Description
1. Product Title
NI GPIB-140A – Fiber Optic GPIB Bus Extender Module
2. Product Overview
The GPIB-140A is a high-performance fiber optic bus extender designed to expand the physical range and scalability of IEEE 488 (GPIB) communication systems. Developed by National Instruments, this module enables reliable long-distance data transmission between test and measurement equipment without requiring any modification to existing software or system architecture.
By utilizing buffered transmission technology, the GPIB-140A extends standard GPIB cable limitations up to 1 kilometer while maintaining signal integrity and communication stability. It is widely used in automated test systems, laboratory instrumentation, and distributed measurement environments where equipment must be located far from the control system.
3. Technical Specifications
- Brand: National Instruments (NI)
- Model: GPIB-140A
- Warranty: One Year
- Condition: 100% New & Original
Detailed Specifications:
- Module Type:
- Fiber Optic GPIB Bus Extender
- Communication Standard:
- IEEE 488.1 (GPIB)
- HS488 high-speed protocol
- Transmission Distance:
- Up to 1 km extension via fiber optic link
- Data Transfer Rate:
- Up to 1.1 MB/s (IEEE 488.1)
- Up to 2.8 MB/s (HS488 mode)
- Device Capacity Expansion:
- Extends maximum GPIB devices from 15 to 26
- Input/Output:
- GPIB interface (DB-25 / IEEE 488 connector)
- Fiber optic communication interface
- Operating Temperature:
- Approx. 0°C to +55°C (industrial/lab environment typical)
- Power Supply:
- External power required
- Compatibility:
- Compatible with NI GPIB controllers and IEEE 488-compliant instruments
4. Key Features & Benefits
- Long-Distance Communication Extension:
Extends GPIB systems up to 1 km using fiber optics, overcoming traditional cable length limitations without degrading signal quality. - No Software Modification Required:
Transparent operation ensures existing applications and drivers remain unchanged, simplifying system upgrades and expansions. - High-Speed Buffered Data Transfer:
Maintains reliable communication at high speeds using buffered transmission, ensuring data integrity across long distances. - Increased System Scalability:
Expands the number of connected instruments, enabling larger and more complex automated test systems. - Electrical Isolation via Fiber Optics:
Provides immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it ideal for noisy industrial and laboratory environments.
5. Application Scenarios
- Automated Test & Measurement Systems:
Used to connect oscilloscopes, signal generators, and analyzers over long distances in centralized test setups. - Laboratory Instrumentation:
Enables distributed lab configurations where instruments are physically separated from control computers. - Industrial Data Acquisition:
Applied in environments requiring remote monitoring of sensors and instruments with high noise immunity.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the primary function of the GPIB-140A?
A: It extends the communication distance of GPIB systems up to 1 km using fiber optics while maintaining signal integrity and system compatibility. - Q: Is GPIB-140A compatible with legacy systems?
A: Yes, it is fully compatible with IEEE 488-based legacy systems and operates transparently without requiring software changes.
