National Instruments GPIB-130 GPIB Extender

The NI GPIB-130 (Part Numbers: 776526-01, 776526-02, 776526-03, 776526-04, 776526-05, and 776526-06) is a GPIB Bus Extender. This device is used to alter the cable length and device loading restrictions defined in the IEEE 488 standard. In this standard, users cannot go beyond 20 meters while deploying a GPIB system. Moreover, not more than 15 devices can be used on a single GPIB system. The GPIB Extender translates GPIB messages into parallel or serial signals to a similar extender deployed at the receiver end. Thus, the user will need two similar extenders to construct an extended GPIB network.

With the NI GPIB-130, the user can increase the maximum cable distance to 300 meters, while the number of GPIB devices can be expanded to 28. The typical applications of this device include (but are not limited to), remote controlling of printers or plotters, isolating of devices deployed in hazardous or noisy environments, and controlling tests from a remote location.

The NI GPIB-130 is fully compatible with both IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standards. This device is software transparent to the system. Thus, it is not necessary for the user to modify their existing programs and hardware infrastructure. The GPIB 130 can be used with three transmission cables. For distances from 50 meters to 300 meters, a CL2-rated T2 cable can be utilized. For distances to 50 meters, the user can utilize a T5 cable, which is a less expensive, smaller, and lighter replacement for the T2 cable. This model comes featured with a specially designed transfer technique that enables it to operate at more than 900 kbytes per second transfer rates. 

The NI device measures 3.75 x 3.0 x 0.95 in. in physical dimensions, with a 0.050 in THK 5052-H32 Aluminum case material. It has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 to 55 ºC, a noncondensing relative humidity range of 5% to 95%, and a typical power consumption value of 2.2 W. The GPIB-130 can be powered using either an external 5 V regulated power supply or a NI GPIB interface board.

GPIB-130 Obsolete Status has been declared by National Instruments, but the extender will still be available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves.