GPIB (Optional)

The General Purpose Interface bus (GPIB) is Agilent Technologies’ implementation of IEEE Standard 488-1978, "Standard Digital Interface for Programming Instrumentation." GPIB is a carefully defined interface that simplifies the integration of various instruments and computers into systems. The interface makes it possible to transfer messages between two or more GPIB compatible devices. GPIB is a parallel bus of 16 active signal lines divided into three functional groups according to function.

Eight signal lines, called data lines, are in the first functional group. The data lines are used to transmit data in coded messages. These messages are used to program the instrument function, transfer measurement data, and coordinate instrument operation. Input and output of all messages, in bit parallel-byte serial form, are also transferred on the data lines. A 7-bit ASCII code normally represents each piece of data.

Data is transferred by means of an interlocking "Handshake" technique which permits data transfer (asynchronously) at the rate of the slowest active device used in that transfer. The data byte control lines coordinate the handshaking and form the second functional group.

The remaining five general interface management lines (third functional group) are used to manage the devices connected to the GPIB. This includes activating all connected devices at once, clearing the interface, and other operations.

The following figure shows the connections to the GPIB connector located on the rear panel.

GPIB Interface Connector

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Agilent Technologies 01664-97005 manual Gpib Optional