Getting Started with Your

GPIB-232CT-A and the

NI-488.2™ Software
for MS-DOS/Windows

March 1995 Edition

Part Number 320555B-01

© Copyright 1992, 1995 National Instruments Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.
National Instruments Corporate Headquarters
6504 Bridge Point Parkway
Austin, TX 78730-5039
(512) 794-0100
Technical support fax: (800) 328-2203
(512) 794-5678

Branch Offices:
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Singapore 2265886, Spain (91) 640 0085, Sweden 08-730 49 70,
Switzerland 056/20 51 51, Taiwan 02 377 1200, U.K. 0635 523545
 Limited Warranty
The GPIB-232CT-A is warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment, as
evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at
its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the
warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are

warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects in
materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment,
as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will,
at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute
programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such
defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant
that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the

factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before any
equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will
pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are covered by
warranty.

National Instruments believes that the information in this manual is

accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy.
In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National
Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of
this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader
should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event
shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or
related to this document or the information contained in it.

EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO

WARRANTIES , EXPRESS OR IMPLIED , AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER 'S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES
CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE
PAID BY THE CUSTOMER . N ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA , PROFITS,
USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ,
EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the
liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action,
whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against
National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of
action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty
provided herein does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or service
failures caused by owner's failure to follow the National Instruments
installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner's modification of
the product; owner's abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside
reasonable control.

Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or
transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in
whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National Instruments
Corporation.

Trademarks
LabVIEW ®, NI-488 ®, and NI-488.2™ are trademarks of National
Instruments Corporation.

Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their
respective companies.

Warning Regarding Medical and Clinical Use

of National Instruments Products
National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing
intended to ensure a level of reliability suitable for use in treatment and
diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products
involving medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental
injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the part of the user or
application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments
products for or involving medical or clinical treatment must be performed by
properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all traditional medical
safeguards, equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular
situation to prevent serious injury or death should always continue to be
used when National Instruments products are being used. National
Instruments products are NOT intended to be a substitute for any form of
established process, procedure, or equipment used to monitor or safeguard
human health and safety in medical or clinical treatment.
 FCC/DOC Radio Frequency
Interference Compliance
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions in this manual,
may cause interference to radio and television reception. This equipment
has been tested and found to comply with the following two regulatory
agencies:

Federal Communications Commission

This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules for a Class A digital device. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference in commercial

environments.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This device complies with the limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications (DOC).

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les

limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le
règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des
communications du Canada.

Instructions to Users
These regulations are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference from the equipment to radio reception in commercial
areas. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. However, the chances of interference are much less if the
equipment is installed and used according to this instruction manual.

If the equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception,

which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, one or more
of the following suggestions may reduce or eliminate the problem.

• Operate the equipment and the receiver on different branches of your

AC electrical system.

• Move the equipment away from the receiver with which it is interfering.

• Reorient or relocate the receiver’s antenna.

• Be sure that the equipment is plugged into a grounded outlet and that
the grounding has not been defeated with a cheater plug.

Notice to user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by

National Instruments could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.

If necessary, consult National Instruments or an experienced radio/television

technician for additional suggestions. The following booklet prepared by
the FCC may also be helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock Number 004-000-00345-4.
Contents

About This Manual .......................................................................... xiii

Organization of This Manual...................................................... xiii
Conventions Used in This Manual ............................................. xiv
Related Documentation ..............................................................xvi
Customer Communication .......................................................... xvi

Chapter 1
Introduction......................................................................................... 1-1
GPIB-232CT-A Overview.......................................................... 1-1
What You Need to Get Started................................................... 1-2
Optional Equipment....................................................................1-3
Inspection ................................................................................... 1-3
Hardware Description................................................................. 1-3
Software Description ..................................................................1-4

Chapter 2
Install Your Hardware ................................................................... 2-1
Step 1. Verify the Voltage Requirement ..................................2-1
Step 2. Shut Down Your System..............................................2-1
Step 3. Connect the Cables ....................................................... 2-2
Step 4. Power On Your System and Switch On the
GPIB-232CT-A ............................................................2-2

