Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GP‑IB(LPCI)FL Low‑Profile IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card

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### 1. Product Overview

- Product Name: IEEE‑488 (GPIB) Interface Card – Low Profile
- Model: GP‑IB(LPCI)FL
- Series: High‑Performance F Series (Low‑Profile PCI Bus)
- Article Number: GP‑IB(LPCI)FL
- Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd.
- Product Category: Communication Interface Board – GPIB (IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2)
- Website: [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com)

The CONTEC GP‑IB(LPCI)FL is a low‑profile PCI bus interface card designed for high‑speed IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) communication. It provides a maximum data transfer rate of 1.5 Mbyte/sec and supports bus‑master data transfer, enabling high‑throughput communication between a PC and GPIB‑compliant instruments without imposing additional CPU load. The board is part of CONTEC’s F‑Series, known for its high‑performance, long‑term reliability, and compatibility with a wide range of industrial and laboratory automation systems.

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### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully conforms to both standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of GPIB instruments and controllers.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Achieves up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec maximum transfer rate for rapid data acquisition and control.
- Bus Master Transfer: Enables direct data exchange between the PC and the board at high speed without CPU intervention, improving system efficiency.
- 2 Kbyte FIFO Buffer: Dedicated 2 Kbyte transmit and receive buffers ensure stable, high‑speed communication and minimize latency.
- Low‑Profile PCI Form Factor: Compact 121.69 mm × 63.41 mm board size suitable for slim or space‑constrained industrial PCs; includes both low‑profile and standard brackets.
- High Reliability: Uses CONTEC’s proprietary GPIB controller (compatible with NEC µPD7210C) for long‑term product availability and stable operation.
- Plug‑and‑Play PCI Configuration: Automatic resource allocation (I/O address and IRQ) via PCI BIOS; no manual jumper settings required.
- Interrupt‑Driven Operation: Supports one interrupt request line (INTA) for efficient event handling.
- Multi‑Device Connectivity: Supports up to 15 GPIB devices on a single bus segment.
- Cable Length Support: Up to 4 m between devices and 20 m total bus length per IEEE‑488 specification.
- Software Support: Includes Windows driver libraries (API‑PAC(W32)), compatible with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Linux API‑TOOL drivers.
- Diagnostic and Utility Tools: Supplied with test and configuration utilities for verifying hardware operation and communication integrity.
- RoHS and Lead‑Free Compliance: Environmentally friendly design meeting current regulatory standards.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Interface Standard | IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1.5 Mbyte/sec (maximum) |
| Data Format | 8 parallel data lines, 3 handshake lines |
| Signal Logic | Negative logic: Low ≤ 0.8 V, High ≥ 2.0 V |
| Interrupts | 1 × INTA (PCI interrupt request) |
| I/O Address Allocation | Any 128‑byte boundary (automatic via PCI BIOS) |
| Bus Type | PCI Local Bus, 32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V signaling |
| Transfer Mode | Bus Master DMA |
| FIFO Buffer | 2 Kbyte (send) + 2 Kbyte (receive) |
| Maximum Cable Length | 4 m between devices, 20 m total |
| Maximum Devices | 15 devices per bus |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC ± 5 %, 400 mA (max.) |
| Board Dimensions | 121.69 (L) × 63.41 (H) mm |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Weight | Approx. 100 g |
| Mounting Bracket | Low‑profile bracket (standard bracket included) |

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### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(LPCI)FL serves as a high‑speed communication interface between a host PC and external GPIB instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and analyzers. It implements the IEEE‑488.2 protocol layer, providing standardized command and data exchange.

Operation Principle:
- The board communicates over the GPIB bus using 8‑bit parallel data lines and three handshake lines (DAV, NRFD, NDAC).
- Bus master DMA allows direct memory access between the board and system memory, bypassing CPU bottlenecks.
- The onboard FIFO buffers manage data flow, ensuring continuous transmission even under heavy system load.
- The board can function as a GPIB controller or talker/listener device, depending on software configuration.

