Product Short Description
Product Name: Fiber-Optic GPIB Extender
Overview: The National Instruments GPIB-140A is a fiber-optic GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) extender that extends the maximum GPIB cable distance up to 1 km (the GPIB-140A/2 variant extends to 2 km). It provides transparent GPIB operation without requiring software modifications.
Description
Technical Specifications:
- Extension Distance: Up to 1 km (GPIB-140A), 2 km (GPIB-140A/2)
- Device Loading: Up to 13 additional devices (28 total including extenders)
- Maximum Transfer Rate:
- Buffered mode, non-HS488: 1.1 MB/s
- HS488 handshake: 2.8 MB/s
- Unbuffered mode: 200 KB/s
- Architecture: Point-to-point (not multi-drop)
- Operating Modes: Buffered or unbuffered (interlocked), HS488 enabled or disabled
- Parallel Poll Response Modes: Immediate or latched
- Transmission Interface: Optical transmitter/receiver (HFBR1414, HFBR2416 or equivalent) with ST-style optical cable connectors
- Power Supply: 100–120 V AC 50–60 Hz or 220–240 V AC 50–60 Hz
- Maximum Current: 120 mA (100–120 V AC), 80 mA (220–240 V AC)
- Fuse Rating: 300 mA UL/CSA (100–120 V), 500 mA IEC (220–240 V)
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 °C
- Storage Temperature: -20 to 70 °C
- Relative Humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
- EMI Compliance: FCC Class A verified
- Case Size: 3.5″ × 5.65″ × 1.62″ (8.89 × 14.35 × 4.11 cm)
- Case Material: All metal enclosure
- Weight: 0.55 lb (0.25 kg)
- GPIB Cable Type: X1 or X2 shielded
- Transmission Cable: 62.5/125 µm core/clad, NA=0.275, 850 nm wavelength, 3.0 dB/km attenuation, duplex with ST-style connectors
Key Features:
- Extends GPIB distance beyond the IEEE 488 standard 20 m limit
- Transparent operation — no software modifications required
- Maintains IEEE 488 double-interlocked handshake in unbuffered mode
- Full IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2 compatibility
- HS488 protocol support for 2.8 MB/s transfer rates
- Complete error-checking ensures successful data transmission
- Expandable in star or linear patterns
Application Scenarios: Controlling remote printers or plotters as if local, isolating devices in noisy or hazardous environments, controlling factory-floor tests from a remote office, extending GPIB systems in large facilities or test laboratories.
Working Principle: Each extender monitors GPIB activity and translates GPIB messages into optical serial signals for transmission over fiber-optic cable to a matching extender. The receiving extender converts the signals back to IEEE 488 format. In buffered mode, FIFO buffers increase throughput; in unbuffered mode, the IEEE 488 handshake is maintained across the extension.
Installation & Notes:
- Must use shielded (Type X1 or X2) GPIB cable to meet FCC emission limits
- Pair two units for point-to-point extension
- Permitted in any combination of star or linear patterns for multiple extensions
- Verify power supply voltage (100–120 V or 220–240 V) matches local mains before connecting
- Operating temperature limited to 0–40 °C — ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed cabinets
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