Chapter 3
Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS ............................3-1
Main Programs and Files ............................................................3-1
Additional Programs and Files ................................................... 3-2
Terminology ............................................................................... 3-3
Step 1. Run INSTALL ............................................................. 3-3
Quick Installation ......................................................... 3-3
Interactive Installation..................................................3-4
Step 2. Configure the Software ................................................3-5
Step 3. Verify the Software Installation ................................... 3-6
Step 4. Developing Your Application Program ....................... 3-7
Interactive Control Program (IBIC) ............................. 3-7
Applications Monitor ................................................... 3-8
The Application Program............................................. 3-8

© National Instruments Corp. vii GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Contents

Chapter 4
Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows ............................4-1
NI-488.2 Files for the Windows Operating Environment ..........4-1
NI-488.2 Files for the Development of Windows
Applications................................................................................ 4-2
GPIB Sample Windows Application Program ........................... 4-2
Step 1. Run INSTALL ............................................................. 4-3
Quick Installation ......................................................... 4-3
Interactive Installation..................................................4-4
Step 2. Set Up the Windows Applications ............................... 4-5
Step 3. Configure the Software ................................................4-5
Step 4. Verify the Software Installation ................................... 4-5
Using WIBIC ..............................................................................4-6
Writing Windows Programs That Use the GPIB ....................... 4-7
The WINSAMP Sample............................................... 4-7
General Rules for Using GPIB.LIB with Windows..... 4-8

Chapter 5
Configure Your Software with IBCONF ................................5-1
Overview of IBCONF................................................................. 5-1
Upper and Lower Levels of IBCONF ........................................ 5-3
Upper Level Device Map ............................................. 5-3
Device Maps of the Boards............................5-4
Help................................................................ 5-4
Rename .......................................................... 5-4
(Dis)connect................................................... 5-5
Edit................................................................. 5-5
Output GPIB Driver Configuration
(IBCONF.EXE only) ..................................... 5-6
Autoconfigure (IBCONF.EXE only)............. 5-6
Exit................................................................. 5-6
Lower Level Device/Board Characteristics ................. 5-7
Change Characteristics................................... 5-8
Change Board or Device................................5-8
Help................................................................ 5-8
Reset Value .................................................... 5-8
Return to Map ................................................5-8
Default Configurations ............................................................... 5-9
Default Values..............................................................5-9

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows viii © National Instruments Corp.

 Contents

Device and Board Characteristics............................................... 5-10

Primary GPIB Address................................................. 5-10
Secondary GPIB Address............................................. 5-10
Timeout Settings .......................................................... 5-10
Serial Poll Timeouts (Device
Characteristic Only) ..................................................... 5-11
Terminate READ on EOS ............................................5-11
Set EOI with EOS on Write ......................................... 5-11
Type of Compare on EOS ............................................5-11
EOS Byte......................................................................5-11
Set EOI at End of Write ............................................... 5-12
System Controller (Board Characteristic
Only)............................................................................. 5-12
Assert REN when SC (Board Characteristic Only) ..... 5-12
Enable Auto Serial Polling (Board
Characteristic Only) ..................................................... 5-12
Enable CIC Protocol (Board
Characteristic Only) ..................................................... 5-13
Bus Timing (Board Characteristic Only) ..................... 5-13
Enable Repeat Addressing (Device
Characteristic Only) ..................................................... 5-13
Use This Interface (Board Characteristic
Only)............................................................................. 5-13
COM Port (Board Characteristic Only) ....................... 5-14
Serial Port Base Address (Board
Characteristic Only) ..................................................... 5-14
Serial Port IRQ Level (Board Characteristic Only) ..... 5-14
Baud Rate (Board Characteristic Only)* ..................... 5-14
Parity (Board Characteristic Only)*............................. 5-15
Stop Bits (Board Characteristic Only)* ....................... 5-15
Data Bits (Board Characteristic Only)* ....................... 5-15
Exiting IBCONF......................................................................... 5-15

Appendix A
Hardware Configuration ............................................................... A-1
Configure the RS-232 Serial Port............................................... A-1

Appendix B
Hardware Specifications ................................................................ B-1

© National Instruments Corp. ix GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Contents

Appendix C
Troubleshooting ................................................................................. C-1
Troubleshooting Hardware Problems......................................... C-1
Troubleshooting Software Problems ..........................................C-2

