PC Controls 14 Instruments Via USB-To-GPIB Adapter

Nov. 29, 2004

The KUSB-488 transforms any computer with a USB port into a full-function, IEEE 488.2 controller that can control up to 14 programmable GPIB instruments. Designed by Keithley Instruments, the adapter's small size (4.2 by 2.6 by 1.0 in.) and light weight suit it for portable applications that use a laptop computer. It also fits applications in desktop computers with several USB ports available but few, if any, I/O slots.

This adapter works with Windows 2000/XP/Me/98 computers that possess a USB port. USB 2.0-compatible, it offers an IEEE data-transfer rate of 880 kbytes/s. A built-in 2-m USB cable supplies power, eliminating the need for external power sources. Its lack of external DIP switches makes it easy to install and use.

Also, the computer needn't be restarted for the system to recognize the IEEE 488.2 interface. The operating system will automatically recognize and configure the plug-and-play KUSB-488 as soon as it's physically attached to the USB port on the computer.

The KUSB-488 is compatible with Visual Studio and Visual Studio.NET, including Visual C#, LabView, LabWindows, Microsoft Excel VBA, Delphi, and TestPoint. It's IEEE-488.1- and IEEE-488.2-compatible. Connectors are IEEE-488 standard 24-pin and USB standard series-B plug types. Power comes from the USB connection with a maximum drain of 200 mA. It operates from 0°C to 55°C.

The adapter costs $495. It comes with a three-year warranty.

Keithley Instruments Inc.www.keithley.com (888) 534-8453

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.