NI GPIB-USB-HS Controller for USB

The NI GPIB-USB-HS Controller for USB transforms any computer with a USB port into a fully functional IEEE 488.2 GPIB controller. This bus-powered device leverages Hi-Speed USB 2.0 performance to command up to 14 programmable GPIB instruments without requiring external cabling—instruments connect directly to the IEEE 488 24-pin connector. The controller supports both standard and high-speed IEEE 488.1 handshake protocols, delivering data transfer rates up to 1830 kBytes/s in 3-wire mode and 7230 kBytes/s in HS488 mode. Compact and lightweight at 10.7 cm × 6.6 cm × 2.6 cm (180 g), it operates from USB bus power (typical 140 mA, peak 500 mA at +5 V VBUS). Dual LEDs indicate connection status and GPIB activity.

– Technical Specifications

• Data Transfer: Up to 1830 kBytes/s (3-wire), 7230 kBytes/s (HS488 mode)
• USB Interface: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) or USB 1.1 full-speed
• GPIB Connector: IEEE 488 24-pin
• USB Connector: USB Type A plug
• Instrument Capacity: Up to 14 GPIB devices
• Power: Bus-powered via USB; typical 140 mA, max 500 mA @ +5 V VBUS
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C (IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing (IEC 60068-2-56)
• Dimensions: 10.7 cm × 6.6 cm × 2.6 cm
• Weight: 180 g including USB cable

– Key Features

• IEEE 488.2 fully compliant with standard and high-speed handshake support
• Direct instrument connection—no external GPIB cables required
• Star and daisy-chain configuration capability for multi-instrument systems
• Dual status indicators: READY (amber for USB 2.0/3.0, green for USB 1.1) and Activity LED
• Jackscrew connector (M3.5 × 0.6 thread)

– Compatibility & Integration

• Supported OS: Windows 7/Vista/XP/Me/2000/98, Mac OS X, Linux
• Includes NI-488.2 driver software license
• Compatible with NI-488.2 Version 2.6 upgrades
• Third-party GPIB instrument support via IEEE 488.2 compliance