Appendix D
DLL Direct Entry NI-488 Functions and
NI-488.2 Routines ............................................................................. D-1

Appendix E
Interfacing to a Serial Device ....................................................... E-1
The RS-232C Standard............................................................... E-1
Description of the RS-232 Port................................................... E-1
Interfacing Serial Devices to the RS-232 Serial Port ................. E-3
Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DCE with
Handshaking................................................................. E-3
Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DCE without
Handshaking................................................................. E-5
Minimum Configuration Cable...................... E-6
Custom Cables ............................................... E-7
Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DTE with
Handshaking................................................................. E-7
Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DTE without
Handshaking................................................................. E-9
Minimum Configuration Cable...................... E-9
Custom Cables ............................................... E-10

Appendix F
Customer Communication ............................................................F-1

Glossary...................................................................................... Glossary-1

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows x © National Instruments Corp.

 Contents

Figures
Figure 1-1. GPIB-232CT-A................................................................ 1-1

Figure 5-1. Upper Level of IBCONF ................................................. 5-3

Figure 5-2. Lower Level of IBCONF ................................................. 5-7

Figure A-1. Factory Default Setting (S Mode) for DIP Switch........... A-1

Figure E-1. Location of the RS-232 Connector ..................................E-3

Figure E-2. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE
with Handshaking ............................................................E-4
Figure E-3. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DCE
with Handshaking ............................................................E-5
Figure E-4. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE....E-6
Figure E-5. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to
25-pin DCE ......................................................................E-6
Figure E-6. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DTE
with Handshaking ............................................................E-8
Figure E-7. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DTE
with Handshaking ............................................................E-8
Figure E-8. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE ... E-9
Figure E-9. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to
25-pin DCE ......................................................................E-10

© National Instruments Corp. xi GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Contents

Tables
Table 5-1. IBCONF Options ............................................................. 5-2

Table A-1. Configuration Parameters for Switches 1 through 3 ........A-2

Table A-2. Configuration Parameters for Switches 4 through 8 ........A-3

Table B-1. Electrical Characteristics - AC Version........................... B-1

Table B-2. Electrical Characteristics - DC Version........................... B-1
Table B-3. Environmental Characteristics - AC Version ..................B-2
Table B-4. Environmental Characteristics - DC Version ..................B-2
Table B-5. Physical Characteristics - AC Version............................. B-2
Table B-6. Physical Characteristics - DC Version............................. B-3

Table D-1. Direct Entry NI-488.2 Style Routines ............................. D-3

Table D-2. Direct Entry NI-488 Style Functions............................... D-7

Table E-1. RS-232 Serial Port Signal Configuration......................... E-2

Table E-2. Cable Wiring Scheme for GPIB-232CT-A DTE
to Serial Device DCE....................................................... E-4
Table E-3. Cable Wiring Scheme for GPIB-232CT-A DTE
to Serial Device DTE....................................................... E-7

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows xii © National Instruments Corp.

About This Manual

This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the National
Instruments GPIB-232CT-A RS-232-to-GPIB Controller and NI-488.2
software for MS-DOS/Windows. This manual is meant to be used with the
NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS.

Organization of This Manual

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, Introduction, contains a description of the GPIB-232CT-A,

lists what you need to get started and optional equipment you can order,
contains instructions for inspecting your GPIB-232CT-A, and gives
hardware and software descriptions.

• Chapter 2, Install Your Hardware, contains instructions for connecting

your GPIB-232CT-A to a PC.

• Chapter 3, Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS, contains a

description of the programs and files included with the NI-488.2
software for MS-DOS. This chapter also contains instructions for
installing, configuring, and verifying your software as well as
programming information on the IBIC program and the Applications
Monitor program.

• Chapter 4, Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows, contains a list of

files that are copied to your destination and Windows directories when
you install your software, and instructions for quick installation and
interactive installation of the NI-488.2 software for Windows. This
chapter also describes two methods you can use to communicate with
GPIB devices from Windows: the Windows Interface Bus Interactive
Control (WIBIC) program and a Windows application program that you
develop.

• Chapter 5, Configure Your Software with IBCONF, contains a

description of the programs IBCONF.EXE, a utility you can use to
configure your NI-488.2 driver for MS-DOS, and WIBCONF.EXE, a
utility you can use to configure your NI-488.2 for Windows DLL.

