Contec GPIB-F-LPE User manual

PC-HELPER
High-performance High-Speed
GPIB Communication Board for PCI Express
Low Profile
GPIB-F-LPE
High-Speed GPIB Communication Board
for PCI Express
Low Profile
GPIB-FL-LPE
User’s Guide
CONTEC CO.,LTD.

GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 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 youdiscover damaged or missing items,
contact your retailer.
Product Configuration List
- Board (One of the following)
[GPIB-F-LPE, or GPIB-FL-LPE]
- First step guide …1
- CD-ROM *1 [API-PAC(W32)] …1
- GPIB connector adapter [CN-GP/C] …1
- Standard-sized bracket …1
*1 The CD-ROM contains the driver software and User’s Guide (this guide)
CD-ROM
[API-PAC(W32)] GPIB connector
adapter
Board First step guide Standard-sized
bracket

ii GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
Copyright
Copyright 2006 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.

GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE iii
Table of Contents
Check Your Package............................................................................................................................i
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) ...................................................................................................... 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 Board under Windows Using the Driver Library API-PAC(W32) ............................ 9
Using the Board under Windows Using Software Other than the Driver Library
API-PAC(W32)............................................................................................................................9
Using the Board 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
Replacing the Bracket................................................................................................................ 16
Parts of the Board and Factory Defaults ................................................................................... 17
Setting the Board ID..................................................................................................................18
Plugging the Board ....................................................................................................................18
Using the Connector Adaptor....................................................................................................19
Step 3 Installing the Hardware.........................................................................................................20
Turning on the PC......................................................................................................................20
Setting with the Found New Hardware Wizard ........................................................................20

iv GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
Step 4 Initializing the Software........................................................................................................22
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)xx..................................................................................................24
For using API-GPLV(W32).......................................................................................................25
Step 5 Checking Operations with the Diagnosis Program ...............................................................26
What is the Diagnosis Program?................................................................................................26
Check Method............................................................................................................................26
Setup Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................29
Symptoms and Actions..............................................................................................................29
If your problem cannot be resolved...........................................................................................29
3. EXTERNAL CONNECTION 31
How to connect the connectors.........................................................................................................31
Connecting a Device to a Connector .........................................................................................31
Connector Pin Assignment ........................................................................................................31
Notes on cable connection.........................................................................................................32
4. FUNCTIONS 35
Bus Master Function.........................................................................................................................35
Bus Master Transfer...................................................................................................................35
Basic GPIB Functions.......................................................................................................................36
Master/slave function.................................................................................................................36
Communication function ...........................................................................................................36
Serial poll/parallel poll/SRQ send functions.............................................................................36
My address setting .....................................................................................................................36
Additional Functions.........................................................................................................................37
Line monitor function................................................................................................................37
Communication using FIFO memory........................................................................................37
Analyzer function (GPIB-F-LPE)..............................................................................................37
5. ABOUT SOFTWARE 41
CD-ROM Directory Structure ..........................................................................................................41
About Software for Windows...........................................................................................................42
For using API-GPIB(98/PC).............................................................................................................42
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................42
Using Sample Programs.............................................................................................................43
For using API-GPLV(W32)..............................................................................................................45
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................45
Function List..............................................................................................................................46
Using Sample Programs.............................................................................................................49
Uninstalling the API Function Libraries ..........................................................................................50
About Software for Linux.................................................................................................................51
Driver Software Install Procedure.............................................................................................51
Accessing the Help File.............................................................................................................52
Using Sample Programs.............................................................................................................52
Uninstalling the driver...............................................................................................................52

GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE v
6. ABOUT HARDWARE 53
For detailed technical information ...................................................................................................53
Hardware specification..................................................................................................................... 53
Restrictions and Notes......................................................................................................................55
Positioning the GPIB Connector for the GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE................................... 55

vi GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE

1. Before Using the Product
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 1
1. Before Using the Product
About the Board
This product is a PCI Express bus-compatible interface board with support for bus master operation and
which complies with IEEE-488.1 and IEEE-488.2. This product can be used in a PC to control
communications with devices that support the GPIB interface and read GPIB bus line data.
The GPIB-F-LPE can also analyze the signal on the GPIB bus using the built-in memory
(GPIB bus analyzer function).
This product supports a low-profile size slot and, if replaced with the supplied bracket, supports a
standard size slot, too.
You can use the supplied driver library to develop application software using any programming
language that supports the Win32 API routines (such as Visual Basic or Visual C++), or using
LabVIEW.
Features
Complies with the IEEE-488.2 standard
- As the board 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
board and PC without loading the CPU.
Internal 2Kbyte FIFO buffers for send and receive
- The board 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 [only GPIB-F-LPE]
- The board 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 this product is performing GPIB communications
Built-in SPAS event function
- In addition to the functions of the earlier GPIB controller (µPD7210), the board 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 board includes a high-precision application timer to allow accurate time monitoring to be
performed under Windows.
Long term availability
- As the board uses a high-speed GPIB controller developed by CONTEC (compatible with the
µPD7210 register), reliable long term availability is ensured.
Diagnosi
s
program
- A diagnosis 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.
Other
- You can read the data from the application using all control lines (with the latch function) and data
lines. [Data lines are only supported on the GPIB-F-LPE.]

1. Before Using the Product
2GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
- Supports both Low Profile size slots and standard size slots (use the supplied bracket as an adaptor).
Support Software
You should use CONTEC support software according to your purpose and development environment.
NOTE:
This hardware does not support Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0/3.51.
Driver Library 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.
See http://www.contec.com/apipac/ for details and download of API-PAC(W32).
< Operating environment >
OS Windows XP, Server 2003, 2000
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 (Supplied: Stored on the API-PAC(W32) 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 (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
Adaptation language LabVIEW, Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++,
Visual Basic, Delphi, C++Builder, etc..
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.)

1. Before Using the Product
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 3
Adaptation language gcc, etc..
Cable & Connector (Option)
GPIB cable (2m) : PCN-T02
GPIB cable (4m) : PCN-T04
GPIB Connector : CN-GP/C *1
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.
*1 The GPIB connector adapter [CN-GP/C] is bundled with this product as a standard feature.
* Check the CONTEC’s Web site for more information on these options.

1. Before Using the Product
4GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
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 boards. Thewarrantyis not applicable ifthedevice has beentampered 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 anyincidental 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
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 5
Safety Precautions
Understand the following definitions and precautions to use the product safely.
Safety Information
This document provides safety information using the following symbolstoprevent 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
6GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
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 and jumpers 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.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, cause a failure or break.
- 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.
- When you use the board in a noisy environment or are nervous about noise, attach ferrite cores to the
connection cable.
- Do not install or remove the board to or from the extension slot while thecomputer's poweris turned on.
And also do not connect the board and external device while the power is turned on.
Otherwise, the board may malfunction, overheat, or cause a failure.
Be sure that the personal computer or the I/O extension unit power is turned off.
- Make sure that your PC or extension 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.
- Points to note when installing the GPIB-F-LPE and the GPIB-FL-LPE is listed in "Chapter 6
Restrictions and Notes". Please read these beforehand.

1. Before Using the Product
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 7
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 - 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
of the board and its cable have
been plugged correctly.
- Check that the board has
no dust or foreign matter adhering.
- 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 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.
Disposal
When disposing of the product, follow the disposal procedures stipulated under the relevant laws and
municipal ordinances.

1. Before Using the Product
8GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE

2. Setup
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 9
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 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 Board 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
10 GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
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 5 About Software
Chapter 6 About Hardware

2. Setup
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 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 board.
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 board: 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 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

2. Setup
12 GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE
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, 2000, log in as a user with administrator privileges.

2. Setup
GPIB-F-LPE, GPIB-FL-LPE 13
For using API-GPIB(98/PC)
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)”.
(3) Select “Driver, Help, etc..(Full Install)”.
(4) Click on the [Install] button.