GPIB Overview

The ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, also known as GPIB, describes a standard interface for communication between instruments and controllers from various vendors. It contains information about electrical, mechanical, and functional specifications. GPIB is a digital, 8-bit parallel communications interface with data transfer rates of 1 Mbytes/s and higher, using a three-wire handshake. The bus supports one System Controller, usually a computer, and up to 14 additional instruments. The ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-2003 is an extension of IEEE 488.1 that provides a means for achieving significantly higher data transfer rates (3–10 Mbytes/s) while maintaining compatibility with existing devices. The ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1992 extends IEEE 488.1 by defining a bus communication protocol, a common set of data codes and formats, and a generic set of common device commands.

For more information, refer to HS488 Overview.