© National Instruments Corp. xiii GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

About This Manual

• Appendix A, Hardware Configuration, describes how to configure the

GPIB-232CT-A RS-232 serial port.

• Appendix B, Hardware Specifications, specifies the electrical,

environmental, and physical characteristics of the GPIB-232CT-A and
the recommended operating conditions.

• Appendix C, Troubleshooting, suggests some areas to check if you have

problems installing or using the GPIB-232CT-A or the NI-488.2
software after going through the procedures described in Chapters 2
through 5.

• Appendix D, DLL Direct Entry NI-488 Functions and NI-488.2

Routines, explains and give examples of how to use the DLL Direct
Entry NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines to access the GPIB.DLL
file. Following the examples are tables that list all NI-488.2 routines
and NI-488 functions, including their calling syntax and ordinal entry
values.

• Appendix E, Interfacing to a Serial Device, describes the RS-232 serial

port on the GPIB-232CT-A and explains how to interface a DCE or
DTE serial device to the RS-232 serial port.

• Appendix F, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to

request help from National Instruments or to comment on our products
and manuals.

• The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms used

in this manual including abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes,
mnemonics, and symbols.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

bold Bold text denotes commands, menus, menu

items, options, screen button names, LEDs, and
checkboxes.

italic Italic text denotes emphasis, cross references,

window names, or an introduction to a key
concept.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows xiv © National Instruments Corp.

 About This Manual

bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or

warning.

monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that

are to be literally input from the keyboard,
sections of code, programming examples, and
syntax examples. This font is also used for the
proper names of disk drives, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device
names, functions, variables, field names, and
filenames.

italic monospace Italic text in this font denotes that you must
supply the appropriate words or values in the
place of these items.

<> Angle brackets enclose the name of a key on the

keyboard–for example, <PageDown>.

<Enter> Key names are capitalized.

- A hyphen between two or more key names

enclosed in angle brackets denotes that you
should simultaneously press the named keys–for
example, <Control-C>.

IEEE 488 and IEEE 488 and IEEE 488.2 refer to the
IEEE 488.2 ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987 and the
ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, respectively,
which define the GPIB.

RS-232 RS-232 refers to the ANSI/EIA-232-C standard.

Abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms

are listed in the Glossary.

© National Instruments Corp. xv GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

About This Manual

Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:

• ANSI/EIA-232-C, Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and

Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data
Interchange

• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, IEEE Standard Digital Interface for

Programmable Instrumentation

• ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1987, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats,

Protocols, and Common Commands

• Microsoft MS-DOS User’s Guide, Microsoft Corporation

• Microsoft Windows User’s Guide, Microsoft Corporation

Customer Communication
National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products and
manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with our
products, and we want to help if you have problems with them. To make it
easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and configuration
forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix F, Customer
Communication, at the end of this manual.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows xvi © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter contains a description of the GPIB-232CT-A, lists what you
need to get started and optional equipment you can order, contains
instructions for inspecting your GPIB-232CT-A, and gives hardware and
software descriptions.

GPIB-232CT-A Overview
The GPIB-232CT-A is a high-performance serial-to-GPIB interface. It
provides a computer with an RS-232 port, a means of controlling, talking,
and listening on the GPIB. The GPIB-232CT-A is also capable of
interfacing RS-232 instruments and peripherals to the GPIB.

The GPIB-232CT-A has all the software and logic required to implement
the physical and electrical specifications of the IEEE 488 and RS-232
standards. It can interpret and execute high-level commands that you send
to it over the serial port, and perform GPIB-to-RS-232 protocol conversion.
The GPIB-232CT-A also conforms to all versions of the IEEE 488
standard, including IEEE 488.2. The NAT4882 Controller chip implements
all IEEE 488 Talker/Listener/Controller functionality.

Figure 1-1 shows the GPIB-232CT-A.

