NI GPIB-140 Fiber Optic GPIB Extender

The NI GPIB-140 fiber optic GPIB extender extends IEEE 488 instrument communication beyond standard cable limitations. It transmits GPIB signals over fiber optic cabling to overcome electromagnetic interference and device loading constraints, enabling reliable long-distance control of test equipment in industrial, laboratory, and research environments.

– Technical Specifications

Extension Distance
• Up to 1 km: GPIB-140, GPIB-140A, GPIB-140B
• Up to 2 km: GPIB-140A/2

Device Loading
• Standard IEEE 488 limit: 15 devices
• GPIB-140A/2 and GPIB-140B: Up to 26 devices (including extenders)
• GPIB-140B: Up to 13 additional devices per extension; 28 devices total with multiple extenders

Data Transfer Rates
• Buffered mode (non-HS488): >1.1 MBytes/s
• HS488 handshake: >2.8 MBytes/s
• Unbuffered mode: >200 kBytes/s

Power
• Input: 9 V DC to 15 V DC (typical 12 V DC)
• Consumption: Maximum 3.0 W (250 mA @ 12 V)
• External power supply required

Optical Interface
• Multi-mode fiber optic cable only (single-mode not supported)
• ST-style optical connectors with HFBR1414, HFBR2416, or equivalent transceivers
• Operating wavelengths: 850 nm and 1,300 nm

Cabling Requirements
• Fiber optic: T7 type (up to 1 km), T8 type (up to 2 km)
• GPIB connection: Shielded cables, Type X1 or X2

– Key Features

• IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 compliant
• Software transparent—existing applications require no modification
• Multiple extension topologies: linear or star configurations
• Buffered and unbuffered transfer modes
• Parallel poll support (immediate and latched modes)
• Integrated error-checking for data integrity

– Compatibility & Integration

GPIB-140B communicates with GPIB-140B and GPIB-140A only. GPIB-140B is not compatible with GPIB-140, GPIB-140/2, or GPIB-140A/2 due to protocol differences.