Comprehensive Product Summary – CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)F

---

### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: GP‑IB(PCI)F
Model: GP‑IB(PCI)F
Series: F Series – High‑Performance IEEE‑488.2/GPIB Interface Boards
Article Number: GP‑IB(PCI)F
Manufacturer: CONTEC Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Product Category: PCI Bus Communication Interface Board
Product Type: IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 (GPIB) Interface Card with Bus Analyzer Function

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)F is a high‑performance IEEE‑488.2 compliant GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) communication interface card designed for PCI bus systems. It provides high‑speed data transfer, bus master operation, and integrated bus analysis capabilities for industrial, laboratory, and automated test environments. The board is part of CONTEC’s F‑Series, which emphasizes high‑speed, high‑precision communication and long‑term reliability.

---

### 2. Key Features

- IEEE‑488.1 / IEEE‑488.2 Compliance: Fully compliant with both IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of GPIB instruments and controllers.
- High‑Speed Data Transfer: Supports a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbyte/sec, enabling rapid communication with multiple instruments.
- Bus Master Transfer: Allows direct data transfer between the board and system memory without CPU overhead, improving throughput and reducing latency.
- 2 Kbyte FIFO Memory: Dedicated FIFO buffers for both transmission and reception ensure stable high‑speed communication and efficient handling of large data blocks.
- GPIB Bus Analyzer Function: Integrated analyzer monitors and records GPIB bus line activity, including control and data line transitions, for diagnostic and debugging purposes.
- High‑Precision Timer: Built‑in application timer for precise time measurement and synchronization under Windows environments.
- SPAS Event (Slave Mode): Supports Serial Poll Active State (SPAS) event handling, enhancing flexibility in multi‑device configurations.
- Line Monitoring: Capable of reading and latching the status of all control lines (IFC, ATN, SRQ, REN, EOI, DAV, NRFD, NDAC) and data lines (DIO1–DIO8).
- Multi‑Board Support: Up to four boards per system can be installed simultaneously, each independently addressable.
- Plug‑and‑Play PCI Interface: Automatic resource allocation (I/O address and IRQ) via PCI Plug & Play architecture.
- Long‑Term Availability: Employs CONTEC’s proprietary high‑speed GPIB controller (compatible with NEC µPD7210C) for stable long‑term supply and support.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Includes API‑PAC(W32) function library and ACX‑PAC(W32) driver package for Windows; compatible with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Linux API‑TOOL drivers.
- Diagnostic Utility: Built‑in hardware and communication test program for verifying board operation and GPIB connectivity.

---

### 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 × IRQ (INTA#) |
| I/O Address Allocation | Any 128‑byte boundary (automatic via PCI PnP) |
| Cable Length Between Devices | ≤ 4 m |
| Total Cable Length | ≤ 20 m |
| Maximum Number of Devices | 15 (including controller) |
| FIFO Memory | 2 Kbyte each for transmit and receive |
| Bus Master DMA | Supported (high‑speed direct memory access) |
| Analyzer Buffer Memory | 64 K data (maximum) |
| Timer Resolution | High‑precision internal timer for event measurement |
| Power Consumption | +5 V DC ± 5 %, 400 mA (max.) |
| Bus Interface | PCI Local Bus (32‑bit, 33 MHz, 5 V or 3.3 V compatible) |
| Board Dimensions | 121.69 (L) × 63.41 (H) mm (short PCI form factor) |
| Connector Type | 24‑pin ribbon connector, AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | −10 – 60 °C |
| Cooling Requirement | Standard PC chassis airflow |
| Mounting | PCI slot (occupies one slot) |
| Maximum Boards per System | 4 boards |
| Isolation | Logic‑level isolation via GPIB transceivers |
| Compliance | IEEE‑488.1, IEEE‑488.2, PCI 2.1 specification |

---

### 4. Functionality

The GP‑IB(PCI)F serves as a high‑speed communication interface between a host PC and GPIB‑compliant instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and analyzers. It enables command, data, and status exchange using the IEEE‑488 protocol.

Operating Principle:
- The board acts as a GPIB controller or listener/talker device.
- Data transfer is managed through onboard FIFO buffers and bus master DMA, minimizing CPU load.
- The analyzer function captures and timestamps bus activity for diagnostics.
- The high‑precision timer allows accurate timing of communication events.

Typical Applications:
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems
- Laboratory instrumentation control
- Production line measurement and data acquisition
- Calibration and verification systems
- Research and development environments requiring synchronized multi‑instrument control

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IEEE‑488.1/488.2 instruments from major vendors (Keysight, Tektronix, Yokogawa, etc.)
- Supported on Windows XP/7/8/10/11 (via API‑PAC(W32)), Linux (API‑TOOL), and integration with MATLAB and LabVIEW.

