Contec GP-IB(USB)FL User manual

PC-HELPER
High Speed IEEE-488.2 I/F
Micro Converter
for USB2.0
GP-IB(USB)FL
User’s Manual
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

GP-IB(USB)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
- Micro Converter
[GP-IB(USB)FL] …1
- USB Cable(1.8m) …1
- USB Cable Attachment …1
- First step guide …1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-USBP(WDM)] …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
CD-ROM
[API-USBP(WDM)]
Micro Converter
[GP-IB(USB)FL] USB Cable
(1.8m) USB Cable
Attachment First Step Guide

ii GP-IB(USB)FL
Copyright
Copyright 2005 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, Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holder.

GP-IB(USB)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 converter............................................................................................................................ 1
Features........................................................................................................................................ 1
Support Software......................................................................................................................... 2
Cable & Connector (Option) ...................................................................................................... 2
Customer Support............................................................................................................................... 3
Web Site....................................................................................................................................... 3
Limited One-Year Warranty............................................................................................................... 3
How to Obtain Service ....................................................................................................................... 3
Liability .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Safety Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 4
Safety Information....................................................................................................................... 4
Handling Precautions................................................................................................................... 4
Environment ................................................................................................................................ 6
Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 6
Storage......................................................................................................................................... 6
Disposal ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2. SETUP 7
What is Setup?.................................................................................................................................... 7
Installing the driver ..................................................................................................................... 7
Step 1 Setting the Hardware............................................................................................................... 8
Name of each parts ...................................................................................................................... 8
Step 2 Software Installation ............................................................................................................. 10
Illustration of Menu Screen....................................................................................................... 10
Installation of API-USBP(WDM) Development Environment ................................................ 11
Step 3 Installing the Hardware......................................................................................................... 13
Connecting the converter........................................................................................................... 13
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard .............................................................................. 14
Setting Properties Using Device Manager...................................................................................... 15
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 17
How to connect the connectors ........................................................................................................ 17
Connector shape ........................................................................................................................ 17

iv GP-IB(USB)FL
Connector Pin Assignment ........................................................................................................17
Notes on cable connection......................................................................................................... 18
For EMC measures ....................................................................................................................19
4. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT 21
For using API-GPIB(WDM) ............................................................................................................22
Reference to Online Help ..........................................................................................................22
Printing Function Reference...................................................................................................... 22
Sample Program.........................................................................................................................23
Distributing Developed Application .........................................................................................23
For using API-GPIB(98/PC) ............................................................................................................24
Accessing the Help File............................................................................................................. 24
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................25
For using API-GPLV(W32) .............................................................................................................27
Accessing the Help File............................................................................................................. 27
Function List..............................................................................................................................28
Using Sample Programs ............................................................................................................31
Diagnostic Program ..........................................................................................................................32
Version Upgrade............................................................................................................................... 33
How to Upgrade the Firmware.................................................................................................. 33
Driver Upgrade..........................................................................................................................34
Returning to Initial State ..................................................................................................................35
5. FUNCTIONS 39
Basic GPIB Functions ...................................................................................................................... 39
Master/slave function ................................................................................................................ 39
Communication function ........................................................................................................... 39
Serial poll/parallel poll/SRQ send functions............................................................................. 39
My address setting..................................................................................................................... 39
Additional Functions ........................................................................................................................40
Line monitor function................................................................................................................ 40
Communication using FIFO memory........................................................................................40
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 41
Hardware specification.....................................................................................................................41
Physical dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 42

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(USB)FL 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the converter
This product is a media converter that converts USB port of a PC to a GPIB communication port
compatible to IEEE-488 standard. With the USB cable (1.8 m) included inthis kit, it canbe connected to
any equipment with GPIB interface without any GPIB cables. Furthermore, this product is powered by
the bus so that simple and compact GPIB communication system can be established. This product
accompanies Windows driver and LabVIEW driver.
Features
- Capable to communicate with GPIB communication which is compatible to IEEE-488.1/488.2
standards at 1.5 M byte/sec maximum.
Capable to communicate with any equipment which is compatible to IEEE-488.1/488.2 standards with
transfer rate at 1.5 MByte/sec maximum. Capable to set this product to whether a master (controller) or
a slave.
- Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and not necessary to power this product externally as the bus power is
used.
Compatible to USB1.1/USB2.0 and capable to achieve high speed transfer at HighSpeed (480 Mbps).
Not necessary to power this product externally as the bus power of USB is used. With the USB cable
(1.8 m) included in this kit, it can be connected to any equipment with GPIB interface without any GPIB
cables.
- Employs a buffer memory, 2 Kbytes for transmission and 2 Kbytes for reception.
Employs a buffer memory, 2 Kbytes dedicated to transmission and 2 Kbytes dedicated to reception, in
order to reduce the load to the CPU when transmitting/receiving.
- Windows/LabVIEW compatible driver libraries are attached.
Using the attached driver library API-USBP(WDM) makes it possible to create applications of
Windows/LabVIEW. In addition, supplies a diagnostic program to confirm hardware operation and to
perform a basic communication test with connected equipment.
- Employs a high speed GPIB controller which is self-developed and capable to supply stable.
A self-developed GPIB controller (μPD7210 registers compatible) is employed so that a stable supply is
available.
- Embedded Line Monitor Function
With a readout feature for entire control lines (with latches), it is capable to read data from applications.
- Built-in SPAS event function (when slaving)
In addition to the functions of the earlier GPIB controller (μPD7210), the product also supports the
SPAS event generated when a serial poll occurs. This gives you a high level of flexibility in constructing
your system.

