Chapter 1 Introduction; Gpib-232Ct-A Overview - National Instruments GPIB-232CT-A Getting Started

Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter contains a description of the GPIB-232CT-A, lists what you
need to get started and optional equipment you can order, contains
instructions for inspecting your GPIB-232CT-A, and gives hardware and
software descriptions.

GPIB-232CT-A Overview

The GPIB-232CT-A is a high-performance serial-to-GPIB interface. It
provides a computer with an RS-232 port, a means of controlling, talking,
and listening on the GPIB. The GPIB-232CT-A is also capable of
interfacing RS-232 instruments and peripherals to the GPIB.
The GPIB-232CT-A has all the software and logic required to implement
the physical and electrical specifications of the IEEE 488 and RS-232
standards. It can interpret and execute high-level commands that you send
to it over the serial port, and perform GPIB-to-RS-232 protocol conversion.
The GPIB-232CT-A also conforms to all versions of the IEEE 488
standard, including IEEE 488.2. The NAT4882 Controller chip implements
all IEEE 488 Talker/Listener/Controller functionality.
Figure 1-1 shows the GPIB-232CT-A.
© National Instruments Corp.
GPIB-232CT-A
RS-232 IEEE 488 Controller
NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS
Figure 1-1. GPIB-232CT-A
1-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows