Bus Analyzer Function: Allows real‑time monitoring and analysis of GPIB bus signals, useful for debugging and system diagnostics.
- High‑Precision Timer: Built‑in application timer for precise timing control and event scheduling under Windows environments.
- SPAS Event (Slave Mode): Supports Serial Poll Active State (SPAS) event handling for flexible system configurations.
- Long‑Term Availability: Uses CONTEC’s proprietary high‑speed GPIB controller (compatible with NEC µPD7210C), ensuring stable long‑term supply and reliability.
- Diagnostic Utility: Includes hardware and communication test utilities for verifying board operation and connectivity.
- Line Monitoring: Capable of reading all control line statuses (IFC, ATN, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and data line states (DIO1–DIO8).
- Cross‑Platform Software Support: Compatible with Windows and Linux API‑TOOL drivers, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments.
- CompactPCI Form Factor: Designed for 3U × 4HP CompactPCI slots, ideal for embedded and industrial automation systems.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 channel |
| Maximum Transfer Rate | 1.5 Mbyte/sec |
| Data Format | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic (Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V) |
| Interrupts | 1 interrupt request signal (INTA) |
| I/O Address | Any 128‑byte boundary |
| Cable Length Between Devices | Up to 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | Up to 20 m |
| Maximum Number of Devices | 15 devices (including controller) |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC 400 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | CompactPCI (3U × 4HP, 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V) |
| Dimensions | 3U × 4HP CompactPCI form factor |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin Ribbon Connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C (typical) |
| Humidity Range | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 200 g (board only) |




### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(cPCI)F serves as a high‑speed communication interface between a CompactPCI‑based industrial computer and external GPIB‑compliant instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and analyzers. It supports both controller and device modes, enabling the host system to send commands, acquire data, and synchronize operations across multiple instruments.

Typical Use Cases:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems
- Data acquisition and measurement automation
- Laboratory instrumentation control
- Production line test and calibration systems
- Research and development measurement setups

Operation Principle:
The board communicates via the IEEE‑488 bus using 8‑bit parallel data transfer with handshake control. The onboard FIFO buffers and bus master DMA engine handle data movement autonomously, minimizing CPU overhead. The analyzer function allows monitoring of bus activity for debugging or protocol verification.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IEEE‑488.1/488.2 instruments from major vendors (Keysight, Tektronix, Yokogawa, etc.)
- Works with CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and ACX‑PAC(W32) software libraries
- Supports Windows XP/7/10/11 and Linux kernel driver environments
- Integrates with MATLAB and LabVIEW via dedicated driver packages




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(cPCI)F CompactPCI board
- CN‑GP/C GPIB connector adapter (right‑angle adapter for tight slot spaces)
- Software CD‑ROM with API‑PAC(W32) driver library and diagnostic utilities
- User manual and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cables:
- PCN‑T02 (2 m, double‑shielded)
- PCN‑T04 (4 m, double‑shielded)
High‑reliability, noise‑resistant cables for connecting instruments.
- Connector Adapter: CN‑GP/C (included or optional replacement)
- Software Packages:
- ACX‑PAC(W32) – Windows driver and configuration utility
- API‑PAC(W32) – Win32 API function library for custom application development
- MATLAB and LabVIEW interface drivers (downloadable from CONTEC website)




### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- CompactPCI 3U slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V signaling)
- Host PC running Windows or Linux with available interrupt resources
- +5 VDC power supply capable of 400 mA minimum

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the CompactPCI system and insert the GP‑IB(cPCI)F into an available 3U slot.
2. Secure the board using the front‑panel screws.
3. Connect the GPIB cable (PCN‑T02 or PCN‑T04) to the 24‑pin AMP connector via the CN‑GP/C adapter.
4. Power on the system; the board will be automatically detected by the OS (Plug & Play).
5. Install the API‑PAC(W32) or ACX‑PAC(W32) driver software.
6. Verify operation using the included diagnostic utility (tests interrupts, I/O access, and communication).

Configuration:
- I/O address and interrupt levels are automatically assigned by the CompactPCI bus (PnP).
- Supports IRQ sharing with other PCI devices.
- Software configuration utility allows setting of GPIB address, controller mode, and timing parameters.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transfer Rate: Up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec (maximum bus speed)
- Bus Master DMA: 80 Mbyte/sec internal PCI transfer rate (133 Mbyte/sec theoretical maximum)
- FIFO Buffer: 2 Kbyte each for send and receive operations
- Data Length: 8 PCI words (maximum transfer unit)
- Scatter/Gather Function: 64 Mbyte per channel for efficient DMA operations
- Timing Precision: High‑resolution timer for synchronized data acquisition and control
- Analyzer Memory: 64 K data (maximum) for bus line status capture
- Reliability: Designed for continuous industrial operation with low CPU load and stable communication
- Limitations: Total bus length limited to 20 m and 15 devices per bus as per IEEE‑488 specifications




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE Standards: IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 compliant
- CompactPCI Specification: PICMG 2.0 R3.0 (3U × 4HP form factor)
- Electrical Compliance: 5 V PCI signaling (33 MHz, 32‑bit)
- EMC and Safety: Designed to meet CE and FCC Class A industrial standards
- RoHS Compliance: Pb‑free construction (RoHS compliant)
- Environmental Standards: Operating temperature 0 – 50 °C, humidity 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard one‑year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty and maintenance contracts available upon request.

Technical Support:
- Free driver and software updates available from CONTEC’s website.
- Online technical support and documentation portal for developers.
- Diagnostic and firmware update utilities included with API‑PAC(W32).

Maintenance:
- No periodic maintenance required beyond standard electronic handling precautions.
- Keep connectors clean and avoid exposure to static discharge or excessive humidity.

Software Updates and Integration:
- API‑PAC(W32) and ACX‑PAC(W32) libraries are regularly updated for new Windows versions.
- Linux API‑TOOL drivers available for kernel integration and open‑source development.
- MATLAB and LabVIEW drivers enable direct instrument control and data logging applications.

Support Resources:
- API‑PAC(W32): Win32 API function library for C/C++ and Visual Basic.
- ACX‑PAC(W32): Configuration and diagnostic utility suite.
- LabVIEW Driver: VI library for National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB Driver: API‑GPLV(W32) for The MathWorks MATLAB.




### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(cPCI)F is a robust, high‑speed CompactPCI GPIB interface card engineered for industrial and laboratory automation environments requiring reliable IEEE‑488.2 communication. With its 1.5 Mbyte/sec transfer rate, bus master DMA, 2 Kbyte FIFO buffers, and GPIB bus analyzer, it delivers exceptional performance for data acquisition and instrument control. The board’s CompactPCI 3U × 4HP design ensures compatibility with embedded systems, while its cross‑platform driver support and diagnostic utilities simplify integration and maintenance.

Ideal for automated test systems, measurement instrumentation, and industrial control networks, the GP‑IB(cPCI)F combines high‑speed performance, long‑term reliability, and comprehensive software support, making it a preferred solution for demanding GPIB communication applications.

No accessories available.