USB to GPIB Controller Module helps run test programs.
Press Release Summary:
Used for controlling test instruments and collecting data, Model 488-USB2 converts any PC with USB 1.1/2.0 interface into full-function, IEEE 488.2-compatible bus controller. Plug-and-play device operates from any open GPIB connector and has 1 MBps data rate. Along with 488.2V3 Driver Library that supports up to 16 GPIB Controllers, product comes with Explorer utility that automatically locates, displays, and configures GPIB controllers and devices in system.
Original Press Release:
Model 488-USB2 GPIB Controller Module
PLEASANTON, CA, February 16, 2007. Today ICS Electronics announced a new USB to GPIB Controller Module for controlling test instruments. Designated the Model 488-USB2, this new module converts any desktop or portable PC with a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 interface into a full-function, IEEE 488.2 compatible Bus Controller. The 488-USB2 with its 1 Mbyte per second data rate is 10x faster than the 488-USB Controller it replaces. Applications include controlling instruments, collecting data and running test programs.
The 488-USB2 Controller is a small module that plugs onto any open GPIB connector. The open GPIB connector can be the open end of a cable stack, on the back of an instrument or an unused connector on ICS's GPIB BusStrip(TM). Finger size jackscrews secure and hold the 488-USB module in any position. Three LEDs provide visual status and diagnostic help for troubleshooting system problems. The 488-USB2 Module is a Plug&Play device and is extremely simple to install.
The 488-USB2 comes with ICS's new 488.2V3 Driver Library for Windows 2K, XP and Vista 32-bit operating systems. The 488.2V3 Driver Library supports up to 16 GPIB Controllers and installs a GPIB-32.DLL that is compatible with the National Instruments command sets. The 488.2V3 Driver Library supports test programs written Microsoft Visual Basic 6, Visual Basic.NET (2005), Visual C/C++ and C#. The 488.2V3 Driver Library is also compatible with VISA Libraries from National Instruments and Agilent so it can run LabVIEW, Matlab, VEE and other test applications programs that make VISA calls. The 488.2V3 Driver also includes ICS's new Explorer utility, which provides the user with an integrated Explorer-Communicate-Configure capability.
When run, Explorer automatically configures any new GPIB Controllers it finds and then locates and displays all compatible GPIB Controllers and Devices in the system. ICS's Explorer can display up to 16 GPIB Controllers and their instruments. The user can examine every device, link to the Configuration and Communicate with Instrument forms or verify the software installation. The Configure form lets the user quickly view and change the Controller's settings. The Communicate with Instrument form lets the user interactively control any GPIB device from the computer keyboard without having to write a program. The Communicate form is ideal for testing the 488-USB2 Module, for exercising GPIB devices or for trying out device commands before using them in a program.
Pricing for the 488-USB2 is $395 each is quantities of 1 to 4 units, FOB Pleasanton, California. Delivery is 2 weeks ARO.
ICS Electronics is a pioneer and leader in the design and development of IEEE 488 Bus support products and VXIbus products. The ICS has been supplying GPIB Controllers and Interfaces for over 27 years and the 488-USB2 Module and 488.2V3 Driver Library are part of a new series of GPIB Controllers being released by ICS.
ICS Electronics is headquartered at 7034 Commerce Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Phone (925) 416-1000. Contact Jerry Mercola, Marketing Manager for more information.
Trademarks: LabVIEW is a trademark of National Instruments, Austin TX, VEE is a trademark of Agilent, Palo Alto, CA. BusStrip is a trademark of Systems West, Pleasanton, CA.
