What is GPIB?

GPIB, or General Purpose Interface Bus, was designed over 30 years ago with the purpose of connecting various devices from computers, lab equipment, and other components or peripherals so data and other information could travel between them. It was originally developed by Hewlett-Packard as the Interface Bus (HP-IB) to connect their computers and programmed apparatus, and became quite popular in no time. (It’s also referred to as the IEEE-488.)

There are a couple different types of GPIB messages. The first are device-dependent and are typically known as data messages. Their messages are device-defined and include things like quantifications, data files, calculation decisions, and equipment statuses. The second, interface messages, are more managerial in purpose. Typically called commands, the interface messages do things like start the bus, dispatch (and halt) other devices, and determine in which manner either remote or local programming is done.

Some of today's products that use GPIB are as follows:

• Toolkits for GPIB include collections of Windows utilities that can be used to record high-quality assessments with other GPIB-based computerized devices. Some have been released as recently as November 2009. They're useful in educating students, and for at-home connoisseurs, such as amateur radio enthusiasts.
• GPIB controllers for high-speed USBs make any single computer become a controller for many other GPIB instruments, to as many as 14 others. These controllers are lightweight and easy to use, making them perfect for transporting from a laptop to a desktop.
• A GPIB controller card is another way to guide and management up to 14 other devices from a single computer (with the use of the correct GPIB cables). Cards should be completely GPIB IEEE-488 compliant. They typically include FIFO capability (which means First In, First Out and is a way to organize and manipulate data in order of timing or priority) for read-write processes.
• A GPIB to Printer interface lets you quickly make connections between your computer and your printer. These interfaces should support the industry's standards for IEEE-1284 Parallel connections or centronics. These interfaces transfer data very fast and keep irritating interruptions between the computer and printer. These work best when used instead of older GPIB printers or when prompting a printer from a peripheral GPIB device.

Different GPIB devices include Talkers, Listeners, and Controllers. As the terms indicate in real life, their functions are similar: Talkers send, Listeners accept, and the Controllers manage by dispersing the data through commands to the various devices utilized. Controllers aren’t always required, since Talkers and Listeners can work together on their own. Likewise, there can be several Controllers on a GPIB, in which case just a single Controller is known as the Controller-In-Charge, or CIC.