GPIB-232CT-A
RS-232 IEEE 488 Controller
ER

EN
Y
D

NATIONAL
K
W

Q
ST
EA

N
L
PO

SR
TA

AT

INSTRUMENTS
LI
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Figure 1-1. GPIB-232CT-A

© National Instruments Corp. 1-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Introduction Chapter 1

What You Need to Get Started

One of the following boxes:
GPIB-232CT-A (100-120 VAC)
GPIB-232CT-A (220-240 VAC)
GPIB-232CT-A (DC)

If you have the GPIB-232CT-A AC version, you need one of the

following power cords:
U.S.A. standard power cord
Switzerland power cord
Australian power cord
Universal European power cord
North American power cord
U.K. power cord

If you have the GPIB-232CT-A DC version, you need one of the

following DC power supplies:
100-120 VAC, 9 V 1 A, wall-mount power supply
220-240 VAC, 9 V 1 A, desktop power supply

NI-488.2 Distribution Disk for GPIB-232CT-A and

MS-DOS/Windows
3.5 in.
or
5.25 in. (Diskettes 1 and 2)

MS-DOS (version 3.0 or higher) or equivalent installed on your

computer

If you want to install the NI-488.2 software for Windows, you

must have Windows (version 3.0 or higher) installed on your
computer

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 1-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Optional Equipment
You can call National Instruments to order the following optional
equipment.

Component Part Number

RS-232 Shielded Cables, Compatible with IBM PC:
DTE to DTE – 2 m 182238-02
DTE to DTE – 4 m 182238-04
Single-Shielded GPIB Cables:*
GPIB Type X1 Cable – 1 m 763001-01
GPIB Type X1 Cable – 2 m 763001-02
GPIB Type X1 Cable – 4 m 763001-03
Double-Shielded GPIB Cables:*
GPIB Type X2 Cable – 1 m 763061-01
GPIB Type X2 Cable – 2 m 763061-02
GPIB Type X2 Cable – 4 m 763061-03
* To meet FCC emission limits for this device you must use a shielded
(Type X1 or X2) GPIB cable. Operating this equipment with a
non-shielded cable may cause interference to radio and television
reception.

Inspection
Before you operate the GPIB-232CT-A, inspect the shipping container and
its contents for damage. Keep the packaging material for possible
inspection and/or reshipment.

If the equipment appears to be damaged, do not attempt to operate it.

Contact National Instruments for instructions. If the damage appears to
have been caused in shipment, file a claim with the carrier.

Hardware Description
The GPIB-232CT-A is a high-performance serial-to-GPIB interface product.
It uses the NAT4882 GPIB Controller chip for complete IEEE 488.2
compatibility. You can connect the personal computer serial port to the

© National Instruments Corp. 1-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Introduction Chapter 1

RS-232 port for controlling, talking, and listening on the GPIB. The
GPIB -232CT-A is also capable of interfacing RS-232 instruments and
peripherals to the GPIB.

Software Description
NI-488.2 software is part of your GPIB-232CT-A kit. It is a comprehensive
set of programs and drivers for transforming the PC into a GPIB Controller
with complete communications and bus management capability. The
NI-488.2 software also includes the Microsoft C, Microsoft BASIC,
QuickBASIC, and BASICA language interfaces.

National Instruments has developed three other software applications you

can use with the GPIB-232CT-A and PC compatibles: LabVIEW for
Windows, LabWindows® for DOS, and LabWindows/CVI.

LabVIEW for Windows is a software system with interactive graphics,

state-of-the-art user interface concepts, and a powerful graphical
programming language. You must order LabVIEW separately.

LabWindows for DOS enhances Microsoft QuickBASIC and C with an

interactive development program, function panels to generate source code,
and libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and
presentation. You must order LabWindows separately.

LabWindows/CVI extends the power of the LabWindows DOS version with

a more extensive, full-function professional C programming environment for
Windows. You must order LabWindows/CVI separately.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 1-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 2
Install Your Hardware
This chapter contains instructions for connecting your GPIB-232CT-A
to a PC.

The default hardware settings for the GPIB-232CT-A are compatible with
the default software settings. If you need more information or want to
change the defaults, follow the directions in Appendix A, Hardware
Configuration . If you change the hardware settings, make sure that you also
change the software settings so that they are compatible.

Step 1. Verify the Voltage Requirement

The GPIB-232CT-A AC version is shipped from the factory with a
100-120 V or 220-240 V internal power supply. The GPIB-232CT-A DC
version is shipped with a 100-120 V or 220-240 V, wall-mount or desktop
power supply.

