TAMS 63488 Guide

TAMS 63488
USB/GPIB Controller for Windows

2
Installation & Operation
TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller
Installation & Operation
Test & Measurement Systems Inc.
750 14th Street SW
Loveland, Colorado 80537
USA
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web Site www.tamsinc.com
Copyright © Test & Measurement Systems Inc. 1997 - 2005

3
TableofContents
Introduction .....................................................................................4
UnpackingYourProduct................................................................5
HardwareWarranty ....................................................................... 5
Installing the USB/GPIB.................................................................6
SoftwareInstallation .....................................................................6
HardwareInstallation ....................................................................6
Configuring the USB/GPIB Controller in SICL/VISA .................8
Connecting GPIB Instruments .....................................................12
SupplementalInformation ............................................................13
Troubleshooting .............................................................................15
AppendixA- Software LicenseAgreement ..................................17
AppendixB-HardwareWarranty Information ..........................19
Appendix C: Specifications ...........................................................20
AppendixD:Safety .........................................................................21
Appendix E: Declaration of Conformity ......................................22
Appendix F: Distributors ..............................................................23

4
Introduction
TheTAMS63488 USB/GPIB controller is intendedtoaddIEEE-488 (General Purpose
Instrument Bus - GPIB) capabilities to any computer with a USB port running Windows
2000 or Windows XP.
The TAMS USB/GPIB Controller takes full advantage of the High Speed USB 2.0 bus
performance and delivers the highest possible level of throughput.
Whether you are usingAgilent-VEE, BASIC forWindows, or programming in C with the
SICLorVISAlibrary,your code will now run at full performance.

5
Unpacking Your Product
When you open your TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller shipment, examine its contents.
Make sure your shipment contains the following items.
13566-884rellortnoCBIPG/BSU88436
BA-60-2BSUelbaCBSUtoof6
20009-88436swodniWrofsnoitcurtsnInoitarepO&noitallatsnI
1010-88436MORDCnoswodniWroferawtfoSrevirD88436
Hardware Warranty
All TAMS products use the highest quality components and are assembled to the highest
specifications. Should a defect exist, or a failure occur, we apologize.
Please follow the instructions below for service response.
!In the US please return it to TAMS. Please call or Fax for return instructions.
!Internationally, please contact the local distributor for return instructions.
Any customer may contact TAMS, or return products directly to TAMS, but for
customers outside the US, this may cause a delay, which could be avoided by working
with the local distributor listed inAppendix F.
The complete hardware warranty information is inAppendix B.
For software warranty information see the Software License inAppendixA.

6
Installing the USB/GPIB
This section describes the installation process.
Software Installation
Please install theTAMS 63488 software before connecting the USB/GPIB Controller to
the computer’s USB port. The TAMS 63488 software is supported on Windows 2000
(Service Pack 4) and Windows XP. The TAMS 63488 software depends upon theAgilent
IO Libraries. You need to have installed theAgilent IO Libraries M.01.00 or later release,
before you can install the TAMS 63488.
Software installation requires you to haveAdministrator privileges.
Installing the software first ensures that Windows will be able to find the correct driver
that is associated with theTAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller.
Hardware Installation
Once the TAMS 63488 software installed, the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller can be
connected to the computer. Connect the usb cable to the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
controller and to the host computer’s USB port.
ESD WARNING: Most interfaces contain components that are sensitive to damage from
electrostatic discharge. Use protective measures including anti-static workstation and
personal grounding devices, if possible.
If there are not enough USB ports on the computer, the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller
can be connected to a self powered USB hub. The self powered hub should then be
connected to the computer’s USB port with a separate USB cable. It is also necessary to
apply power to the hub.
When installing the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller, you may get the message :
“HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub”. This indicates that your
USB port is not capable of running at High Speed (480Mps). The TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
will automatically switch to Full Speed (12Mps). For High Speed operation, you need to
install a USB 2.0 High Speed Interface in your computer.

7
Once the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller is connected to the computer or USB hub, the
lights will flash green, then red, and then the power light will turn green. This indicates
that theTAMS 63488 USB/GPIB controller is ready.
After plugging in the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller to a USB port, the Windows plug
and play manager will detect the new hardware (TAMS USB/GPIB Controller), and briefly
display a screen such as:
The Windows plug&play manager has detected the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller
and is attempting assign the proper driver for that interface.
Note When installing the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller software, you may get a
Windows Message indicating that the driver has not passed Windows Logo Testing or a
message indicating that the driver has not been digitally signed. Please disregard these
messages and continue with the installation.
Once the hardware is installed, the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller needs to be
configured using the IO Config utility.

