USB GPIB connectivity increases portable device testing possibilities

ADLINK Technology Inc. (TAIEX:6166), a global provider of PC-based test and measurement systems and modules, announced the release of the USB-3488A, a cost-effective IEEE-488 GPIB to USB interface controller. The USB-3488A is fully IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2 compatible and provides the benefits of “plug-and-play” USB connection for simple direct connection of GPIB instruments to a laptop computer.

The USB-3488A was developed using ADLINK”s intellectual property in FPGA development which incorporates the GPIB controller and provides reliable GPIB bus control capability while supporting a transfer rate of greater than 1.2 MB/s. The USB-3488A is also fully compatible with NI-488.2 software and supports industry-standard VISA I/O libraries software so that existing GPIB applications can be used without modification. The USB-3488A enables simple control thousands of stand-alone GPIB instruments for a wide variety of measurement applications.

“ADLINK”s expertise in PCI and PXI interface cards was leveraged when developing the newly designed GPIB interface for USB. The USB-3488A provides
the easiest GPIB connection to transform any computer with an USB port into a full-function, IEEE 488.2 compatible bus controller.” said Catherine Wu, senior director of ADLINK’s measurement and automation product segment.

“We’ve performed extensive compatibility testing with various mainstream instruments on the market, to ensure worry-free use by our customers,” she emphasized.

The USB-3488A is both compact in size (3.2 x 2.4 x 1.1”) and lightweight (180 g) for greater portability. A built-in 2-meter USB cable supplies power and eliminates the need for external GPIB cables. The USB-3488A has also
passed vibration tests of 1 G while in operation and 2.5 G while not operating.

For more information, please visit http://www.adlinktech.com/GPIB.