---

### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- GP‑IB(PCI)F board (main unit)
- CN‑GP/C GPIB connector adapter (right‑angle adapter for tight PCI slots)
- API‑PAC(W32) software package (driver and function library)
- ACX‑PAC(W32) configuration utility
- Documentation and diagnostic software

Optional Accessories:
- GPIB Cables:
- PCN‑T02 (2 m) – double‑shielded high‑reliability cable
- PCN‑T04 (4 m) – double‑shielded high‑reliability cable
- Connector Adapter: CN‑GP/C (included, also available separately)
- Bus Analyzer Software: Analyzer utility for signal monitoring and logging
- LabVIEW and MATLAB Drivers: API‑GPLV(W32) and API‑MAT(W32) downloadable from CONTEC website

Connectors:
- 24‑pin ribbon connector (AMP 555139‑1 or equivalent) for GPIB cable connection
- Supports standard IEEE‑488 cable daisy‑chain topology

---

### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- IBM PC/AT or compatible computer with available PCI slot (32‑bit, 33 MHz)
- Operating System: Windows XP/7/8/10/11 (32/64‑bit) or Linux kernel 2.6+
- Minimum CPU: Pentium‑class or higher
- Minimum RAM: 256 MB

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the PC and insert the GP‑IB(PCI)F into an available PCI slot.
2. Secure the bracket and reconnect power.
3. Windows automatically detects the board via Plug & Play.
4. Install the API‑PAC(W32) driver package from the supplied media or CONTEC website.
5. Verify installation using the included diagnostic utility.
6. Connect GPIB instruments using PCN‑T02 or PCN‑T04 cables.
7. Configure device addresses and communication parameters via software.

Mounting Options:
- Standard PCI bracket (included)
- Compatible with both desktop and industrial rackmount PCs

Configuration:
- Automatic resource assignment (IRQ, I/O range)
- Software‑selectable controller or listener mode
- Analyzer mode selectable via utility software

---

### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Transfer Speed: Up to 1.5 Mbyte/sec sustained throughput
- Bus Master DMA: Enables high‑speed data movement without CPU intervention
- FIFO Buffering: 2 Kbyte transmit and receive buffers for continuous data flow
- Analyzer Function: 64 K‑sample capture of bus line transitions for debugging
- Timer Accuracy: Microsecond‑level precision for event timing
- Multi‑Board Operation: Up to four boards can coexist in one system for multi‑bus control
- Reliability: Designed for 24/7 industrial operation with robust EMI shielding and stable PCI signaling
- Limitations:
- Total cable length limited to 20 m per system (per IEEE‑488 standard)
- Maximum of 15 devices per bus including controller
- Requires +5 V PCI slot power (no external supply)

---

### 8. Standards & Compliance

- IEEE Standards: IEEE‑488.1 and IEEE‑488.2 compliant
- PCI Specification: PCI Local Bus Rev. 2.1 (32‑bit, 33 MHz)
- Electrical Safety: Conforms to standard PC EMC and safety requirements
- Environmental: RoHS‑compliant, Pb‑free construction
- Software Standards:
- API‑PAC(W32) conforms to Win32 API conventions
- Compatible with VISA‑based GPIB communication frameworks
- Regulatory Compliance: CE marking (EMC Directive 2004/108/EC)
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001 certified processes

---

### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 1‑year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Extended warranty and maintenance contracts available upon request.

Technical Support:
- Global support via CONTEC technical centers and authorized distributors.
- Online driver and firmware updates available at www.contec.com.
- Comprehensive documentation including hardware manual, API reference, and sample code.

Maintenance:
- No periodic calibration required.
- Keep connectors and contacts clean; avoid excessive cable bending.
- Firmware updates provided through driver package when applicable.

Software Updates & Integration:
- API‑PAC(W32): Function library for C/C++/VB development.
- ACX‑PAC(W32): Configuration and diagnostic utility.
- LabVIEW Support: VI‑DAQ library for National Instruments LabVIEW.
- MATLAB Support: API‑GPLV(W32) interface for MATLAB instrument control.
- Linux Support: API‑TOOL driver and shared library for kernel‑mode operation.

Ordering Information:
- Model: GP‑IB(PCI)F
- Accessories: CN‑GP/C (adapter), PCN‑T02 (2 m cable), PCN‑T04 (4 m cable)
- Software: API‑PAC(W32) (included), optional LabVIEW/MATLAB drivers

---

### Summary

The CONTEC GP‑IB(PCI)F is a professional‑grade PCI IEEE‑488.2 interface card engineered for high‑speed, reliable communication with GPIB instruments. Its 1.5 Mbyte/sec transfer capability, bus master DMA, and integrated analyzer make it ideal for demanding test and measurement systems. The board’s 2 Kbyte FIFO, 64 K analyzer buffer, and high‑precision timer ensure accurate, efficient data handling. With full IEEE‑488.1/488.2 compliance, multi‑board scalability, and comprehensive software support across Windows, Linux, MATLAB, and LabVIEW, the GP‑IB(PCI)F delivers a robust, future‑proof solution for industrial automation, laboratory instrumentation, and automated test environments.