8
Configuring the USB/GPIB Controller in SICL/VISA
Configure the interface by executing the IO Config program, which will now be located in
the IO Libraries bin subdirectory. You should also have a shortcut under
Start->Programs->AgilentIOLibraries
Note If theAgilent IO Libraries version M.01.00 were installed using the default values
the IO Libraries bin subdirectory will be found here:
Windows 2000/XP: C:\Program Files\Agilent\IO Libraries\bin\
Upon execution, the IO Config program will present a window like this:
To configure your 63488 interface, please highlight the GPIB TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
Controller entry underAvailable Interface Types and double click on it or click on the
Configure button.

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If you have more than one USB/GPIB Controller in your system the following window
will appear (if you have one controller only, please continue to the next step):
Select the 63488 controller you wish to configure (if you have only have one 63488 USB/
GPIB controller, you will not need to select any interface, the system will do it automati-
callyforyou).Clickon OK.

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Nowthefollowingwindowwill appear:
In this window you will select all of the configurable parameters for the TAMS 63488.
Note The entry named “Serial Number” refers to the serial number of the TAMS 63488.
This read only field will match the serial number printed on the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
controller.
If you have existing applications that specify a different SICL or VISA name, then you may
need to change these parameters to match the configuration name that the program is
expecting.
Typically, the logical unit does not have to be changed. Traditionally, the first GPIB
interface has been assigned the logical unit of 7.

11
The GPIB Address, which by default is set to 21, is the bus address you wish the interface
to have at system power up. Please make sure that this GPIB address does not conflict
with any other GPIB device on the same bus.
Additional information on these functions is provided through the HELP button.
When you are finished setting the configurable parameter, click OK. You will then see
your interface listed on the screen, such as:
Now, click OK to finish configuring the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller and exit IO
Config.

12
Connecting GPIB Instruments
Once the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB controller software and hardware has been successfully
installed, instrument communications can begin by connecting the GPIB instruments to
the controller’s GPIB connector.
Ifyouarecommunicatingwith one GPIB instrument, theTAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
controller can be connected directly to the instrument’s GPIB connector. If you want to
communicate with multiple GPIB instruments then you need to use additional GPIB cables.
The GPIB cables should be used to daisy chain multiple instruments together. The TAMS
63488 USB/GPIB Controller should be the last item connected. An example configuration
is shown below:

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Supplemental Information
This section provides supplementary information on the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
Controller. The 63488 only functions as the GPIB System Controller.
The 63488 supports standard GPIB modes of operation, except for:
"Passing ofActive Controller
"Non-System Controller Mode, which prevents using SICL Commander
sessions or VISA Servant Sessions.
The T1 delay is set at 350 nsec.
Revision 1.1 of the software added a minimum timeout period. If you set a timeout value
smaller then the minimum timeout, then the timeout value will be raised to the timeout
floor. The minimum timeout period was needed to ensure reliable USB transactions when
running at Full Speed.
USB High Speed and Full Speed
The USB standard defines three speeds: High Speed (480Mbs), Full Speed (12Mbs), and
LowSpeed(1.5Mbs). TheTAMS63488USB/GPIBControllerwill operate in either High
Speed or Full Speed and will automatically use the highest speed possible.
In order to use High Speed, the Computer and USB Hub (if used) must support High
Speed.
USB Hubs
USB Hubs can be bus powered or self powered. Bus powered means that power is
supplied from the USB Bus and typically each port on the hub can only provide 100mA.
Self powered hubs means that they supply their own power and typically have an external
power supply that is connected to an outlet. Self powered hubs typically provide 500mA
of power per port.
The TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller requires 500mA. Because of this reason, the
TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB can not be used with bus powered hubs.

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Using the Interface with TransEra HTBASIC
Load the SICL version of the GPIB/HPIB driver with your desired options, e.g.:
LOAD BIN “HPIBS;DEV hpib7 ISC 7” (for TransEra HTBASIC)
Note: Historically ‘hpib7’is the SICLname for the first GPIB Controller. If you are
following the above example, you need to change the SICL Name to ‘hpib7’. By default
the TAMS 63488 uses a SICLName of ‘gpib0’.
Using the Interface with Agilent VEE
Configure at least one instrument, using the Logical Unit number assigned to the TAMS
63488 USB/GPIB Controller as the prefix, and then perform I/O as usual. The refresh
button will not report that the controller is present: this is normal and does not indicate
malfunction.

