NI GPIB-RS232 GPIB Serial Port Controller/Converter

The National Instruments GPIB-RS232 is an IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 compatible controller/converter that bridges GPIB and RS232 serial interfaces. This dual-interface device enables seamless protocol conversion, allowing RS232 instruments to integrate into GPIB systems or permitting RS232-equipped computers to function as talkers, listeners, or controllers on the GPIB bus. The TNT5004 controller chip implements full IEEE 488 functionality with software-selectable operational modes.

– Technical Specifications

Interface Connectors
• GPIB: 24-pin IEEE 488 female connector
• RS232: DB-9 male connector; supports baud rates to 115.2 kb/s
• DC Power: 5.5 mm outer diameter coaxial plug (2.1 mm inner diameter, center positive)

Operating Modes
The device offers four software-selectable modes: S Mode (serial device as GPIB controller), G Mode (serial device as talker/listener under external GPIB control), C Mode (single GPIB instrument control), and D Mode (RS232 device interfacing to GPIB bus).

Data Management
• Internal RAM buffer: 1 MB for incoming serial data
• Maximum RS232 transfer rate: 115.2 kb/s
• Handshaking: XON/XOFF software and hardware protocols supported

Power Requirements
• Input voltage range: 9 to 28 VDC
• Maximum current consumption: 800 mA
• Typical consumption at 12 VDC: 300 mA
• Supplied power supply: 100–240 VAC input, 12 VDC / 1.25 A output
• Safety fuse: 2.2 A, 125 V

Physical Specifications
• Dimensions: 16.01 × 9.35 × 3.15 cm
• Weight: 192 g
• Enclosure: PC-ABS plastic
• Optional mounting: DIN-rail and rack-mount hardware kits available

– Key Features

Bidirectional RS232-to-GPIB protocol conversion with data buffering and handshaking mechanisms ensures data integrity. The 1 MB RAM buffer accommodates variable data rates. Four operational modes provide flexibility across serial-to-GPIB integration scenarios.

– Typical Applications

Legacy serial instrument integration into GPIB networks, remote instrument control via RS232 serial links, and protocol bridging in mixed-bus test environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Full IEEE 488.1 and IEEE 488.2 compliance. Includes NI488.2 driver software for third-party GPIB instrument support.