The AT-GPIB is an IEEE 488.2-compliant GPIB interface card for ISA-bus PCs, enabling communication and control of GPIB-enabled instruments in legacy systems. Built around the NI TNT4882C ASIC, it implements Talker, Listener, and Controller functions per IEEE 488.1-1987 and supports data transfer rates exceeding 1.5 Mbytes/s with standard 3-wire handshake. High-Speed GPIB (HS488) operation delivers over 1.6 Mbytes/s, scaling to 2.9 Mbytes/s in EISA computers. A 32-byte FIFO buffer decouples GPIB and ISA transfers, reducing CPU overhead.
Technical Specifications
• Interface Standard: IEEE 488.2, ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987
• Bus Type: ISA (16-bit interface)
• Controller ASIC: NI TNT4882C
• Data Transfer Rates: >1.5 Mbytes/s (IEEE 488.1), >1.6 Mbytes/s (HS488), up to 2.9 Mbytes/s (HS488 in EISA)
• FIFO Buffer: 32 bytes
• I/O Space Allocation: 32 bytes
• DMA Support: Configurable channels (Plug and Play or jumper-based)
• Interrupt Levels: Multiple levels, configurable per version
• GPIB Connector: Standard IEEE 488, 24-pin RF-shielded
• Board Form Factor: Half-size
• Maximum Connected Instruments: 14 devices
– Key Features
• HS488 protocol for elevated throughput in compatible systems
• TNT4882C ASIC handles standard GPIB protocol functions
• Two configuration approaches: jumperless Plug and Play (AT-GPIB/TNT) or DIP switch/jumper setup (legacy AT-GPIB/TNT)
• 8-bit ISA slot compatible when DMA is disabled
• AT-GPIB/TNT+ variant integrates GPIB controller and analyzer on single board
– Compatibility & Integration
• Operating Systems: DOS, OS/2, Windows 3.1/9x/Me/NT/2000/XP
• Software Stack: NI-488.2 drivers and libraries
• Resource Allocation: Automatic (Plug and Play) or manual (DIP switches and jumpers)
