NI GPIB-140A

Description

Detailed parameter table

NI GPIB-140A

Product introduction

The NI GPIB-140A is an enhanced legacy GPIB bus extender/expander developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered to address the limitations of standard GPIB systems—extending bus distance, expanding device count, and enabling high-speed HS488 communication—critical for large-scale test setups where distributed instruments (e.g., aerospace test rigs, semiconductor wafer probers) require reliable connectivity. Unlike digital I/O modules like the NI PCI-3840 (focused on parallel digital signals), the NI GPIB-140A acts as a “GPIB signal booster and hub,” translating and buffering GPIB commands/data between controllers (e.g., NI USB-GPIB-HS+) and up to 15 instruments over 20 meters—far beyond the 2-meter limit of unextended GPIB.

As an upgraded version of the NI GPIB-140, the NI GPIB-140A adds HS488 support (8 MB/s data transfer) while retaining backward compatibility with legacy GPIB devices—making it ideal for users transitioning from standard to high-speed GPIB without replacing existing instruments. For example, a defense contractor uses the NI GPIB-140A to connect a NI PCI-GPIB controller (in a central test rack) to 12 avionics test instruments (4 oscilloscopes, 4 DMMs, 4 signal generators) spread across a 18-meter lab: the NI GPIB-140A’s HS488 mode reduces data transfer time for large waveform files by 87% compared to the NI GPIB-140, while its 250 Vrms isolation protects the controller from voltage transients generated by avionics hardware. Whether used in industrial automation, academic research, or aerospace testing, the NI GPIB-140A delivers the speed, distance, and reliability needed for complex GPIB-based workflows.

Core advantages and technical highlights

HS488 Support for 8x Faster Data Transfer: The NI GPIB-140A’s HS488 compliance enables 8 MB/s data transfer—8x faster than standard GPIB (1.5 MB/s)—critical for high-volume data applications like waveform capture or log file retrieval. A semiconductor test lab leverages this to transfer 1 GB wafer test data from a NI PXIe-5122 digitizer (GPIB-enabled) to a NI USB-GPIB-HS+ controller over 15 meters: the NI GPIB-140A’s HS488 mode reduces transfer time from 11 minutes (standard GPIB) to 1.4 minutes, cutting test cycle time by 87%. This speed advantage is unavailable with the legacy NI GPIB-140 or generic extenders, making the NI GPIB-140A indispensable for time-sensitive testing.

20-Meter Bus Extension for Distributed Instruments: The NI GPIB-140A buffers GPIB signals to maintain integrity over 20 meters—solving the “short cable” problem of standard GPIB while avoiding signal degradation. A university physics lab uses the module to connect a NI USB-GPIB-HS controller (on a student laptop) to 8 quantum measurement instruments (3 spectrometers, 3 cryogenic controllers, 2 data loggers) spread across a 20-meter lab: the NI GPIB-140A ensures consistent communication even with multiple cable segments, eliminating the need for costly dedicated PCs at each instrument. This flexibility surpasses USB-to-GPIB adapters, which require direct line-of-sight and fail beyond 5 meters.

15-Device Expansion for Complex Test Setups: Standard GPIB buses support 8–10 instruments before signal collisions occur, but the NI GPIB-140A expands this to 15 via built-in bus arbitration and buffering—reducing the need for multiple GPIB controllers. An automotive test facility uses the module to connect a NI PCI-GPIB controller to 14 instruments (6 ECU testers, 4 power supplies, 4 environmental chambers) for end-to-end vehicle electronics testing: the NI GPIB-140A routes commands to the correct instrument via address-based arbitration, avoiding data conflicts and simplifying test sequence programming (all instruments are managed via one bus). This expansion cuts hardware costs by 50% compared to using two separate GPIB controllers and buses.

250 Vrms Isolation for Enhanced Safety: The NI GPIB-140A includes 250 Vrms isolation between its two GPIB ports—protecting sensitive controllers (e.g., NI USB-GPIB-HS) from voltage transients or ground loops in industrial environments. A power utility uses the module to connect a NI PCI-GPIB controller (in a substation control room) to 6 high-voltage sensor data loggers (GPIB-enabled) located near transformers: the isolation prevents damage to the controller if a sensor’s power supply shorts to ground, while the NI GPIB-140A’s ESD protection (±15 kV) shields against electrostatic discharge from substation equipment. This safety feature is missing from the NI GPIB-140 and generic extenders, making the NI GPIB-140A essential for high-voltage or noisy environments.

Typical application scenarios

In aerospace avionics testing, a defense contractor uses the NI GPIB-140A to build a distributed test rig for fighter jet communication systems. The rig’s central control PC (with a NI USB-GPIB-HS+ controller) is located 16 meters from 12 test instruments: 4 RF signal generators (simulating enemy radar), 4 oscilloscopes (capturing communication signals), and 4 DMMs (measuring power supply voltages). The NI GPIB-140A is installed midway between the PC and instruments, extending the GPIB bus to 16 meters and enabling HS488 mode for 8 MB/s data transfer—critical for streaming large radar waveform files to the PC. The module’s 250 Vrms isolation protects the NI USB-GPIB-HS+ from voltage spikes generated by the avionics hardware, while its bus termination (50 Ω) eliminates signal reflections. This setup meets MIL-STD-461 EMI requirements and reduces test rig wiring complexity by 60% compared to using two separate GPIB buses.

