Contec GP-IB(CB)F User manual

PC-HELPER
High Speed & Function IEEE-488.2 I/F Board
for CardBus
GP-IB(CB)F
High Speed IEEE-488.2 I/F Board for CardBus
GP-IB(CB)FL
User’s Manual
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL i
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
- PC Card(One of the following)
[GP-IB(CB)F or GP-IB(CB)FL] …1
- First step guide …1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1
- Connection Cable (CB-GPIB) …1
- PC-Card Attachment(CARD-AT1) …1set
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)]
Connection Cable
PC Card
PC-Card Attachment
First step guide

ii GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
Copyright
Copyright 2003 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 nor for results obtained by the user as a result of using this product.
Trademarks
MS, Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package............................................................................................................................ i
Copyright............................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks .........................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents ..............................................................................................................................iii
1. BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT 1
About the PC Card.............................................................................................................................. 1
Features........................................................................................................................................ 1
Support Software ......................................................................................................................... 2
Cable & Connector (Option) ...................................................................................................... 3
Customer Support............................................................................................................................... 4
Web Site....................................................................................................................................... 4
Limited Three-Years Warranty .......................................................................................................... 4
How to Obtain Service ....................................................................................................................... 4
Liability .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 5
Safety Information....................................................................................................................... 5
Handling Precautions................................................................................................................... 6
Environment ................................................................................................................................ 7
Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 7
Storage......................................................................................................................................... 7
Disposal ....................................................................................................................................... 7
2. SETUP 9
What is Setup?.................................................................................................................................... 9
Using the PC Card under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32)........................9
Using the PC Card under Windows Using Software Other than the Driver Library
API-PAC(W32)............................................................................................................................ 9
Using the PC Card under an OS Other than Windows .............................................................10
Step 1 Installing the Software .......................................................................................................... 11
About the driver to be used ....................................................................................................... 11
Starting the Install Program....................................................................................................... 12
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx ................................................................................................. 13
For using API-GPLV(W32) ...................................................................................................... 15
Step 2 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................. 16
Connecting the PC Card to the Connecter Cable...................................................................... 16
Fitting the PC Card Attachment................................................................................................ 17
Insert the PC Card ..................................................................................................................... 18

iv GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
Step 3 Installing the Hardware.........................................................................................................19
Turning on the PC......................................................................................................................19
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard ........................................................................ 19
Step 4 Initializing the Software........................................................................................................21
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx ................................................................................................. 23
For using API-GPLV(W32) ...................................................................................................... 24
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program...............................................................25
What is the Diagnosis Program? ...............................................................................................25
Check Method............................................................................................................................25
Setup Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 28
Symptoms and Actions..............................................................................................................28
If your problem cannot be resolved...........................................................................................28
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 29
How to connect the connectors.........................................................................................................29
Connector shape......................................................................................................................... 29
Notes on cable connection.........................................................................................................30
4. FUNCTIONS 33
Bus Master Function......................................................................................................................... 33
Bus Master Transfer .................................................................................................................. 33
Basic GPIB Functions ......................................................................................................................34
Master/slave function ................................................................................................................ 34
Communication function ...........................................................................................................34
Serial poll/parallel poll/SRQ send functions............................................................................. 34
My address setting..................................................................................................................... 34
Additional Functions ........................................................................................................................35
Line monitor function................................................................................................................35
Communication using FIFO memory........................................................................................ 35
Analyzer function (GP-IB(CB)F)..............................................................................................35
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 39
CD-ROM Directory Structure .......................................................................................................... 39
About Software for Windows...........................................................................................................40
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx ........................................................................................................ 40
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................40
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................41
For using API-GPLV(W32) ............................................................................................................. 43
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................43
Function List..............................................................................................................................44
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................47
Uninstalling the API Function Libraries ...................................................................................48

GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL v
About Software for Linux ................................................................................................................ 49
Driver Software Install Procedure............................................................................................. 49
Accessing the Help File............................................................................................................. 50
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................ 50
Uninstalling the driver............................................................................................................... 50
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 51
For detailed technical information ................................................................................................... 51
Hardware specification..................................................................................................................... 51

vi GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the PC Card
This PC card is a multi-function, high-speed GPIB communication card that complies with IEEE-488.1
and IEEE-488.2. The card is a PC Card Standard compliant CardBus card with support for bus master
operation. The card can be used to control communications with devices that support the GPIB interface
and perform GPIB bus line data analysis on any PC that has a PC Card Standard compliant CardBus
Type II PC card slot.
You can use the supplied driver library to develop application software using any programming
language thatsupports the Win32 API routines (such as Visual Basic or Visual C++), or using LabVIEW.
Features
Complies with the IEEE-488.2 standard
- As the card complies with the IEEE-488.2 standard, you can control any external device that supports this
standard.
Data transfer speed 1.5Mbyte/sec max.
- The maximum data transfer speed for communications is 1.5Mbyte/sec.
Supports bus master operation
- The bus master data transfer function enables large quantities of data to be transferred between the
PC Card and PC without loading the CPU.
Internal 2Kbyte FIFO buffers for send and receive
- The PC Card has separate 2Kbyte FIFO buffers for sending and receiving data, allowing both small
and large volumes of data to be transferred at high speed.
- Interface messages also use a FIFO to enable high-speed transmission.
Built-in GPIB bus analyzer function [GP-IB(CB)F]
- The PC Card features a bus analyzer function.
This not only allows the signals on the GPIB bus to analyzed, but also permits signal analysis to be
performed while the PC card is performing GPIB communications
Built-in SPAS event function
- In addition to the functions of the earlier GPIB controller (μPD7210), the PC Card also supports the
SPAS event generated when a serial poll occurs. This gives you a high level of flexibility in
constructing your system.
Internal high-precision timer
- The PC Card includes a high-precision application timer to allow accurate time monitoring to be
performed from Windows.
Long term availability
- As the PC Card uses a high-speed GPIB controller developed by CONTEC (upwardly compatible
with the μPD7210), reliable long term availability is ensured.
Diagnostic program
- A diagnostic program is supplied to support system development. The diagnostic program can be used to
check hardware operation (interrupts and I/O addresses) and to perform simple communication tests with
connected devices.

