GPIB Controllers and GPIB Interface Boards

General-purpose interface bus (GPIB) controllers and GPIB interface boards are devices that enable communications between GPIB buses and GPIB networks. Originally developed by Hewlett Packard (HP), the GPIB or HPIB bus provides a standard interface for communication between instruments from different sources. GPIB controllers plug into GPIB buses and manage the flow of data between devices that send information (talkers) and devices that receive information (listeners). GPIB controllers send commands to all of the devices in the GPIB network and convert active talkers to active listeners as necessary. A minimum system consists of one GPIB controller and one talker or listener; however, the current GPIB standard allows up to 14 devices to be connected to a GPIB adaptor card. GPIB interface boards are used in systems that do not require GPIB controllers. In these configurations, talkers and listeners do not exchange functions. Each listen-only device requires a GPIB interface board.