National Instruments GPIB, GPIB-232CT-A, GPIB-485CT-A Getting Started
GPIB
Getting Started with
Your GPIB-232/485CT-A
and the NI-488.2™
Software for Windows
GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows
November 1999 Edition
Part Number 370899A-01
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
www.ni.com
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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
documentation, send e-mail to techpubs@ni.com
© Copyright 1992, 1999 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.
Important Information
Warranty
The GPIB-232CT-A and GPIB-485CT-A are warranted against defect s in ma terial s and work m anship for a period of t wo years
from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipt s or o the r do cu me ntatio n. Nat ional Inst rum ent s will , at its op ti on , repair or
replace equipment that proves to be defective durin g t he warrant y p eriod. T hi s wa rranty inclu des part s an d la bor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of sh ipmen t, as evid enced b y receipt s o r other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its op ti on , repair or repl ace soft ware me dia th at do not ex ecu te pr ogram mi ng
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uni nterrup ted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warrant y.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document withou t p rio r no ti ce to hold ers o f thi s ed itio n. The read er sh ou ld consul t
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no even t shall Nati on al Inst rum ents be l iable fo r any dama ges aris in g o ut of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.
XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN
E
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER
NSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR
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CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF
apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not co ver d amag es, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by ow ner’s fai lu re t o foll ow th e Nation al Inst rum ent s in stal l ation, op erat i on, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the pro du ct; ow ner’s abus e, m isus e, or negligent acts; and po wer failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or otherevents outside reasonable control.
ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
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USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR
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. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will
. N
ATIONAL
Trademarks
CVI™, NAT4882™, National Instruments™, NI-488™, NI-488.2™, ni.com™, and TNT4882™C are trademarks of National
Instruments Corporation.
Product and company names mentioned herein are trad emarks o r trad e name s of thei r respect ive compan ies .
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, I NCLUDING THE ABOVE , RELIABILITY OF OP ERATION OF THE SOFT WARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DE VEL OP AN APPLICAT ION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRON IC SYSTE M DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNE R MU ST T AKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
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SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.
Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrialcommercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labelled at all for FCC, if so the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
The curious reader can consult the FCC web site
information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
http://www.fcc.gov for more
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c). Also
available in sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for
the user or installer.
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix
Related Documentation........................................... .......................................................x
Chapter 1
Introduction
What You Need to Get Started......................................................................................1-1
GPIB-232CT-A Hardware Overview............................................................................ 1-2
GPIB-485CT-A Hardware Overview............................................................................ 1-2
NI-488.2 Software Overview........................................................ .................................1-3
Time-Saving Development Tools..................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Configure and Install Your Hardware
Configure the Hardware (Optional)...............................................................................2-1
Install the Hardware.......................................................................................................2-3
Step 1. Verify the Voltage Requirement .........................................................2-3
Step 2. Power Off Your System......................................................................2-3
Step 3. Verify That You Have the Correct Serial Cable.................................2-4
Step 4. Connect the Cables..............................................................................2-6
Step 5. Power On Your System and Switch On the GPIB-232/485CT-A ......2-6
Chapter 3
Install and Configure the Software
Install the NI-488.2 Software.........................................................................................3-1
Configure the NI-488.2 Software (Optional).................................................................3-1
Chapter 4
Verify Your Installation
Chapter 5
Begin to Use the NI-488.2 Software
Using the Win16 Interactive Control Utility .................................................................5-1
Programming Considerations ........................................................................................5-1
© National Instruments Corporation vii GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows
Contents
Appendix A
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Appendix B
Specifications
Appendix C
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Figures
Figure 2-1. Default Setting (S Mode) for DIP Switch.............................................2-2
Figure 2-2. 9-Pin to 9-Pin Null-Modem Cable Pinout ............................................2-4
Figure 2-3. 9-Pin to 25-Pin Null-Modem Cable Pinout ..........................................2-5
Figure 2-4. 9-Pin to 9-Pin Twisted Pairs Null-Modem Cable Pinout......................2-6
Tables
Table 2-1. S Mode Switch Settings for Baud Rate.................................................2-2
Table 2-2. S Mode Switch Settings for Data Format.............................................2-3
Table 2-3. National Instruments S and RS1 Null-Modem Serial Cables...............2-4
Table 2-4. National Instruments RS2 Null-Modem Serial Cables.........................2-5
GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows viii www.ni.com
About This Manual
This manual contains instructions to help you install and configure the
National Instruments GPIB-232CT-A RS-232-to-GPIB controller or
GPIB-485CT-A RS-485-to-GPIB controller and the NI-488.2 software for
Windows. The NI-488.2 software is intended for use with Windows 3.x.
