The Keithley KPCI-488A is a PCI bus interface card that adds IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) connectivity to personal computers. It enables control and communication with up to 14 GPIB-compliant instruments across control distances up to 20 meters, functioning as either a talk/listen device or system controller. The card delivers data transfer rates up to 1 Mbyte/s and integrates with Windows operating systems through included universal language drivers and diagnostic utilities.
Technical Specifications
• IEEE 488.2 GPIB bus compatibility
• Up to 14 GPIB instruments per interface
• Control distance: up to 20 meters
• Data transfer rate: up to 1 Mbyte/s (1.5 Mbyte/s for KPCI-488LPA variant)
• 32-bit/33 MHz PCI bus interface supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V environments
• IEEE 488 standard 24-pin connector
• 1 KB FIFO buffer for read/write operations
• Half-sized PCB form factor
• Dimensions (KPCI-488LPA): 120 mm × 64.5 mm (excluding connectors)
• Power: +5 VDC @ 350 mA typical; KPCI-488LPA: +5 VDC @ 400 mA typical, 750 mA max
• Operating temperature: 0° to 55°C
• Storage temperature: -20° to 80°C
• Relative humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
– Key Features
• Command-compatible driver API supporting Keithley Instruments, NI-488.2-style, and VISA libraries
• Compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Microsoft Excel VBA, HP VEE, and TestPoint
• Includes universal language drivers and 16/32-bit dynamic link libraries
• Interactive diagnostic utility for bus testing
• Configuration utility for instrument discovery and identification
• Windows XP/2000/Vista/7 (32-bit) driver support
– Typical Applications
Automated test equipment, data acquisition, and laboratory measurement systems requiring multi-instrument GPIB control and coordination.
– Compatibility & Integration
Fully compatible with all Keithley GPIB-capable instruments and standard third-party GPIB products including Tektronix oscilloscopes. Native support for NI-488.2-style function calls enables migration from National Instruments-based systems.
