The National Instruments GPIB-PCII is an IEEE 488 (GPIB) interface card for ISA bus computers, delivering instrument control and communication. Built around the NAT4882 ASIC, this half-size card implements all IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2 Talker, Listener, and Controller functions with transfer rates exceeding 300 kbytes/s. Hardware integration replaces software-based operations, improving throughput and reliability while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier GPIB-PCII and GPIB-PCIIA boards. Selectable DIP switches enable operation in modes compatible with NEC µPD7210 or TI TMS 9914A controller-based systems.
Technical Specifications
• Interface: IEEE 488 (GPIB), fully compliant with IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2
• Bus Architecture: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
• Form Factor: Half-size card, 111 mm × 107 mm
• Controller Chip: National Instruments NAT4882 ASIC
• Transfer Rate: Greater than 300 kbytes/s
• Interrupt Lines: Six selectable lines; interrupt sharing supported in GPIB-PCIIA mode
• DMA Channels: Three selectable channels
• I/O Address: Configurable via DIP switches
• Connector: RF-shielded IEEE 488 connector – Key Features • Fits any standard ISA slot with integrated PC bus interface
• Supports up to 14 instruments on a single GPIB bus via standard cabling
• Bus expanders and extenders enable connection of additional instruments
• Power drawn from ISA I/O channel
• Included NI-488.2 driver software with language interface libraries, dynamic link libraries, and development/debugging utilities – Typical Applications • Instrument control and data acquisition in laboratory environments
• IEEE 488.2 Controller, Talker, and Listener implementations
• Legacy system integration and equipment modernization – Compatibility & Integration • Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 9x, Windows Me, Windows 95, Windows 98
• Development Environments: LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio
• Backward Compatibility: Earlier GPIB-PCII and GPIB-PCIIA software and hardware designs
