Interface adds Ethernet instruments to GPIB test systems.
Press Release Summary:
Model 4865 LAN instrument interface utilizes VXI-11 protocol to communicate with any VXI-11.3-compatible instrument, searching for and linking to instruments automatically, or linking to instrument at fixed IP address. Once linked, unit acts as application client and converts GPIB commands/device messages into appropriate remote procedure calls and sends them onto instrument. It can be configured over Ethernet interface with any web browser.
Original Press Release:
Model 4865 GPIB to LAN Instrument Interface Announced by ICS Electronics
PLEASANTON, CA, July 21, 2009. Today ICS Electronics announced a new GPIB-to-Ethernet Interface for adding instruments with Ethernet interfaces to the GPIB Bus. ICS's Model 4865 is a new kind of interface that enables a user to add Ethernet based instruments to his GPIB Test System. The need for this interface recently came about as several manufacturers are now building their new instruments without GPIB interfaces, in the belief that everyone will only want to build Ethernet oriented Test Systems in the future. This leaves the engineer who wants to expand or upgrade his GPIB based Test System with fewer instruments to choose from. It also limits the company's ability to sell their new instruments. The 4865 solves this problem by acting as a transparent, GPIB-to-LAN Instrument Interface for the new Ethernet only instruments.
The Model 4865 uses the VXI-11 protocol to communicate with any VXI-11.3 compatible instrument. VXI-11 is a communication standard developed by the VISA consortium in 1995 in conjunction with the VISA Specification. The VXI-11.3 sub-standard covers LAN instruments with Ethernet interfaces. Most LAN instruments are VXI-11.3 compatible even if they respond to other commands and protocols. The LXI Specification also requires that LXI instruments be able to use VXI-11.3 protocol for discovery purposes.
After power turn-on, the 4865 searches for and links to the first VXI-11.3 compatible instrument it finds or it will link to an instrument at a fixed IP address. Once linked, the 4865 acts as the application client. It converts GPIB commands and device messages into the appropriate Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) and sends them onto the instrument. Replies from the instrument are talked out on the GPIB bus when the 4865 is next addressed to talk. The 4865 mimics the LAN instrument's responses on the GPIB bus. If the LAN instrument is IEEE-488.2 compatible, then the 4865 is IEEE-488.2 compatible.
The Model 4865 is configured over its Ethernet interface with any web browser and does not require any special configuration utilities or drivers. It will operate in any system with a GPIB bus. The 4865 is a RoHS compliant assembly and has been CE Certified.
Pricing for the Model 4865 is $550 each is quantities of 1 to 4 units, FOB Pleasanton, California. Delivery is 3 to 4 weeks ARO.
ICS Electronics is a pioneer and leader in the design and development of IEEE 488 Bus support products, Serial and VXI bus products. ICS's GPIB product line includes GPIB Controllers, Interfaces, Expanders, Extenders and many GPIB support products.
ICS Electronics is headquartered at 7034 Commerce Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Phone (925) 416-1000. Contact Jerry Mercola, Marketing Manager for more information.
DataSheet URL http://www.icselect.com/gpib_lan_ds.html