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Troubleshooting
This section describes some troubleshooting techniques for the TAMS 63488. The latest
information is available at theTAMS website at: http://www.tamsinc.com/hpib/63488/
Problem:Thelightsonthe63488USB/GPIB Controller do not light upordoesnot
flashonstartup.
Solution: The most likely cause of this problem is the 63488 is not connected to the
computer and thus does not have power.
Is the USB cable securely connected between the 63488 and the computer? Try
unplugging the USB cable and reconnecting it. Try a different USB port on the
computer.
Is the 63488 USB/GPIB Controller connected to a USB hub? If it is connected to a hub,
Is the hub connected to the computer? Does the USB hub have power connected to it?
Does Windows detect a new USB device in Device Manager, but the lights are off on the
63488? The most likely situation is that your computer’s USB port is not supplying 500
mA. Please contact your computer manufacturer for information on your usb ports. You
may have to use an external powered USB hub.
Problem:Installedthe63488USB/GPIBcomputerbeforeinstallingthe63488USB/
GPIBcontrollerSoftware.
Solution: If you attach the 63488 to the computer before installing the TAMS 63488
software, and you did not cancel the operation; then Windows will assign the default
USB driver for that device. You need to: start the Windows Device Manager (Click on
Start->Settings->Control Panel, Double Click on System, Click on the HardwareTab, Click
on the Device Manager... button) Select theTAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller which
will be the unknown USB Device, and Double Click on it. Select the Driver Tab. Click on
“Update Driver..” button. Select the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB driver.
Problem:IOConfig cannotfindtheTAMS 63488 USB/GPIBController.
This occurs if the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB controller is not connected to the computer or
if the wrong driver is installed. If the power light on theTAMS 63488 USB/GPIB
controller is green, then the unit is receiving power and is connected to the computer.
The TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB controller uses the T63488.sys driver. You can use the
Device Manager to determine which driver is assigned to theT63488.sys driver.

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Problem:ThegreenpowerlightontheTAMS 63488 unit is on, but the programis
unable tocommunicatewithinstrumentthroughSICL orVISA.
The most likely cause of this problem is an incorrect configuration setting.
Is the instrument connected to the TAMS 63488? Verify the physical connection
between the instrument(s) and the TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB controller.
Did you runAgilent’s IO Config? SICL and VISA need to be configured before the
TAMS 63488 USB/GPIB Controller isoperational.
If you are using multiple GPIB instruments, make sure that each device has its own
unique GPIB address. Each GPIB device must has a unique GPIB address. The GPIB
Address for the TAMS 63488 can be found using the IO Config utility.
Is the address string correct? (e.g. “gpib0,20” for sicl or “gpib0::20::instr” for visa)
Existing prorams may have hard coded address strings. You can use the IO Config utility
to change the SICL or VISA names to match what the program is expecting.

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AppendixA- Software LicenseAgreement
Software LicenseAgreement
Please carefully read this LicenseAgreement before installing the software. Rights in the
software are offered only on the condition that the Customer agrees to all terms and
conditions of the License Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of the License
Agreement, you may return the unopened software package and the hardware for a full
refund.
In return for the payment of fee TAMS grants the Customer a license to use the software,
until terminated subject to the following
Customer may use the software on any one computer.
Customer may not reverse assemble or decompile the software.
Customer may make copies for archival purposes.
Customer has no other rights to copy.
All copies of the software must bear the copyright notice(s) contained on the original.
OWNERSHIP: Customer agrees that they do not have any title or ownership of the software, other
than ownership of the physical media. Customer acknowledges and agrees that the software is
copyrighted and protected under the copyright laws.
Customer Acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been developed by a third party
software supplier named in the copyright notice(s) included with the software, who shall be authorized
to hold Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation of this License Agreement.
TRANSFER OF RIGHTS IN SOFTWARE: Customer may transfer rights in the software to a third
party only as part of the transfer of all their rights and only if Customer obtains the prior agreement
of the third party to be bound buy the terms of this License Agreement.
Upon such transfer, Customer agrees that their rights in the software are terminated and that they
will either destroy their copies and adaptations or they will deliver them to the third party.
Transfer to a US government department or agency or to a prime or lower tier contractor in
connection with a US government contract shall be made only upon their prior written agreement to
terms required by TAMS.
SUBLICENSING AND DISTRIBUTION: Customer may not subliscence the software or distribute copies
or adaptations of the software to the public in physical media or by telecommunications without the
prior written consent of TAMS
TERMINATION: TAMS May terminate this software license for failure to comply with any of these
terms provided TAMS has requested Customer to cure the failure and Customer has failed to do so
within thirty (30) days of such notice.
UPDATES AND UPGRADES: Customer agrees that the software does not include updates and
upgrades which may be available from TAMS under a separate support agreement.
EXPORT CLAUSE: Customer agrees not to export or re-export the software or any copy or
adaptation in violation of the US Export Administration regulations or other applicable regulations.