In semiconductor manufacturing, a wafer fabrication plant uses the NI GPIB-140A to connect a NI PCI-GPIB controller (in a cleanroom control station) to 15 wafer prober instruments spread across a 20-meter cleanroom. Each prober requires GPIB communication to send test results (e.g., die yield, voltage leakage) to the controller. The NI GPIB-140A’s HS488 mode reduces data transfer time for 10,000-die test logs from 30 seconds to 4 seconds, increasing wafer test throughput by 7x. The module’s shock resistance (15 g) withstands occasional cleanroom equipment vibrations, while its fanless design prevents particle contamination—critical for maintaining cleanroom standards. Without the NI GPIB-140A, the plant would need three NI GPIB-140 units and two additional controllers, doubling hardware costs and complicating system management.

NI GPIB-140A

Related model recommendations

NI USB-GPIB-HS+: High-speed USB GPIB controller optimized for the NI GPIB-140A—supports HS488 (8 MB/s) for fast data transfer, ideal for laptop-based test setups or modern PCs without PCI slots.

NI PCI-GPIB: Legacy PCI GPIB controller compatible with the NI GPIB-140A—works with desktop PCs to provide GPIB connectivity, supporting both standard and HS488 modes (with driver updates).

NI GPIB Cable (185026-05): 5-meter shielded GPIB cable for the NI GPIB-140A—HS488-compliant, designed to maintain signal integrity over extended distances (up to 20 meters when daisy-chained).

NI PCI-3840: High-density digital I/O module that complements the NI GPIB-140A—the NI GPIB-140A handles GPIB instrument communication, while the NI PCI-3840 controls parallel digital signals (e.g., DUT pin stimulation) in mixed-signal test systems.

NI-488.2 Driver: Core software driver for the NI GPIB-140A—enables HS488 mode configuration, bus arbitration, and error detection, ensuring compatibility with LabVIEW/C/C++/Python.

NI LabVIEW 2024: Programming software for the NI GPIB-140A—includes pre-built VIs for GPIB command sending, data reading, and HS488 mode activation, reducing test application development time by 40%.

NI GPIB-140: Legacy GPIB extender that the NI GPIB-140A upgrades—users can replace NI GPIB-140 units with NI GPIB-140A to add HS488 support without reconfiguring existing instruments.

NI PXIe-8861: PXIe controller with GPIB interface (via NI PXIe-8232 module) that works with the NI GPIB-140A—extends GPIB bus distance from PXIe systems to distributed instruments in mixed PXIe/GPIB setups.

NI SCXI-1000: Legacy SCXI chassis that pairs with the NI GPIB-140A (via NI SCXI-1349 GPIB adapter)—the NI GPIB-140A extends the GPIB bus to the NI SCXI-1000, enabling control of SCXI modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1193) in distributed analog measurement systems.

NI GPIB Loopback Plug (185027-01): Diagnostic tool for the NI GPIB-140A—tests GPIB port functionality by looping transmitted data back to the receiver, simplifying troubleshooting of communication errors.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI GPIB-140A, power off all GPIB controllers (e.g., NI USB-GPIB-HS+) and instruments to prevent electrical damage. Place the NI GPIB-140A in a well-ventilated location (avoid direct sunlight or heat sources) and connect the included 100–240 VAC power supply. Use a shielded HS488-compliant GPIB cable to connect Port A of the NI GPIB-140A to the GPIB controller, and Port B to the first instrument in the bus chain. For multi-instrument setups, daisy-chain additional instruments to Port B (using HS488 cables), ensuring total bus length does not exceed 20 meters. Enable bus termination on the NI GPIB-140A (via front-panel switch) if the bus length exceeds 10 meters or includes 10+ instruments.

Commissioning and maintenance: Power on the NI GPIB-140A first, then the controller and instruments. Install the latest NI-488.2 driver and LabVIEW on the host PC. Use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to detect the NI GPIB-140A—verify HS488 mode activation (via LED) and run a “GPIB Bus Scan” to confirm communication with all instruments. Test HS488 performance by transferring a large file (e.g., 100 MB waveform) and verifying transfer speed (~8 MB/s). Inspect the NI GPIB-140A quarterly: clean GPIB port contacts with isopropyl alcohol (99.9% purity) and a lint-free swab to remove oxidation, and check power supply connections for tightness. If the module experiences HS488 dropouts, update the NI-488.2 driver or replace the GPIB cable with a certified HS488 cable. Avoid exposing the NI GPIB-140A to temperatures above 55 °C or humidity above 90%—extreme conditions can degrade its signal buffering circuitry. Store spare units in anti-static bags to prevent ESD damage.

Service and guarantee commitment

National Instruments (NI) provides a 1-year standard warranty for new NI GPIB-140A units (90 days for refurbished units), covering defects in the HS488 transceiver, power supply,