NI GPIB-USB-B
NI GPIB-USB-B
NI GPIB-USB-B
NI GPIB-USB-B
NI GPIB-USB-B

NI GPIB-USB-B

  • Brand:​ National Instruments
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    Model:​ GPIB-USB-B
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    Product Type:​ GPIB to USB Interface Adapter
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    Series:​ GPIB
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    Core Function:​ Provides a bidirectional interface between a computer’s USB port and IEEE-488 (GPIB) instruments.
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    Key Specs:​ USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, IEEE-488.2 compliant, includes NI-488.2 driver software.
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Description

GPIB-USB-B: Product Overview
The National Instruments GPIB-USB-B is a bus-powered interface adapter that enables communication between a computer’s USB port and instruments equipped with an IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface. This device functions as a protocol converter, translating USB commands from the host computer into the GPIB protocol understood by test and measurement instruments. Its primary role is to provide a modern, portable connection method for controlling legacy GPIB instruments from contemporary computers that lack native GPIB ports.
The adapter appears as a standard GPIB controller to the operating system and applications, allowing existing GPIB software to function without modification. It supports full IEEE-488.2 functionality, including all bus management commands, data transfer capabilities, and timing requirements. The compact, bus-powered design eliminates the need for external power supplies, making it suitable for mobile applications and field service use. The unit includes built-in overvoltage and overcurrent protection to safeguard both the computer and connected instruments from electrical damage.

NI GPIB-USB-B

NI GPIB-USB-B

GPIB-USB-B: Technical Specifications
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    Model Number:​ GPIB-USB-B
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    Manufacturer:​ National Instruments
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    Product Type:​ GPIB to USB Interface Adapter
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    Host Interface:​ USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mbps)
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    Target Interface:​ IEEE-488 (GPIB)
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    Compliance:​ IEEE-488.2
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    Data Transfer Rate:​ Up to 8 MB/s (GPIB)
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    GPIB Connector:​ Standard 24-pin IEEE-488
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    USB Connector:​ USB Type-B
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    Power Source:​ Bus-powered via USB
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    Supported Cables:​ Compatible with standard GPIB cables
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    Operating Systems:​ Windows, Linux, macOS
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    Included Software:​ NI-488.2 driver software
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    GPIB Controller Features:​ System Controller, Talker, Listener
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    Protection:​ Overvoltage and overcurrent protection
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    Operating Temperature:​ 0°C to 55°C
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    Storage Temperature:​ -20°C to 70°C

    NI GPIB-USB-B

    NI GPIB-USB-B

Core Features & Customer Value
USB Connectivity and Portability: The adapter leverages the ubiquitous USB interface found on modern computers, providing compatibility with systems that lack traditional PCI or PXI slots for GPIB cards. The bus-powered operation eliminates the need for an external power supply, making the solution highly portable for field service applications or use with laptops. For engineers maintaining systems with GPIB instruments, this extends the useful life of valuable test equipment by enabling connectivity with contemporary computing platforms.
Software and Driver Compatibility: The included NI-488.2 driver software ensures compatibility with existing application software written for National Instruments GPIB interfaces. This transparency means that test programs developed for PCI-GPIB or other NI GPIB interfaces can typically run unchanged with the USB adapter. The consistent application programming interface (API) protects software investments and reduces migration time when upgrading computer systems.
Hardware Protection and Reliability: The built-in overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuits safeguard both the host computer and connected instruments from damage due to wiring errors or electrical faults. This protection is particularly valuable in educational environments or applications where instruments may be frequently connected and disconnected. The robust design ensures reliable operation in various environments, from laboratory settings to industrial floors.
Typical Applications
In laboratory environments, the adapter connects benchtop instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies to modern computers for automated test sequences, replacing older GPIB interface cards in retired computer systems.
For field service applications, technicians use the adapter with laptop computers to troubleshoot and calibrate GPIB-based test equipment at customer sites, providing a portable solution for equipment maintenance and diagnostics.
In manufacturing test systems, the interface provides a temporary connection for engineering workstations to communicate with GPIB instruments in rack-mounted systems for debugging, calibration, or data logging without requiring a dedicated GPIB slot in the test computer.

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