Contec GP-IB-PCI User manual

PC-HELPER
IEEE-488.2 Interface Board for PCI
GP-IB(PCI)
GP-IB(PCI)L
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

Check Your Package
Thank you for purchasing the CONTEC product.
The product consists of the items listed below.
Check, with the following list, that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing
items, contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- Board
[GP-IB(PCI)L or GP-IB(PCI)] …1
- This User’s Guide…1
- CD-ROM[API-PAC(W32)] …1
- Warranty Certificate…1
- Serial number label…1
Board User’s Manual
User’s Manual
CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)]
Warranty Certificate
XXXX XXXXXX XX X
XXXX XXXXXX XX X
Serial number label
Warr ant y
Certificate
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) i

Copyright
Copyright 2013 CONTEC Co., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form by any means without prior written
consent of CONTEC Co., LTD.
CONTEC Co., LTD. makes no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this
document. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice an
omission or any questionable item in this document, please feel free to notify CONTEC Co., LTD.
Regardless of the foregoing statement, CONTEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document or for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names
are trademarks of their respective holder.
ii GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

Table of Contents
Check Your Package................................................................................................................................i
Copyright.................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................iii
Copyright.................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the Board......................................................................................................................................1
Features ............................................................................................................................................1
Support Software..............................................................................................................................2
Cable & Connector (Option) ........................................................................................................2
Customer Support....................................................................................................................................3
Web Site...........................................................................................................................................3
Limited Three-Years Warranty...............................................................................................................3
How to Obtain Service............................................................................................................................3
Liability ...................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Precautions...................................................................................................................................4
Safety Information ...........................................................................................................................4
Handling Precautions.......................................................................................................................5
Environment.....................................................................................................................................6
Inspection .........................................................................................................................................6
Storage..............................................................................................................................................6
2. SETUP 7
What is Setup?.........................................................................................................................................7
Using the Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)...............................7
Using the Board under Window Using Software Other than the Driver Library
API-PAC(W32)................................................................................................................................8
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows.......................................................................8
Step 1 Installing the Software.................................................................................................................9
About the driver to be used..............................................................................................................9
Starting the Install Program...........................................................................................................10
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx .....................................................................................................11
For using API-GPLV(W32) ..........................................................................................................13
Step 2 Setting the Hardware.................................................................................................................14
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults.......................................................................................14
Setting the Board ID ......................................................................................................................15
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) iii

Plugging the Board.........................................................................................................................16
Step 3 Installing the Hardware..............................................................................................................17
Turning on the PC ..........................................................................................................................17
Setting with the Add New Hardware Wizard................................................................................17
Step 4 Initializing the Software.............................................................................................................20
Invoking API-TOOL Configuration..............................................................................................20
Updating the Settings.....................................................................................................................20
For using API-GPLV(W32)...........................................................................................................21
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program...................................................................22
What is the Diagnosis Program?....................................................................................................22
Check Method.................................................................................................................................22
Using the Diagnosis Program for Using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx ....................................................22
Using the Diagnosis Program for Using API-GPLV(W32) .........................................................25
Setup Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................28
Symptoms and Actions...................................................................................................................28
If your problem cannot be resolved...............................................................................................28
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 29
Using the On-board Connectors............................................................................................................29
Connecting a Device to a Connector.............................................................................................29
Connector Pin Assignment.............................................................................................................29
Notes on cable connection .............................................................................................................30
4. FUNCTIONS 33
Basic GPIB Functions ...........................................................................................................................33
Master/slave function.....................................................................................................................33
Communication function................................................................................................................33
Serial poll/parallel poll/SRQ send functions.................................................................................33
My address setting..........................................................................................................................33
Additional Functions .............................................................................................................................34
Line monitor function.....................................................................................................................34
Communication using FIFO memory (Only GP-IB(PCI))...........................................................34
Analyzer function (Only GP-IB(PCI)) ..........................................................................................35
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 39
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx.............................................................................................................39
Accessing the Help File..................................................................................................................39
Using Sample Programs.................................................................................................................40
For using API-GPLV(W32)..................................................................................................................42
Accessing the Help File..................................................................................................................42
Function List...................................................................................................................................43
Using Sample Programs.................................................................................................................46
Uninstalling the API Function Libraries...............................................................................................47
iv GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

