The Measurement Computing / ComputerBoards CIO-PC2A is an IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standard interface board for ISA bus PC systems. It provides complete Talker, Listener, and Controller functionality, enabling a single PC to interface with and manage up to 14 GPIB-compatible instruments simultaneously. The board integrates interrupt handling across 6 available interrupt lines with transparent enable/disable control, plus 3 DMA channels utilizing the PC’s DMA controller for efficient data transfer without CPU intervention.
Technical Specifications
• Interface Standard: IEEE 488.1, IEEE 488.2
• Instrument Capacity: Up to 14 GPIB-compatible instruments
• Data Transfer Rate: Nominal maximum 1 Mbyte/sec (IEEE 488 standard; actual rate depends on system configuration and instrument capabilities)
• Interrupt Lines: 6 available with transparent enabling/disabling
• DMA Channels: 3 channels with transparent enabling/disabling
• GPIB Bus Configuration: 16 signal lines and 8 ground lines in shielded cable
– 8 data lines (DIO1–DIO8) for data and command transfer
– 3 handshake lines (DAV, NDAC, NRFD) for message byte transfer control
– Key Features
• ISA bus form factor for legacy PC systems
• Standard 24-pin IEEE 488 connector
• Transparent interrupt and DMA management reduces firmware complexity
• Full Talker/Listener/Controller role support enables master or slave operation
• Compatible with standard IEEE-488 interface cables (e.g., C488-2M 2-meter cable)
– Typical Applications
• Automated instrument control and data acquisition in test environments
• Multi-instrument measurement setups requiring centralized PC management
• Legacy ISA-based systems requiring GPIB connectivity
– Compatibility & Integration
The CIO-PC2A works with any GPIB-compatible instrument and supports Measurement Computing Data Acquisition Toolbox packages for MATLAB, LabVIEW, Visual C++, Visual C#, and Visual Basic.NET. Driver and software support are dependent on operating system version.
