ICS ELECTRONICS 4865B User manual

7034 Commerce Circle
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.icselect.com
ICS
ELECTRONICS
ICS
division of Systems West Inc.
4865B GPIB-to-LAN Interface
4865B
GPIB-to-LAN
Instrument Interface
■Adapts LAN instruments for
GPIB Test Systems.
Expands the number of instru-
ments that will work in your
GPIB test system.
■Transparently passes all com-
mands to the companion LAN
instrument.
Runs from any GPIB system.
■AutoFind feature simplies
instrument linkage.
Eliminates hunting and set-
ting/changing IP addresses.
■Supports VXI-11 and raw
socket communication.
Works with most LAN instru-
ments.
■Saves instrument replacement
costs and helps reuse existing
test software.
Passes GPIB commands onto
the LAN instrument.
■ Easy conguration from any
web browser
Internal webserver with
Welcome and Conguration
pages
■Drop-in replacement for the
original 4865.
Faster data transfer with
faster processor.
Approved
RoHS Construction
DESCRIPTION
ICS's 4865B is a GPIB-to-LAN Instru-
ment Interface that enables instruments with
an Ethernet interface to be controlled from a
GPIB Bus. Using the 4865B, GPIB applica-
tions can transparently connect to and control
a LAN-based instrument just as if it were a
GPIB Instrument. The 4865B handles both
VXI-11 compatible instruments and instru-
ments that use raw socket protocol.
Applications include replacing obsolete or
failed GPIB instruments with a newer instru-
ment that may not have a GPIB interface or
just adding a new LAN instrument to a GPIB
bus system.
The 4865B solves the problem of how to
interface an instrument with an Ethernet in-
terface to the GPIB bus. The 4865B adds an
IEEE-488.2 compliant interface to VXI-11.3
compatible instruments that do not have a
GPIB interface. IEEE-488 compliance for
LXI andrawsocketinstrumentsisdetermined
by the instrument's capability.
VXI-11 Instruments
For VXI-11 compatible instruments, the
4865B converts 488.1 GPIB commands into
the equivalent VXI-11 RPC and sends them to
t h e i n s t r u m e n t . D e v i c e m e s s a g e s a r e t r a n s p a r-
ently sent to the instrument and instrument
replies are returned to the GPIB Controller,
just like a GPIB instrument.
Linking to the Instrument
The 4865B can automatically nd the
i n st r u m ent i f t h e i n st r u -
ment is VXI-11 compat-
ible, or is a LXI instru-
ment or is an instrument
that can perform the
LXI'VXI-11 Discovery'
process. AutoFind can
be used with a 'Static' IP
or with the 'DHCP with
AutoIP' setting when the 4865B is directly
connected to the instrument.
If AutoFind is enabled, the 4865B starts
the instrument discovery process as soon as
it completes its power turn-on and self-test
sequence. When the 4865B nds an instru-
ment that responds to the VXI-11 Discovery
process, the 4865B uses that IP address for
the instrument.
If the 4865B has been given a specic
IP address, the 4865B only looks for an
instrument at that address. Fixed IP ad-
dresses are recommended when the 4865B
to instrument connection is over the com-
pany network, when multiple instruments
may respond to the 4865B or for raw socket
communication.
Raw Socket Instruments
For instruments that use raw socket pro-
tocol, the 4865B transparently transmits
GPIB device messages to the instrument.
Instrument responses are received from
the instrument and outputted to the GPIB
Controller when the 4865B is addressed to
talk. The 4865B can be set to use a specic
raw socketportnumber, to recognize an EOS
GPIB LAN INTERFACE
Figure 1 4865B connects a LAN Instrument to the GPIB Bus
4865B LAN <=>GPIB Interface
GPIB
LAN Instrument


