HS488 Overview

The IEEE 488, or GPIB standard, has stood as a robust and reliable standard for more than 20 years. It remains a popular instrumentation interface even today. Recently, the HS488 standard has emerged to significantly increase the performance of GPIB-based test systems. HS488 boosts GPIB transfer rates to 8 Mbytes/s from 1 Mbytes/s by using essentially the same type of hardware. Because HS488 is based on the proven GPIB standard, HS488 and standard GPIB instruments can coexist in the same system, using the same GPIB controller and cable without conflict.

When will HS488 become important for computer-based measurement and automation?

You can take advantage of HS488 today -- HS488 controllers and compatible instruments have been shipping since 1993.

How will HS488 impact computer-based measurement and automation?

Today's PC technology has made HS488 and the promise of faster GPIB a reality. In particular, the PCIbus with a top transfer rate of 132 Mbytes/s is an enabling technology for HS488 users -- it provides the high-speed PC connection that can handle HS488 performance. With HS488 GPIB controllers and instruments in your system, you can significantly increase performance up to eight times over a conventional GPIB system.

Large data set instruments such as oscilloscopes, waveform digitizers, spectrum/power analyzers, telecommunications test instruments, and other instruments that transfer large volumes of data, benefit from this new protocol. In the past, these instruments consumed an inordinate amount of test time because the transfer rate extended the time needed to take a particular measurement.

What should you do to take advantage of this technology?

To take advantage of maximum GPIB performance, both the GPIB controller and the instrument must incorporate HS488 capability. Many standard GPIB controllers featuring HS488 compliance are available today, including the PXI-GPIB, PMC-GPIB, PCI-GPIB, and the PCI-GPIB+ controllers. HS488 is enabled using a configuration utility shipped with the product -- the software does not require modification, preserving your software investment. Instruments that leverage the TNT4882 and TNT5002 also have this capability in the hardware. It is up to the instrument manufacturer to allow for the HS488 configuration.
Related Links:
Using HS488 to Improve GPIB System Performance

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