Typical Applications:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) systems
- Laboratory instrumentation control
- Data acquisition and measurement automation
- Production line monitoring and calibration systems
- Integration with MATLAB or LabVIEW for scientific research and industrial process control

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with IEEE‑488.1/488.2 instruments from major manufacturers (Keysight, Tektronix, Yokogawa, etc.).
- Works with Windows 10/11, Windows Server, and Linux distributions supporting PCI bus devices.
- Supported by CONTEC’s API‑PAC(W32) and API‑TOOL (Linux) libraries for C/C++, Visual Basic, and .NET environments.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(LPCI)FL board
- Low‑profile PCI bracket (pre‑installed)
- Standard PCI bracket (included)
- CN‑GP/C GPIB connector adapter
- Driver and utility software (API‑PAC(W32))
- Documentation and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cables:
- PCN‑T02 – 2 m double‑shielded cable
- PCN‑T04 – 4 m double‑shielded cable
- Connector Adapter: CN‑GP/C (angled adapter for tight spaces or high‑noise environments)
- Software Tools:
- API‑PAC(W32) for Windows development
- API‑TOOL for Linux
- LabVIEW and MATLAB interface drivers
- Diagnostic Utilities: Analyzer and communication test programs for verifying GPIB line status and data transfer.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- PC with available PCI or Low‑Profile PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V/3.3 V)
- Operating System: Windows 10/11, Windows Server, or Linux (kernel 2.6 + )
- Minimum 512 MB RAM and 100 MB free disk space for driver installation

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(LPCI)FL into an available PCI slot.
2. Secure the board using the appropriate bracket (low‑profile or standard).
3. Connect the GPIB cable to the 24‑pin ribbon connector via the CN‑GP/C adapter.
4. Power on the PC; the PCI BIOS automatically assigns I/O and IRQ resources.
5. Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver package or Linux API‑TOOL module.
6. Verify operation using the included diagnostic utility (communication test and line monitor).

Mounting Options:
- Fits both standard and low‑profile PCI slots.
- CN‑GP/C adapter allows flexible cable routing in compact enclosures.

Configuration:
- No DIP switches or jumpers required.
- All resource assignments handled automatically by the PCI Plug‑and‑Play mechanism.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transfer Speed: Up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec (theoretical maximum under IEEE‑488.2).
- Bus Master Throughput: 80 Mbyte/sec internal PCI transfer rate (133 Mbyte/sec theoretical PCI bus limit).
- FIFO Buffering: 2 Kbyte transmit and 2 Kbyte receive buffers minimize data loss during high‑speed transfers.
- Latency: Sub‑millisecond response for command/response cycles.
- Device Capacity: Supports up to 15 devices per bus segment.
- Cable Length: 4 m maximum between devices, 20 m total bus length.
- Signal Integrity: Double‑shielded cables and negative‑logic signaling ensure noise immunity in industrial environments.
- Reliability: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in automated test and measurement systems.
- Limitations:
- Does not include the GPIB bus analyzer function (available on GP‑IB(LPCI)F).
- Requires external GPIB cables (sold separately).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical & Communication Standards:
- IEEE‑488.1 (GPIB physical layer)
- IEEE‑488.2 (protocol and command layer)
- Bus Interface: PCI Local Bus Specification 2.2 compliant
- Environmental & Safety:
- RoHS compliant
- Lead‑free manufacturing process
- Software Standards:
- Windows API‑PAC(W32) compliant
- Linux API‑TOOL driver architecture
- LabVIEW and MATLAB integration supported
- Regulatory Compliance:
- CE marking (EMC and safety)
- FCC Class A (industrial environment)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically one year; extended service options available).
- Technical support via CONTEC’s global support portal and regional offices.
- Firmware and driver updates downloadable from [www.contec.com](https://www.contec.com).

Maintenance:
- No periodic calibration required.
- Keep connectors clean and free from dust.
- Use only CONTEC‑approved cables and adapters to maintain signal integrity.

Software Updates & Utilities:
- API‑PAC(W32): Windows driver library providing Win32API‑compatible functions for C/C++, Visual Basic, and .NET.
- API‑TOOL (Linux): Open‑source driver and shared library for Linux environments.
- LabVIEW VI Library: VI‑DAQ modules for direct integration with National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB Interface: API‑GPLV(W32) driver for MATLAB integration.
- Diagnostic Tools: Analyzer.exe and communication test utilities for verifying GPIB operation.

Support Resources:
- Comprehensive manuals and example code included.
- Online documentation and FAQs available on CONTEC’s website.
- Optional training and integration support for OEM and system integrators.

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### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(LPCI)FL is a compact, high‑performance IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) interface card optimized for low‑profile PCI systems. It delivers 1.5 Mbyte/sec transfer speed, bus‑master DMA, and 2 Kbyte FIFO buffering, ensuring efficient, CPU‑independent communication with up to 15 GPIB instruments. Its robust design, automatic PCI configuration, and broad software support make it ideal for industrial automation, laboratory measurement, and test‑system integration. With full IEEE‑488.1/488.2 compliance, RoHS certification, and long‑term product availability, the GP‑IB(LPCI)FL provides a reliable, future‑proof solution for high‑speed instrument control and data acquisition.