1. Before Using the Product
2GP-IB(USB)FL
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
For details, read Section 4 or visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
Driver Library API-USBP(WDM) (Bundled)
It is the library software, and which supplies command of hardware produced by our company in the
form of standard Win32 API function (DLL). Using programming languages supporting Win32API
functions, such as Visual Basic and Visual C++ etc., you can develop high-speed application software
with feature of hardware produced by our company.
In addition, you can verify the operation of hardware using Diagnostic programs.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2008, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98
Adaptation language Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, Delphi, C++ Builder
You can download the updated version from the CONTEC’s Web site (at http://www.contec.com/apiusbp/). For more
details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
API-GPLV(W32) library supporting LabVIEW (Supplied: Stored on the API-USBP(WDM) CD-ROM)
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.
< Operating environment >
OS Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2000, Me, 98
Adaptation language LabVIEW, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, Delphi, C++ Builder
You can download the updated version from the CONTEC’s Web site (at http://www.contec.com/gplv/). For more
details on the supported OS, applicable language and new information, please visit the CONTEC’s Web site.
Cable & Connector (Option)
GPIB cable (2m) : PCN-T02
GPIB cable (4m) : PCN-T04
GPIB Connector : CN-GP/C
Effective if this product interferes with the main unit of the target
device when plugging this product into the device.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(USB)FL 3
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 One-Year Warranty
CONTEC products are warranted by CONTEC CO., LTD. to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for up to one year 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 products. 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
4GP-IB(USB)FL
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.
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
- Do not strike or bend this product.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or breakage.
- Do not touch this product’s pin parts (USB connector, GPIB connector) with your hands.
Otherwise, this product may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
If the pin parts are touched by someone's hands, clean the parts with industrial alcohol.
- Make sure that your PC can supply ample power to all the products installed.
Insufficiently energized products 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 this 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.
- It may cause a trouble in recognizing and operating the device according to the kind of USB hub. If
you use the USB hub, we encourage you to take advantage of the CONTEC’s product loanservice to
confirm operation before purchasing.

1. Before Using the Product
GP-IB(USB)FL 5
FCC PART 15 Class A Notice
NOTE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
WARNING TO USER
Change or mo difications not expressly approved the manufacturer can void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.

1. Before Using the Product
6GP-IB(USB)FL
Environment
Use this product in the following environment. If used in an unauthorized environment, the converter
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 converter
has no dust or foreign
matter adhering.
Storage
When storing this product, keep it in its original packing form.
(1) Put this product 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.

2. Setup
GP-IB(USB)FL 7
2. Setup
This chapter explains how to set up the product.
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.
Installing the driver
This sectionenables you to prepare the software and hardware by operating in accordance with each step
in this chapter using the bundled CD-ROM. 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 Setting the Hardware
Step 2 Installing the Software
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
If Setup fails to be performed normally, see the “Setup Troubleshooting” section at the end of this
chapter.

2. Setup
8GP-IB(USB)FL
Step 1 Setting the Hardware
This section describes how to setup the converter and connect it to your PC.
Name of each parts
LED indicator
Screw *1
LINK
Status
SRQLA
Interface connector
9 pin D-SUB(Female)
Interface connector
USB TypeA
*1 The frame and signal grounds are connected to the screw of the product. It is effective to connect these pins to the earth for noise
(static electricity) measure.
Figure 2.1. Name of each parts (Front side)
Table 2.1. List of Status LED Functions
Name Function Indicator color LED indicator
ON : Communication is established.
USB communication status
OFF : Communication is not established.
ON : PC communication is established.
LINK Status
PC connection status
GREEN
OFF : PC communication is not established.
ON : SRQ output (Low)
SRQ Output status of SRQ signal
OFF : No SRQ output (High)
ON : Listener mode
LA Status of address
YELLOW
OFF : Not listener mode