Verify that the voltage marked on the GPIB-232CT-A or on the power

supply matches the voltage that is supplied in your area.

Caution: Operating the GPIB-232CT-A at any voltage other than the one
specified could damage the unit. Replacement fuses for the AC
version must be the proper type and size. Refer to Appendix B,
Hardware Specifications, for fuse specifications.

Step 2. Shut Down Your System

Complete the following steps before connecting the cables:

1. Shut down your system.

2. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

© National Instruments Corp. 2-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install Your Hardware Chapter 2

Step 3. Connect the Cables

Complete the following steps to connect the cables.

1. Connect the serial cable to the GPIB-232CT-A 9-pin D-Sub connector

and securely fasten the holding screws. Connect the other end of the
cable to your serial device. Be sure to use only shielded serial cables,
and follow all RS-232 cabling restrictions.

2. Connect the GPIB cable to the GPIB-232CT-A 24-pin Champ

connector and tighten the thumb screws on the connector. Connect the
other end to your GPIB device(s). Be sure to follow all IEEE 488
cabling restrictions, and use only shielded GPIB cables.

3. If you have an AC version, connect the power cord to the power

receptacle on the front panel of the GPIB-232CT-A, then plug the
supply into an AC outlet of the correct voltage.

If you have a DC version, connect the DC power plug of the DC power

supply to the power jack on the serial end of the GPIB-232CT-A, then
plug the supply into an AC outlet of the correct voltage.

Step 4. Power On Your System and Switch On

the GPIB-232CT-A
1. Plug the power cords for your computer system into a power outlet and
power on all devices.

2. If you have an AC version, use the front panel rocker switch to power
on your GPIB-232CT-A. If you have a DC version, use the power
switch on the rear panel to power on your GPIB-232CT-A.

The POWER LED indicator should come on immediately. The

READY LED indicator should come on after the GPIB-232CT-A has
passed its power-on self test, indicating the unit is ready for operation.
If the READY LED does not come on within seven seconds after the
unit is powered on, recheck all connections and switch settings and
retry the power-on sequence. If the READY LED still does not come
on, refer to Appendix C, Troubleshooting, for information on areas to
check if you have problems installing the GPIB-232CT-A.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 2-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 3
Install the NI-488.2 Software for
MS-DOS
This chapter contains a description of the programs and files included with
the NI-488.2 software for MS-DOS. This chapter also contains instructions
for installing, configuring, and verifying your software as well as
programming information on the IBIC program and the Applications
Monitor program.

Before installing the software, you should understand the files that will
be installed from the distribution disks and their purpose.

Main Programs and Files

You need the following programs and files to use the NI-488.2 software.

• GPIB.COM is the NI-488.2 driver that is loaded at system startup by

MS-DOS.

• IBTEST.EXE is a program that you can use to test the NI-488.2

software.

• IBCONF.EXE is a software configuration program. It can be used to

change the configuration of the NI-488.2 software.

• IBIC.EXE is an interactive control program that executes NI-488.2

functions that you enter from the keyboard. It helps you learn the
functions, program instruments or other GPIB devices, and develop
your application program.

• APPMON.EXE is the applications monitor program. It is a

memory-resident program that is useful in debugging your application.
The applications monitor can halt program execution (trap) on return
from GPIB software calls, so that you can inspect function arguments,
buffers, return values, GPIB global status variables, and other pertinent
data. The applications monitor performs automatic error detection.

© National Instruments Corp. 3-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS Chapter 3

• IBTRAP.EXE is a program that configures the applications monitor.

• ULI.COM is the Universal Language Interface software file you need

to use the Universal Language Interface option of the NI-488.2
software package.

Additional Programs and Files

The following programs and files provide programming examples and are
required to program the GPIB interface from Microsoft C, Microsoft
BASIC, QuickBASIC, or BASICA using the NI-488.2 software.

• MCIB.OBJ is a binary language interface file that gives an application

program written in Microsoft C (version 4.0 or higher) access to the
NI-488.2 software.

• MBIB.OBJ is a binary language interface file that gives an application

program written in Microsoft Professional BASIC (version 7.0 or
higher) access to the NI-488.2 software.

• QBIB.OBJ is a binary language interface file that gives an application

program written in QuickBASIC (version 4.0 or higher) access to the
NI-488.2 software.

