The Keithley KPCI-488 is a PCI bus GPIB interface card that enables direct communication between a computer and IEEE 488.2-compliant instruments. It functions as both a talk/listen device and system controller, managing up to 14 GPIB instruments across laboratory and industrial test environments. The card bridges PCI and GPIB protocol layers with an on-board 1 KB FIFO buffer, delivering sustained data transfer rates to 1.5 MB/s.
## Technical Specifications
**Bus Interface**
• 32-bit/33 MHz PCI bus compatible
• Supports 3.3 V and 5 V PCI environments
• IEEE 488.2 GPIB standard
**Data Transfer & Buffering**
• Maximum data rate: 1.5 MB/s
• On-board 1 KB FIFO buffer reduces speed mismatch between GPIB and PCI buses
**Instrument Control**
• Operates as talk/listen device or system controller
• Controls up to 14 GPIB instruments
• IEEE 488 standard 24-pin connector
• Maximum cable length: 20 meters total (2 meters recommended between instruments)
**Physical & Electrical**
• Dimensions: 120 mm × 64.5 mm (excluding connectors)
• Low-profile plug-in card form factor
• Power consumption: 250–400 mA @ 5 V DC (typical); maximum 750 mA @ 5 V DC
## Key Features
• On-board FIFO buffering optimizes throughput across speed-mismatched buses
• Dual-voltage PCI support extends compatibility across legacy and modern systems
• Flexible controller/device mode operation for varied test architectures
• Extended cable runs to 20 meters support distributed instrument arrays
## Environmental & Operating Range
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Storage temperature: −20 °C to 80 °C
• Relative humidity: 5 % to 95 % non-condensing
## Compatibility & Integration
**Operating Systems**
• Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Windows 2000 SP4+, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7/8/10 (32- and 64-bit)
**Software & Drivers**
• Keithley Command Compatible Driver
• National Instruments Command Compatible Driver
• VISA, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI support
• Visual Basic and Visual C compatible
Includes utility software for setup, diagnostics, and system configuration.
