The National Instruments GPIB-PCIIA is an IEEE 488 interface card for ISA bus computers, enabling direct communication and control of GPIB-compatible test instruments. Built on the NAT4882 ASIC, it integrates complete PC bus interface logic with IEEE 488.2 Talker, Listener, and Controller functions, reducing software overhead and maximizing throughput when paired with NI-488.2 driver software.
Technical Specifications
• Controller Chip: National Instruments NAT4882 ASIC
• IEEE 488.2 Compliance: Fully compliant
• Maximum Bus Transfer Rate: More than 300 kbytes/s
• DMA Channels: Choice of three
• Interrupt Lines: Choice of six
• PC Bus Interface: 8-bit ISA
• GPIB Connector: 24-pin Micro Ribbon female, IEEE-488 with RF shielding
• Form Factor: Half-size ISA board (111 mm × 107 mm)
• Power Source: From ISA I/O Channel
– Key Features
• Backward-compatible with NEC µPD7210-based GPIB-PCII and GPIB-PCIIA boards. Also supports Texas Instruments TMS 9914A controller chip architecture.
• DIP switch configuration enables operation as either GPIB-PCII or GPIB-PCIIA.
• Interrupt sharing supported in GPIB-PCIIA mode.
• RF-shielded IEEE 488 connector minimizes electromagnetic interference.
• Operates from 0 °C to 55 °C (IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2 tested).
• Storage range -20 °C to 70 °C at 5% to 95% humidity (noncondensing).
– Typical Applications
Automated test equipment (ATE) systems, laboratory instrument control, legacy ISA bus system upgrades, and mixed-protocol instrument communication networks requiring IEEE 488.2 compliance.
– Compatibility & Integration
Supported operating systems include Windows Me/9x/3.1 and DOS. NI-488.2 driver software is included. The card integrates with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio development environments. Electromagnetic compliance meets Canadian Class B digital apparatus regulations and German Vfg. 1046/1984 radio interference suppression standards.
