The GPIB, also known as IEEE 488, is a short-range digital parallel communication bus widely used in laboratory, scientific, and industrial environments. It was initially developed by Hewlett-Packard in the 1960s and later standardized by the IEEE as a reliable interface for communication between computers and measurement instruments.
Even with the popularization of modern interfaces like USB, Ethernet, and PXI, GPIB remains a reference in applications that require compatibility with classic equipment and precise control of bench instruments.
🧰 What is GPIB used for?
GPIB is ideal for controlling and acquiring data from instruments such as:
- Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
- Programmable Power Supplies
- Oscilloscopes
- Spectrometers and signal analyzers
- Function generators
- Calibration and validation systems
The interface allows a computer or master controller to send commands and receive responses from up to 15 devices on the same line.
📡 How does GPIB work?
The GPIB bus uses 24-pin connectors and supports parallel communication of up to 1 Mbyte/s, ideal for test automation with low latency. Each connected device can take on the role of master (controller), slave (device), or both, with a command and response-oriented communication model.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Technical name | IEEE 488 (or HP-IB) |
| Signal type | Parallel (8 bits) |
| Data rate | Up to 1 Mbyte/s |
| No. of devices | Up to 15 (with addressing) |
| Typical distance | Up to 20 meters total cable |
🛠️ How AJOLLY Testing integrates GPIB
At AJOLLY Testing, we use GPIB for reliable control of measurement instruments in functional test systems, calibration laboratories, and validation stations:
- Integration with LabVIEW, TestStand, Python or C#
- Automated measurement sequencing with full traceability
- Compatibility with VISA drivers, facilitating standardized communication
- Control of legacy equipment in hybrid test benches (GPIB + USB + Ethernet)
- Tests with automatic limit checking, logging, and report generation
✅ Advantages of GPIB
- Stable and mature interface, ideal for critical environments
- Universal support in equipment from manufacturers like Keysight, Tektronix, Rohde & Schwarz, Fluke, Chroma
- Facilitated integration with automated test systems
- Deterministic and reliable communication
- Excellent for legacy and high-precision equipment
🔌 What is GPIB (IEEE 488)? Reliable communication for test and measurement instrumentsWith GPIB, you ensure precision, compatibility, and robustness in instrument control. With AJOLLY Testing, these benefits translate into quality, efficiency, and traceability in your tests.