8065 Ethernet to GPIB
Ethernet
Cable

character to terminate the instrument responses and to
test the instrument's IDN response. If the instrument
supports the VXI-11 Discovery method, the 4865B can
AutoFind it. The 4865B can also convert IEEE-488.1
GPIB Commands such as GET, SDC, etc. and GPIB
events such as IFC or local/remote changes into a user
specied command strings if the instrument has similar
capabilities. If SRQs and Serial Polls are enabled, the
4865Bperformsabackgroundcheckoftheinstrument's
Status Register with the *STB? query to create a virtual
Status Byte Register and asserts an SRQ on the GPIB
bus is a Service Request is detected.
Minimal Programming Changes
In most cases, existing programs that can control
the instrument in its LAN environment or that ran
the older version of the instrument through its GPIB
interface can be used with the 4865B and the new
instrument. The only requirement is that the new
instrument must understand the existing commands.
The 4865B works with any IEEE-488.2 compatible
GPIB controller and can be used with LabVIEW,
VEE, Visual Basic and C language programs. The
4865B and VXI-11.3 instrument combination supports
most 488.1 GPIB commands except for Remote with
Lockout and Local with Lockout.
When used with a raw socket instrument, the com-
bination will have reduced GPIB capability that can be
augmented when conguring the 4865B. Depending
upon the instrument's capability, the user can enable
AutoFind, IDN queries, IDN conrmation, SRQ gen-
eration and Serial Polling. The 4865B can also be set
to send the instrument substitute command strings for
Device Trigger, Device Clear, GTL, Local/Remote,
IFC received and power turn-on or reset.
Connections
While the 4865B is normally used in a back-to-back
connection with its companion instrument as shown
in Figure 1, it can be connected to the instrument in
other ways. Figure 2 shows the 4865B connected to
the instrument through an Ethernet hub or switch.
This is a typical lab bench connection. It lets a user
congure the 4865B through the hub while developing
the GPIB program.
The 4865B instrument connection can be expanded
across the company network as shown in Figure 3 or
further if the instrument is VXI-11 compatible. The
4865B provides standard GPIB control over the instru-
ment no matter where it is located.
Figure 2 4865B Instrument Hub Connection
Figure 3 4865B Instrument Network Connection
4865B APPLICATIONS
Setup & Installation
The 4865B is very easy to install. Plug the 4865B into a network
access point adjacent to your computer as shown in Figure 2 or use
an Ethernet cable to connect the 4865B directly to a PC's network
port. Launch a web browser and point it to the 4865B's default AutoIP
address of 169.254.48.65. The 4865B's Welcome page provides all of
the information about the 4865B's current settings. If the 4865B is
being used with a VXI-11 compatible instrument that has an AutoIP
address, no conguration is required.
Else, select the Conguration Page where you can select and set
a static IP address or DHCP with AutoIP, change the 4865B's GPIB
address, enable AutoFind or set a xed IP address for the companion
instrument, and select the instrument protocol (VXI-11 or raw socket).
For raw socket instruments, you can enter strings that the 4865B will
send to the instrument in place of GPIB Commands or events. Set
the remaining parameters, save the settings, reboot and the 4865B is
ready to be connected to the instrument and to the GPIB bus.
A rear panel LAN Reset button is provided to reset the 4865B's
network settings to the factory default settings in case the 4865B's
conguration needs to be reset.
4865B Dierences
The 4865B has a faster processor and faster Ethernet interface than
the original 4865. In addition, the 4865B adds support for raw socket
instruments. The result is a 2.5x to 10x faster interface depending
upon the command, the protocol and the companion instrument.
4865B LAN <=>GPIB Interface
GPIB
LAN Instrument


Line to Company Network
8065 Ethernet to GPIB

Ethernet Cables
4865B LAN <=>GPIB Interface
GPIB
LAN Instrument


8065 Ethernet to GPIB
Company Network

Rack Mounting
The standard 4865B is housed in ICS's small metal
Minibox™ and is designed for benchtop use or rack mounted
with an optional rack mount kit. The metal Minibox case
provides suburb EMI/RFI suppression. Rack mount kits are
available that hold one or two small 4865Bs or one 4865B and
an ICS interface in a large size Minibox™.
OEM Board Version
An OEM Board version of the 4865B is available for en-
gineers who want to build the 4865B functionality into an
instrument. The board outline and mounting dimensions are
shown in Figure 4. Order P/N 115897.
TheOEMBoardhasthepowerswitchremovedandjumpered
so that it turns on with system power. It has four 0.128 diam-
eter holes, one at each corner that allow it to be held in place
with #4 screws. The bottom of the board should be raised a
minimum of 0.10 inches from any metal surface.
Figure 4 4865B OEM Board Outline

