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 a
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 (TCP/IP) protocol.
Data transfer is bi-directional.
The 4865B solves the problem of how to
interface an instrument with an Ethernet in-
terface to the GPIB bus. Applications include
replacing obsolete or failed GPIB instruments
with a newer instrument that may not have
a GPIB interface or just adding a new LAN
instrument to a GPIB bus system. Several
OEM board versions are available that can
be housed inside larger instruments.
The 4865B adds an IEEE-488.2 compli-
ant, GPIB interface to a VXI-11.3 compatible
instrument. IEEE-488.2 compliance for LXI
and raw socket instruments is determined by
the instrument's command capability.
Linking to the Instrument
The 4865B automatically nds the instru-
ment if the instrument is VXI-11 compatible,
or is a LXI instrument 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 en-
abled, the 4865B starts
the instrument discov-
ery 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.
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 the instrument. Device messages
are transparently sent to the instrument and
instrument replies are returned to the GPIB
Controller, just like a GPIB instrument. The
4865B performs a background check of the
instrument's Status Register with the *STB?
query to create a virtual Status Byte Register
and asserts an SRQ on the GPIB bus when
a Service Request is detected.
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

Raw Socket Instruments
For instruments that use raw socket protocol, the
4865B transparently transmits GPIB device messages
to the instrument. Instrument responses are received
from the instrument and outputted to the GPIB Control-
ler when the 4865B is addressed to talk. The 4865B
can be set to use a specic raw socket port number, to
recognize an EOS 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 4865B performs a background check of the
instrument's Status Register with the *STB? query to
create a virtual Status Byte Register and asserts an SRQ
on the GPIB bus when a Service Request is detected.
Minimal Programming Changes
In most cases, existing programs that run the new
Ethernet version or the older GPIB version of the instru-
ment 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 combination
will have reduced GPIB capability that can be augmented
wh e n c on g u r i n g t h e 4 86 5B. D ep e nd i n g up o n t h e i n st r u m e nt 's
capability, the user can enable AutoFind, IDN queries, IDN
conrmation, SRQ generation and Serial Polling. The 4865B
can also be set to send the instrument substitute command
strings for Device Trigger, Device Clear, GTL, Local/Remote
changes, IFC received and power turn-on or reset.
Connections
While the 4865B is normally used in a back-to-back con-
nection 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 connec-
tion. 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 instrument 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 ad-
dress for the companion instrument, and select the instrument
protocol (VXI-11 or raw socket). For raw socket instruments,
you can enter strings that the instrument can respond to. The
4865B will send the strings to the instrument in place of
GPIB Commands or events. For instance, the IEEE-488.2
*RST Common Command might be replaced with 'Reset'.
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 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

4865B vs the original 4865
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.
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 a 4865B and
an ICS interface in a large size Minibox™.
Figure 4 4865B OEM Board Outline Dimensions
OEM Board Version
Several OEM Board versions of the 4865B are available for
engineers who want to build the 4865B functionality into an
instrument. The OEM boards differ in their connector options:
Part# Description
115895 20-pin at ribbon header for GPIB and
horizontal RJ45 connector for Ethernet. Best
version for mounting inside the chassis.
115897 Right-angle GPIB and RJ45 connectors.
115907 Right-angle GPIB and vertical RJ45 connec-
tor. Use when mounting the board against the
rear panel so the GPIB connector protrudes
thru the rear panel of the chassis.
All of the OEM boards have their power switch is removed
and jumpered so that the board turns on with system power.
The standard power jack is replaced by a two-pin friction-lock
header with a retaining clip. The mating connector is ICS P/N
902323 (TE Connectivity part# 6440440-2). Four 2-56 x 0.25
inch threaded standoffs allow the board to be mounded against
any metal plate with adequate clearance under the board.
Use a at-ribbon GPIB cable like ICS P/N 113644 to extend
the GPIB header on the 115895 OEM Board to the rear panel
of the chassis. The 113644 cable includes metric studs for
mounting the GPIB connector on the rear panel and can be
ordered in any length from 10 to 90 cm.
115897 OEM Board
115895 OEM Board with 113644-15 Cable

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
Temperature
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
OEM Bd 2-pin friction lock header
Power AMP 640456-2
Power 9 to 32 Vdc @ 4 VA
RFI/EMI CE Certied
EEC Standards EN 55024:2010
and EN 55022:2010
Construction RoHS with FR406 PC Bd
Reach compliant
Firmware Field upgradable
Included Accessories
Standard units include:
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
OEM Boards do not include accessories.
4865B SPECIFICATIONS
GPIB to Lan (Ethernet) Instrument Interface with 115/230 VAC adapter, universal plug set, Manual and CD-ROM 4865B
GPIB to Lan (Ethernet) Instrument Interface OEM Board 115895, 115897 or 115907
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 2018 ICS Electronics div of systems West, Inc. 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
the amount of data transferred and 4865B's activ-
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.
Defaults to 169.254.48.65 if
no DHCP server response.
Net Mask 255.255.0.0
Interface name inst0
VXI-11 timeout 150 ms to 3 seconds.
11/18
Companion Instrument
The 4865B supports a single instrument that is
VXI-11.3 compatible or that uses raw sockets.
GPIB Controller Requirements
GPIB Controller needs to be IEEE-488.2 compli-
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