CD-ROM Directory Structure ..............................................................................................................48
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 49
Hardware specification .........................................................................................................................49
Different in the specification................................................................................................................51
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) v

vi GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

1. Before Using the Product
1. Before Using the Product
About the Board
This board is PCI-compliant expansion card to control GPIB devices. You can use it installing in
PCI-compliant slot of your computer.
Using the bundled API function library package [API-PAC(W32)], you can create Windows application
software for this board in your favorite programming language supporting Win32 API functions, such as
Visual Basic or Visual C/C++.
Features
< Common >
- Conforming to the IEEE 488.2 standard, this board can control a variety of compliant external
devices.
- The product is available over an extended period of time as it uses a uPD7210-compatible GPIB
controller developed by CONTEC.
- All of GPIB features can be configured by software.
- The IFC/SRQ line read feature (with IFC latch capability) is available to application programs.
< Feature of GP-IB(PCI)L>
- The timer function is available on application programs, capable of monitoring the time accurately
in the Windows environment.
< Feature of GP-IB(PCI)>
- Communication can be performed at a maximum transfer rate of 1.2 megabytes per second.
- One megabyte of on-board FIFO memory for data transmission and reception allows a large amount
of data to be exchanged at high speed while minimizing the effect of the PC’s CPU speed.
- As FIFO memory can be used to send commands (multiline messages), a small amount of data can
be exchanged at high speed as well.
- The GPIB bus analyzer function is provided to analyze data on the line.
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 1

1. Before Using the Product
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
Driver Software Package API-PAC(W32) (Bundled)
API-PAC(W32) is the library software that provides the commands for CONTEC hardware products in
the form of Windows standard Win32 API functions (DLL). It makes it easy to create high-speed
application software taking advantage of the CONTEC hardware using various programming languages
that support Win32 API functions, such as Visual Basic and Visual C/C++.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services to supply the updated drivers and differential files.
For details, read Help on the bundled CD-ROM or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language Visual C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, Builder, etc..
Others Each piece of library software requires 50 megabytes of free hard disk space.
API-GPLV(W32) library supporting LabVIEW (Bundled)
API-GPLV(W32) is a driver created according to the National Instruments Corporation’s GPIB function style. The
driver is software to control the CONTEC GPIB board using a LabVIEW-based GPIB system or existing application
program.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services to supply the updated drivers and differential files.
For details, read Help on the bundled CD-ROM or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language LabVIEW, Visual C++, Borland C++, Visual Basic, etc..
Others Each piece of library software requires 20 megabytes of free hard disk space.
Cable & Connector (Option)
GPIB Cable : PCN-02 (2m)
GPIB Cable : PCN-04 (4m)
GPIB Connector : CN-GP/C
Effective when the cable being plugged into the board interfere
with the PC’s main unit. See the troubleshooting section at the
end of Chapter 2.
Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.
2GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

1. Before Using the Product
Customer Support
CONTEC provides the following support services for you to use CONTEC products more efficiently
and comfortably.
Web Site
Japanese http://www.contec.co.jp/
English http://www.contec.com/
Chinese http://www.contec.com.cn/
Latest product information
CONTEC provides up-to-date information on products.
CONTEC also provides product manuals and various technical documents in the PDF.
Free download
You can download updated driver software and differential files as well as sample programs available in
several languages.
Note! For product information
Contact your retailer if you have any technical question about a CONTEC product or need its price,
delivery time, or estimate information.
Limited Three-Years Warranty
CONTEC Interface boards are warranted by CONTEC Co., LTD. to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for up to three years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser.
Repair will be free of charge only when this device is returned freight prepaid with a copy of the
original invoice and a Return Merchandise Authorization to the distributor or the CONTEC group office,
from which it was purchased.
This warranty is not applicable for scratches or normal wear, but only for the electronic circuitry and
original boards. The warranty is not applicable if the device has been tampered with or damaged
through abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or unreasonable use, or if the original invoice is not included, in
which case repairs will be considered beyond the warranty policy.
How to Obtain Service
For replacement or repair, return the device freight prepaid, with a copy of the original invoice. Please
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA) from the CONTEC group office where you
purchased before returning any product.
* No product will be accepted by CONTEC group without the RMA number.
Liability
The obligation of the warrantor is solely to repair or replace the product. In no event will the
warrantor be liable for any incidental or consequential damages due to such defect or consequences that
arise from inexperienced usage, misuse, or malfunction of this device.
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 3

1. Before Using the Product
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbols to prevent accidents resulting
in injury or death and the destruction of equipment and resources. Understand the meanings of these
labels to operate the equipment safely.
DANGER DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.
4GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

1. Before Using the Product
Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not use the product where it is exposed to flammable or corrosive gas. Doing so may result in
an explosion, fire, electric shock, or failure.
CAUTION
- There are switches on the board that need to be set in advance. Be sure to check these before
installing the board.
- Only set the switches and jumpers on the board to the specified settings.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not strike or bend the board. Doing so could damage the board.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not touch the board's metal plated terminals (edge connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the terminals are touched by someone's hands, clean the terminals with industrial alcohol.
- Do not install or remove the board to or from the slot while the computer's power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Doing so could cause trouble. Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O expansion unit power is
turned off.
-Make sure that your PC or expansion unit can supply ample power to all the boards installed.
Insufficiently energized boards could malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
-The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice for enhancement and quality
improvement.
Even when using the product continuously, be sure to read the manual and understand the
contents.
- Do not modify the product. CONTEC will bear no responsibility for any problems, etc., resulting
from modifying this product.
- Regardless of the foregoing statements, CONTEC is not liable for any damages whatsoever
(including damages for loss of business profits) arising out of the use or inability to use this
CONTEC product or the information contained herein.
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 5