2. Setup
GP-IB(USB)FL 9
Setting a Module ID
The host computer distinguishes and keeps track of the modules of same modelby assigning Module IDs
to them. Factory settings “00” can be used when only one module per model is connected to one
computer.
Each module should be assigned a unique Module ID in the range of 00 - 7Fh when several modules with
the same model are being connected.
There are two rotary switches, moreover, “x16” and “x1” represent high bits and low bits of Module ID
respectively.
Use a flathead screwdriver or similar to open the cover on the underside of the GP-IB(USB)FL. This
exposes the rotary SW to set the Module ID. As shown in Figure 2.2, an easy way to open the cover is to
insert the tip of the screwdriver into the slot on the underside of the connection cable and then rotate the
screwdriver.
Figure 2.2. How to open the cover
Module ID 12h
Module
ID (x1)
Module
ID(x16)
Module ID 00h
[Factory setting]
[0] [0]
0
1
2
3
4
6
9
A
B
C
E
8
0
1
2
3
4
6
9
A
B
C
E
8
[2]
0
1
2
3
4
6
9
A
B
C
E
8
[1]
0
1
2
3
4
6
9
A
B
C
E
8
Module
ID (x1)
Module
ID(x16)
Figure 2.3. Module ID setting (Back side)

2. Setup
10 GP-IB(USB)FL
Step 2 Software Installation
The following shows the basic flow for installing micro converter
Install software.
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.
Points
- If you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP, please log on as Administrator (authorized
account) before proceeding to the following steps.
Illustration of Menu Screen
P
a
ge
1
0
Page 13 Page 15
Setting Properties
Using Device Manager
- Setting device name
Software Installation
- API-GPIB(WDM) Development
Environment
- API-GPIB(98/PC) Runtime/Development
- API-GPLV(W32) Runtime/Development
- Utilities
Connecting to a PC
- Installing USB driver
Install the Development
Environment such as sample
programs and online help, etc.
Install the utility.
Refer to the user’s guide.
Refer to the description about
CD-ROM.
Install the C-LOGGER.
*Cannot be used for this product.

2. Setup
GP-IB(USB)FL 11
Points
- Please set up the supplied CD-ROM if it has not been set up. The menu starts automatically.
- If the menu do not start, launch X:AUTORUN.EXE(X:CD-ROM drive) from [Run…] in Start
menu.
- The screen design may be different.
- C-LOGGER is Data Logger Software for Analog Terminal. This product don’t need to install
C-LOGGER.
- Utility is tools for USB Module.This product don’t need to install Utility.
Installation of API-USBP(WDM) Development Environment
Installation of development environment is namely installing supplied online help and sample program
in all language in order to use API function.
(1) Clicking on “Install Development or Execution Environment”.
[API-USBP(WDM) Installer] dialog box displays.

2. Setup
12 GP-IB(USB)FL
(2) Selecting “Advanced GPIB communication”.
For more details on installing API-GPLV(W32), refer to the P21.
(3) Clicking on “Install” Button.
Please perform installation following the directions on the screen. And thus the installation is
completed.
* The screen design may be different.

2. Setup
GP-IB(USB)FL 13
Step 3 Installing the Hardware
Under Windows, information about the converter needs to be detected by the OS. This is called
hardware installation.
When using multiple converters, install one at a time and complete setup for the previous
converter before starting to install the next converter.
Connecting the converter
(1) Turn on the power to the PC before connecting the product.
(2) When the PC has been up and running, plug the USB interface connector to a USB port in the PC.
The converter can also be connected to the PC via a USB hub.
USB ports
Figure 2.4. Connecting to a PC
CAUTION
It may cause a trouble in recognizing and operating the device according to the kind of USB hub. If
you use the USB hub, we encourage you to take advantage of the CONTEC’s product loanservice to
confirm operation before purchasing.
USB cable can be attached firmly to the main unit by using a USB cable attachment.
Figure 2.5. Attaching a USB Attachment
CAUTION
The USB cable attachment cannot be used excluding an attached cable.

2. Setup
14 GP-IB(USB)FL
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard
(1) The “Found New Hardware Wizard” will be started.
In Windows Vista, Because the driver’s installation is completed by “Installing the Software”, it is
not necessary to operate it about the Hardware Wizard.
(2) Select “Install from a list or specific location[Advanced]”, then click on the [Next] button.
Detect setup information from supplied CD automatically for installing USB driver.
Point
Please specify the path for supplied CD as follows in the case of failure in detecting automatically.
X:\INF\WDM\GPIB (X: CD-ROM drive)
(3) Click on [Finish] button to complete the installation of USB driver.
* The name of the converter
you have just added is
displayed.
- GP-IB(USB)FL
* The name of the converter
you have just added is
displayed.
- GP-IB(USB)FL

2. Setup
GP-IB(USB)FL 15
Setting Properties Using Device Manager
After connecting converter with a PC and completing driver installation, open Device Manager and set
properties.
(1) Starting Device Manager
From [Start] menu, click on [Settings]-[Control Panel]-[System] and then click on [Device
Manager] button in [Hardware] tab.
- In the case of Windows 98/Me
Right-click on [My Computer] and select [Properties] to start device manager.
* The name of the converter
you have just added is
displayed.
- GP-IB(USB)FL