The Measurement Computing / IOtech Personal488 is an IEEE 488 GPIB controller that enables direct communication and command of GPIB instruments from a PC environment. It bridges legacy and current GPIB-compliant devices into modern computing platforms, supporting up to 14 controlled instruments with maximum data transfer rates up to 880 kB/s. The controller operates as the bus master (address 0) and manages slave devices across addresses 1–30 using standard IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 protocols.
Technical Specifications
IEEE 488 Bus Operation
• Standards: IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2 compliant
• Controller capability: Manages up to 14 GPIB instruments
• Maximum transfer rate: 880 kB/s (standard IEEE 488 handshake); up to 1 MB/s potential
• GPIB connector: Standard 24-pin IEEE 488 interface
• Network topology: Star and/or daisy-chain configurations; looped topologies prohibited
• Maximum network length: 20 m total cable length
• Physical device limit: 15 units maximum per network
Host Interface Options
• PCI: 16-bit AT-bus or 32-bit/33 MHz PCI compatible; supports 3.3 V and 5 V environments
• USB: Full-speed USB 2.0 signaling (12 Mb/s); backward compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
Digital I/O (Personal488/ATpnp variant)
• Eight TTL digital I/O lines configured in two 4-bit programmable groups
• 9-pin female D-shell connector via ribbon cable
• Capable of synchronizing IEEE 488 Group Execute Trigger with external digital signals
Power & Physical
• USB power: Maximum 200 mA draw
• PCI power: Typically 0.4 W; maximum 0.6 W at +3.3 VDC
• USB-488 dimensions: 10.7 cm (L) × 6.6 cm (W) × 2.6 cm (H)
• PCI-488 dimensions: 12.0 cm (L) × 6.44 cm (W)
– Key Features
• Dual interface support—choose PCI or USB connectivity based on host platform
• Eight TTL digital I/O lines for external synchronization and control logic
• Compact form factors suitable for bench and integrated system installations
• Low power consumption for passive cooling applications
– Typical Applications
• Automated test equipment (ATE) systems
• Laboratory instrument control and data acquisition
• Legacy GPIB device integration into modern PC environments
• Multi-instrument measurement systems requiring centralized command authority
– Compatibility & Integration
Works with any IEEE 488.1/488.2–compliant GPIB instrument. Supports standard addressing schemes with the controller operating at address 0 and controlled devices at addresses 1–30. Network configuration must observe the 20 m maximum cable length constraint and topology restrictions.
