GPIB converters simply translate the data from one bus type to another. For instance, a RS232 to GPIB converter translates the serial commands generated by the RS232 interface into GPIB commands. Many converters also serve as controllers. The GPIB board can play the role of a controller (manages and governs bus communications) or of an interface (serves as a bridge between a GPIB device or instrument and a computer bus).
GPIB converters that primarily serve as interfaces, are used to communicate (transfer data) between the computer where the GPIB board is plugged in, and another device or instrument(s) via a port or a bus. Interfaces are used when there is no need for a controller in the system. An example of this is a configuration where there is a device that is always a talker (talk-only-device) that is connected to one or more devices that are always listeners (listen-only-devices). Every talk-only-device and listen-only-device requires an interface, but can function without a controller.
GPIB converters simply translate the data from one bus type to another. For instance, a RS232 to GPIB converter translates the serial commands generated by the RS232 interface into GPIB commands. Many converters also serve as controllers. The GPIB board can play the role of a controller (manages and governs bus communications) or of an interface (serves as a bridge between a GPIB device or instrument and a computer bus).
GPIB converters that primarily serve as interfaces, are used to communicate (transfer data) between the computer where the GPIB board is plugged in, and another device or instrument(s) via a port or a bus. Interfaces are used when there is no need for a controller in the system. An example of this is a configuration where there is a device that is always a talker (talk-only-device) that is connected to one or more devices that are always listeners (listen-only-devices). Every talk-only-device and listen-only-device requires an interface, but can function without a controller.
GPIB converters that primarily serve as controllers manage the data flow through the GPIB system by sending commands to all devices in the network. The controller routes the data and commands transfer between talkers and listeners in the GPIB network. A controller is needed when it is necessary to be able to change the active talker or active listener.
Some of the common protocols and bus types that are translated by GPIB converters include serial port communications (including RS232, RS422, and RS485), SCSI, USB, Ethernet, and parallel port communication (e.g., SPP, EPP).
The General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) protocol, also known as IEEE 488 or HPIB (Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus), was designed to connect computers and peripherals to share data and control information from many sources. Hewlett-Packard developed this bus and called it HPIB. Later it was defined in the IEEE 488 Standards. Every GPIB network must have a GPIB adaptor card. Up to fourteen devices can be connected to each GPIB adaptor.
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