1. Before Using the Product
2GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
Other
- A function is provided to read all control lines and data lines. This enables various operations to be
performed from the application. [Includes control line latch function.]
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
NOTE:
This hardware does not support Windows 95 and Windows NT4.0/3.51.
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++.
It can also be used by the installed diagnosis program to check hardware operations.
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.com/apipac/) 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, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++, Visual Basic,
Delphi, C++Builder, etc..
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 (PC Cards) 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 (at http://www.contec.com/gplv/) 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, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98, etc..
Adaptation language LabVIEW, Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++,
Visual Basic, Delphi, C++Builder, etc..

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 3
Linux version of general-purpose count driver: API-GPIB(LNX)
(Supplied: Stored on the API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM)
This driver is used to control CONTEC GPIB boards (PC Cards) from within Linux.
You can control CONTEC GPIB boards easily using the shared library called from the user application,
the device driver (module) for each kernel version, and the board (PC Cards) configuration program
(config).
CONTEC provides download services (at http://www.contec.com/apipac/) 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 RedHatLinux, TurboLinux, etc..
(For details on supported distributions, refer to Help available after installation.)
Adaptation language gcc, etc..
Cable & Connector (Option)
GPIB cable (2m) : PCN-T02
GPIB cable (4m) : PCN-T04
GPIB Connector : CN-GP/C
This is useful if the cable used to connect to the instrument or other
device is obstructed by the device's case. See the troubleshooting
section at the end of Chapter 2.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
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 products 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 PC Card s. 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.

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 5
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.

1. Before Using the Product
6GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
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
- Mount the PC card in a PC Card Standard CardBus compatible PC card slot.
- Do not strike or bend the PC Card. Doing so could damage the PC Card.
Otherwise, the PC Card may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not subject the socket used to connect the cable to the PC card to knocks orother excessive force.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not insert or remove the PC card in the card slot when the power is turned on to the PC.
- Do not insert or remove the cable while the power is turned on to the PC.
- Connect the cable to the card before inserting the card into the PC.
Otherwise, the PC card may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
- Do not try to remove the cable from the connecter on the PC card without pressing the locking spring
as this may prevent the cable from being securely connected.
- When you use the PC Card in a noisy environment or are nervous about noise, strengthen the
earthing between the PC Card frame and the frame ground of your PC. Specifically, install the PC
Card attachment, and then connect the PC Card frame and the frame ground of the PC to earth the
PC Card frame (e.g. using an earth cable).
- Ensure that the PC power supply has sufficient capacity for all mounted cards.
An inadequate power supply may cause misoperation, overheating, or faults.
- 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.

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 7
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the PC Card
may overheat, malfunction, or cause a failure.
Operating temperature
0 - 50°C
Humidity
10 - 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 bus connector
and its cable have been
plugged correctly.
- The gold-plated leads of the bus connector
have no stain or corrosion.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put the PC card 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.
Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and
municipal ordinances.

1. Before Using the Product
8GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL

2. Setup
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2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the PC Card .
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 PC Card 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 PC Card using the bundled CD-ROM “Driver Package 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.
Using the PC Card under Windows
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

2. Setup
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Using the PC Card under an OS Other than Windows
For using the PC Card 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

2. Setup
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 11
Step 1 Installing the Software
This explains how to install the driver library.
Before installing the hardware on the PC, install the driver library from the API-PAC(W32)
CD-ROM provided with the PC Card.
The following description assumes the operating system as Windows XP. 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 PC Card: API-GPIB(98/PC) and
API-GPLV(W32).
API-GPIB(98/PC) 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 PC cards to run without modification.
Selection guide
Given below is a guideline for easily selecting the appropriate driver for the PC Card.
driver to be used Purpose
API-GPIB(98/PC)
- Used to use CONTEC functions
- To make the PC Card operate as fast as possible
- To convert (digitize) binary and string data easily
API-GPLV(W32)
- To use existing applications for NI PC Cards
- To use LabVIEW
- Familiar with NI functions but not with CONTEC functions

2. Setup
12 GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL
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 Development or Execution Environment] button.
CAUTION
Before installing the software in Windows XP, Server 2003, 2000, or NT, log in as a user with
administrator privileges.

2. Setup
GP-IB(CB)F, GP-IB(CB)FL 13
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”.
(3) Select “Driver, Help, etc..(Full Install)”.
(4) Click on the [Install] button.