This manual assumes that you are already familiar with Windows 3.x.
Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:
» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.
This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid being electrically shocked.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes LED
names.
GPIB-232/485CT-A GPIB-232/485CT-A refers to either the GPIB-232CT -A or GPIB-485CT -A
box.
IEEE 488 and IEEE 488 and IEEE 488.2 refer to the ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987
IEEE 488.2 and ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1992, respectively, which define the
GPIB.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
© National Instruments Corporation ix GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows
About This Manual
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.
monospace italic
RS-232 RS-232 refers to the ANSI/EIA-232-C standard.
RS-485 RS-485 refers to the EIA-485 standard.
Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value
that you must supply.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you might find helpful
as you read this manual:
• ANSI/EIA-232-D, Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and
Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data
Interchange
• EIA-485, Standard for Electrical Characteristics of Generators and
Receivers for Use in Balanced Digital Multipoint Systems
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface
for Programmable Instrumentation
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1992, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats,
Protocols, and Common Commands
GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows x www.ni.com
Introduction
This chapter lists what you need to get started and optional equipment you
can order, and briefly describes the GPIB-232/485CT-A.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you install your GPIB hardware, make sure you have all of the
following items:
❑ Windows 3.0 or higher installed on your computer
❑ 3.5 in. (1.44 MB) NI-488.2 Software for Windows and the
GPIB-232/485CT-A disk, which is included in your kit
❑ One of the following controllers, which is included in your kit:
– GPIB-232CT-A, 100–120 VAC
– GPIB-232CT-A, 220–240 VAC
– GPIB-232CT-A, DC
– GPIB-485CT-A, 100–120 VAC
– GPIB-485CT-A, 220–240 VAC
– GPIB-485CT-A, DC
1
❑ If you have an A C v ersion, one of the follo wing power cords, which is
included in your kit:
– U.S. standard power cord
– Swiss power cord
– Australian power cord
– Universal European power cord
– North American power cord
– U.K. power cord
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows
Chapter 1 Introduction
❑ If you have a DC version, one of the following DC power supplies,
which is included in your kit:
– Wall-mount power supply (100–120 VAC, 9 V, 1 A)
– Desktop power supply (220–240 VAC, 9 V, 1 A)
❑ One of the following shielded cables, compatible with IBM PC, which
you can purchase from National Instruments:
– RS-232 DTE-to-DTE cable (1, 2, or 4 m) for the GPIB-232CT-A
– RS-485 null-modem cable (1, 2, or 4 m) for the GPIB-485CT-A
❑ Type X2 double-shielded GPIB cable (1, 2, or 4 m), which you can
purchase from National Instruments
Caution To meet FCC emission limits for this device, you must use a Type X2
double-shielded GPIB cable. If you operate this equipment with a non-shielded cable,
it may interfere with radio and television reception.
GPIB-232CT-A Hardware Overview
The GPIB-232CT-A is a high-performance serial-to-GPIB interface. It
enables a computer with an RS-232 serial port to be a Talker, Listener, or
Controller on the GPIB. The GPIB-232CT-A is also capable of interfacing
RS-232 instruments and peripherals to the GPIB.
The GPIB-232CT-A has all the software and logic required to implement
the physical and electrical specifications of the IEEE 488 and RS-232
standards. It can interpret and execute high-level commands that you send
to it over the serial port, and perform GPIB-to-RS-232 protocol con version.
The GPIB-232CT-A also conforms to all versions of the IEEE 488
standard, including IEEE 488.2. The NAT4882 Controller chip implements
all IEEE 488 Talker/Listener/Controller functionality.
GPIB-485CT-A Hardware Overview
The GPIB-485CT-A is a high-performance serial-to-GPIB interface. It
enables a computer with an RS-485 serial port to be a Talker, Listener, or
Controller on the GPIB. The GPIB-485CT-A is also capable of interfacing
RS-485 instruments and peripherals to the GPIB. The GPIB-485CT-A does
not support any multi-drop protocols.
The GPIB-485CT-A has all the software and logic required to implement
the physical and electrical specifications of the IEEE 488 and RS-485
GPIB-232/485CT-A for Windows 1-2 www.ni.com
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