1. Before Using the Product
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the board may
overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 to 50ºC
Humidity
10 to 90%RH (No condensation)
Corrosive gases
None
Floating dust particles
Not to be excessive
Inspection
Inspect the product periodically as follows to use it safely.
- Check that the board has
no dust or foreign matter adhering.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.
- Check that the bus connector
of the board and its cable have
been plugged correctly.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the board in the storage bag.
(2) Wrap it in the packing material, then put it in the box.
(3) Store the package at room temperature at a place free from direct sunlight, moisture, shock,
vibration, magnetism, and static electricity.
6GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

2. Setup
2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the board.
What is Setup?
Setup means a series of steps to take before the product can be used.
Different steps are required for software and hardware
The setup procedure varies with the OS and applications used.
Using the Board under Windows
Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)
This section describes the setup procedure to be performed before you can start developing application
programs for the board using the bundled CD-ROM “Driver Library API-PAC(W32)”.
Taking the following steps sets up the software and hardware. You can use the diagnosis program later
to check whether the software and hardware function normally.
Step 1 Installing the Software
Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Step 4 Initializing the Software
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 7

2. Setup
Using the Board under Window
Using Software Other than the Driver Library
API-PAC(W32)
For setting up software other than API-PAC(W32), refer to the manual for that software. See also the
following parts of this manual as required.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
This chapter Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware
Using the Board under an OS Other than Windows
For using the board under an OS other than Windows, see the following parts of this manual.
This chapter Step 2 Setting the Hardware
Chapter 3 External Connection
Chapter 6 About Hardware
8GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

2. Setup
Step 1 Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the API function libraries.
Before installing the hardware on your PC, install the API function libraries from the bundled
API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM.
The following description assumes the operating system as Windows Me. Although some user
interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the same.
About the driver to be used
Two GPIB communication drivers come with your board: API-GPIB(98/PC)W95/NT and
API-GPLV(W32).
API-GPIB(98/PC)W95/NT provides a CONTEC proprietary function interface.
API-GPLV(W32) provides a function interface equivalent to that from National Instruments
Corporation (hereafter NI), allowing the GPIB488, GPIB488.2, and VISA functions of LabVIEW to be
used directly and application programs created for NI boards to run without modification.
Selection guide
Given below is a guideline for easily selecting the appropriate driver for the board.
driver to be used Purpose
API-GPIB(98/PC) - Used to use CONTEC functions
- To make the board operate as fast as possible
- To convert (digitize) binary and string data easily
API-GPLV(W32) - To use existing applications for NI boards
- To use LabVIEW
- Familiar with NI functions but not with CONTEC functions
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 9

2. Setup
Starting the Install Program
(1) Load the CD-ROM [API-PAC(W32)] on your PC.
(2) The API-PAC(W32) Installer window appears automatically.
If the panel does not appear, run (CD-ROM drive letter):\AUTORUN.exe.
(3) Click on the [Install the drivers] button.
CAUTION
Before installing the software in Windows XP, 2000, or NT, log in as a user with administrator
privileges.
10 GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

2. Setup
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx
Select API- GPIB(98/PC)
(1) The following dialog box appears to select “Driver Type” and “Install Type”.
(2) Select “GPIB Communication API-GPIB(98/PC)W95”.
(3) Select “Driver, Help, etc..(Full Install)”.
(4) Click on the [Install] button.
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 11

2. Setup
Executing the Installation
(1) Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed to install.
(2) When the required files have been copied, the “Perform a hardware setup now” and “Show readme
file” check boxes are displayed.
When you are installing the software or hardware for the first time:
1) Uncheck “Perform a hardware setup now”.
2) Click on the [Finish] button. Go to Step 2 to set and plug the hardware.
* When the hardware has already been installed:
Check “Perform a hardware setup now”, then go to Step 4 “Initializing the Software”.
You have now finished installing the software.
12 GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)

2. Setup
For using API-GPLV(W32)
Select API-GPLV(W32)
(1) The following dialog box appears to select “Driver Type” and “Install Type”.
(2) Select “GPIB for LabVIEW API-GPLV(W32)”.
(3) Select “Driver, Help, etc..(Full Install)”.
(4) Click on the [Install] button.
Executing the Installation
(1) Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed to install.
(2) The driver installation is completed when the GPIB setup utility is started.
If you are installing the software and hardware for the first time, click on the [Cancel] button in this
step to terminate the installation procedure.
* When the hardware has already been installed:
Go to “For Using API-GPLV(W32)” in Step 4 "Initializing the Software".
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI) 13