Physical
Size 7.45" L x 5.57" W x 1.52" H
(18.92 cm L x 14.15 cm W x 3.86 cm H)
Weight
Module 1.6 lbs. (0.73 kg.)
Shipping 3 lbs. (1.4 kg)
Construction RoHS Compliant
Temperatu re
Operating -10 °C to +65 °C
Storage -40 °C to + 70 °C
Humidity 0-90% RH non-condensing
Shock/Vibration Normal handling
Connectors
GPIB GPIB 24 pin ribbon
with metric studs.
Ethernet RJ-45
Power 9 to 32 Vdc @ 4 VA
RFI/EMI CE Certied
EEC Standards EN 55024:2010
and EN 55022:2010
Firmware Field upgradable
Included Accessories
Instruction Manual
CD-ROM with support information.
LAN Crossover Cable.
UL/CSA/VDE approved 115/230 ±10% AC
Power Adapter provided with plugs for US, UK,
Europe, Japan, Australia and China
4865B SPECIFICATIONS
Ethernet - GPIB Controller with 115/230 VAC adapter, universal plug set, Manual and CD-ROM 4865B
Ethernet - GPIB Controller OEM Board 115897
GPIB Accessary Cables See separate data sheet
Rack Mounting Kits (holds one or two 4865Bs). See separate data sheet Single - 114210, Dual - 114211
ORDERING INFORMATION Part Number
Copyright 2016 ICS Electronics, Specications subject to change without notice
Supported Standards
IEEE 488.1 Capabilities:
The 4865B's IEEE-488.1 capabilities are deter-
mined by the communication link to the instru-
ment. For VXI-11 instruments they are:
AH1, SH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL2, PP0, DC1,
DT1, C0 and E2
E2 Drivers incorporate power up/down
protection.
4865B Address 0 to 30 [4]
488 Bus Performance
Long term GPIB transfer rates are limited by
the LAN data transfer rate, the Client-computer
performance, the GPIB controller and the LAN
instrument or device. Internal delays vary with
t h e a mo u n t o f d a t a t r a ns f e r r e d a n d 4 8 6 5 B ' s a c t i v -
ity when the message was received.
Short term transfer rates:
GPIB to 4865B >260 kbyte/sec
4865B to GPIB >180 kbyte/sec
Command times:
*IDN? query 17 ms typical (VXI-11)
*IDN? query 3 ms typical (raw socket)
*CLS command 8.5 ms typical (VXI-11)
Supported GPIB (IEEE-488.1) Commands
Either converted into the equivalent VXI-11 rpc
or replaced by a user designated string.
Device Clear
Device Trigger
Local
Remote
Serial Poll
VXI-11 Capabilities
Fully VXI-11.3 compliant
VXI-11.3 Client side
Channel types Data channel
Instrument links 64 max
Locking By instrument link
RPC Protocol
Conforms to ONC RPC Version 2
Ethernet Interface
Type IEEE 802.3 compliant
Auto-MDIX
Speeds 10BaseT (10 Mb/s)
100BaseT(100 Mb/s)
IP Address Static or DHCP (AutoIP)
Factory setting DHCP with AutoIP.
D e f a u lt s t o 16 9. 2 5 4 . 4 8 . 65 i f
no DHCP server response.
Net Mask 255.255.0.0
Interface name inst0
07/16
Companion Instrument
The 4865B supports a single instrument that is
VXI-11.3 compatible or that uses raw sockets.
GPIB Controller Requirements
G P I B Co n t r o l l e r n e e d s t o b e I E E E - 4 8 8. 2 c o m p l i -
ant. Device messages must be terminated with the
IEEE-488.2 new line terminator (linefeed with
EOI asserted) or with just EOI asserted if the LAN
instrument does not require a terminator.
Computer with an IEEE 802.3 LAN interface and
a web browser for conguring the 4865B.
Internal WebServer
The internal WebServer provides HTML web
pages for viewing and setting the 4865B's con-
guration.
Controls and Indicators
CONTROLS
Power Front-panel switch
LAN Reset Rear-panel push-button
LEDs
PWR Power on
LAN Unit connected to an active
network or network device.
ACT Transferring messages to/
from the network.
RDY Blinks when looking for an
instrument. Steady on when
linked to an instrument
TALK 4865B is addressed to talk
LSTN 4865B is addressed to listen
SRQ 4865B asserting SRQ on the
GPIB bus.
ERR Unit has detected an error
The VXI-11 Specication is available from the VXI Consortium at http://www.vxibus.org/specs.html?q=node/206
or from ICS's website at http://www.icselect.com/vxi_spec.html