Using a GPIB Controller to Talk to or from a Serial Device

You can use a GPIB serial controller in two ways. The first method is called G mode. In this method, you use the controller with a GPIB board. When the serial instrument is connected to the controller, the serial instrument appears to be a GPIB instrument. Thus, you can use GPIB communication to talk to the serial device. In S mode, the controller is connected to the computer through a serial cable. Even though the controller is connected to the serial port, you still can use the NI-488.2 functions to communicate with the controller and the GPIB instrument.

G Mode - Talking to a Serial Instrument

In G Mode, the GPIB board is connected to the controller with a GPIB cable. A serial cable extends from the controller to the serial instrument. You can use a program written with NI-488M or NI-488.2M commands to communicate with the device. The controller allows you to add serial instruments to your GPIB bus transparently.

See Also:
Helpful Hints for Using the GPIB 232-CT-A
Remote GPIB Control Using a GPIB-232CT-A
Developing GPIB Applications for GPIB-232CT-A in Windows NT/9x

S Mode - Communicating with a GPIB Instrument through the Serial Port

In S Mode, the serial cable connects the controller to the computer. In this scenario, you can consider the controller to be equivalent to a GPIB board, and the serial cable and port to be equivalent to a PCI or an ISA slot. You program the controller using NI-488M or NI-488.2M. You can use serial port commands or general use commands, if desired.

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