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LIMITED WARRANTY
TAMS warrants for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase that the software product will
execute it’s programming instructions when properly installed on the computer or workstation with
a supported version of the Operating System. TAMS does not warrant that the operation of the
software will be uninterrupted or error free. In the event that this software product fails to execute
it’s programming instructions during this warranty period , Customer’s remedy shall be to return the
CD media to TAMS for replacement. Should TAMS be unable to replace the media within a reasonable
amount of time, Customer’s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of
the entire product and all copies.
TAMS warrants the media upon which the product is recorded top be free from defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. In the event
any media prove to be defective during the warranty period, Customer’s remedy shall be to return the
media to TAMS for replacement. Should Tams be unable to replace the media within a reasonable
amount of time, Customer’s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of
the entire product and all copies.
NOTICE OF WARRANTY CLAIMS Customer must notify TAMS in writing of any warranty claim
within the warranty period.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY: TAMS makes no other express warranty, whether written or oral ,
with respect to this product. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness is limited to the 90-
day duration of this written warranty. Some sates or provinces do not allow limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state, province to province or country to country.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES : The remedies provided above are Customer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
In no event shall TAMS be liable for any direct, indirect special, incidental, or consequential damages
(including lost profit) whether based on warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory. Some
states provinces or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
WARRANTY SERVICE: Warranty service may be obtained directly from TAMS or from any of it’s
Distributors.

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Appendix B - Hardware Warranty Information
ONEYEARLIMITEDWARRANTY
Test & Measurement Systems, Inc. warrants to the purchaser that the Interface card will be free
of all defects in material and/or workmanship for one year from the date of shipment to the
customer.
In the event of malfunction or failure attributable directly to faulty material and/or workmanship,
TAMS will at it’s option, repair or replace the defective product or components, to whatever
extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or component, to proper operating condition.
TAMS may at its option repair or replace, a defective unit with a new or refurbished unit.
The customer shall be solely responsible for the failure of any TAMS product, resulting from
accident abuse, or misapplication of the product, and TAMS assumes no liability as a
consequence of such events under the terms of this warranty.
While TAMS has made every effort to provide clear and accurate technical information about the
application of this product, TAMS assumes no liability for any events arising out of the use of
this technical information.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state, and from country to country.
This Warranty is in Lieu of all other express warranties which now or hereafter might otherwise
arise with respect to this product. ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT
ABILITYAND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR USE, SHALL HAVE NO GREATER
DURATION THAN THE PERIOD FOR THE EXPRESS WRITTEN WARRANTY
APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT AS SHOWN ABOVE, AND SHALL TERMINATE
AUTOMATICALLY AT THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD.
(Some states and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so this
limitation may not apply to you) No action shall be brought for breach of any implied or express
warranty after one year subsequent to the expiration of the period of the express written
warranty.
Incidental and consequential damages caused by malfunction, defect, or otherwise and with
respect to breach of any express or implied warranty, are not the responsibility of TAMS, and to
the extent permitted by law, are hereby excluded both for property and to the extent not
unconscionable, for personal injury damage. (Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to
you.)

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Appendix C: Specifications
GeneralRequirements:
MinimumSystem Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP
Requirements USB Port (OS may require additional resources)
Required Software Agilent IO Libraries, Version M.01.00 or later
Supported Standards USB2.0, IEEE-488.1and IEEE-488.2compatible, SICL,VISA
Supported Software VisualBasic,VisualC/C++,VisualStudio,AgilentVEE,
Development BASICforWindows, LabVIEW
GeneralCharacteristics:
Power USBbuspowered device,+5V500 mA(max),280 mA(typical)
Connectors Standard24-pinIEEE-488, StandardUSBB
Dimensions 9.53cmx 6.35 cmx2.54 cm (includingconnectors)
Weight 227 grams
Cable 6 foot, shielded, USB 2 certified
Indicators Power,Activitiy
Warranty 1Year
EnvironmentalSpecifications
Operating Environment 0 degrees C to +40 degress C
Storage Environment -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C
Humidity 20-80% (0 degrees C to +40 degrees C)
Storage Humidity 20-80% (0 degrees C to +55 degrees C)
OrderingInformation
Interface TAMS63488USB/GPIBController
URL: http://www.tamsinc.com/hpib/63488/