• BIB.M is a binary language interface file that gives an application

program written in BASICA access to the NI-488.2 software.

• DECL.H is a header file for use with Microsoft C applications.

• MBDECL.BAS is a declaration file that contains code you should place

at the beginning of Microsoft BASIC application programs.

• QBDECL.BAS is a declaration file that contains code you should place

at the beginning of QuickBASIC application programs.

• DECL.BAS is a declaration file that contains code you should place at

the beginning of BASICA application programs.

• DCSAMP.C, DMBSAMP.BAS, DQBSAMP.BAS, DBSAMP.BAS and

DIBSAMP are example programs for device calls in C, Professional
BASIC, QuickBASIC, BASICA, and IBIC, respectively. BCSAMP.C,
BMBSAMP.BAS, BQBSAMP.BAS, BBSAMP.BAS and BIBSAMP are

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 3-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 3 Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS

example programs for board calls in C, Professional BASIC,

QuickBASIC, BASICA, and IBIC, respectively.

• CSAMP488.C, MSAMP488.BAS, QBSAMP488.BAS ,

BSAMP488.BAS, and SAMP488 are example programs for NI-488.2
routines in C, BASIC, QuickBASIC, BASICA, and IBIC. For
additional examples, refer to Chapter 4, NI-488.2 Software
Characteristics and Routines, of the NI-488.2 Software Reference
Manual for MS-DOS.

ReadMe files are included on the distribution disk. ReadMe.DOC and

ReadMe.DOS discuss the NI-488.2 software. The remaining ReadMe files
discuss programming considerations for the supported languages.

Terminology
The term source disk or source directory refers to the NI-488.2 distribution
disk. The term destination directory refers to the location on your hard disk
or disk where the software will be installed (usually C:\GPIB-CT ). The
term boot drive refers to the drive that is read by your computer when you
power-on or restart your computer.

Step 1. Run INSTALL

The NI-488.2 distribution disk contains a program named INSTALL.EXE
that installs and tests the NI-488.2 software for you. You can install the
NI-488.2 software using one of two methods: quick installation or
interactive installation.

Quick Installation
This quick version of the INSTALL program assumes that C: is your boot
drive. INSTALL copies files to the GPIB destination directory, named
C:\GPIB-CT and makes a change to your C:\CONFIG.SYS file.

Note: If your boot drive is not C:, or you do not want the default
destination directory to be created, you must install the NI-488.2
software interactively. Refer to the following section, Interactive
Installation, for more information.

© National Instruments Corp. 3-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS Chapter 3

After starting your computer, run the INSTALL program located on the
distribution disk by entering the following command:

X:install /q

where X is the name of the drive containing the distribution disk (usually A
or B).

The quick version of INSTALL copies the NI-488.2 files and then
automatically modifies the C:\CONFIG.SYS file. If no error message
appears, the NI-488.2 software is successfully installed and you can proceed
to Step 2. Configure the Software. If an error occurs during the quick
installation, you may need to run the INSTALL program interactively, as
described in the next section. For more information on error codes, refer to
Chapter 3, Understanding the NI-488.2 Software, in the NI-488.2 Software
Reference Manual for MS-DOS.

Interactive Installation
If you choose to interactively install the NI-488.2 software, complete the
following instructions.

After starting your computer, run the INSTALL program on the distribution
disk by entering the following command:

X:install

where X is the name of the drive containing the distribution disk (this is
usually A).

This is the interactive version of the INSTALL program. When the

program prompts you for the type of software to install (DOS or Windows),
select DOS. After you select the DOS option, INSTALL displays a main
menu with three options: Partial GPIB Installation, Full GPIB
Installation, and Return to DOS.

Select the type of installation that you want to use (Partial or Full). If you
select Partial GPIB Installation, you are prompted to choose which parts
of the NI-488.2 software to install. If you select Full GPIB Installation,
all of the NI-488.2 software is installed.

Next, you are prompted to give your boot drive and the name of a new
directory into which the files can be copied. The INSTALL program creates

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 3-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 3 Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS

the specified destination directory and copies the files listed in the previous
section to their appropriate directories.

When the installation is complete, INSTALL asks to modify your

CONFIG.SYS file. If you enter yes , INSTALL adds the following line to
your CONFIG.SYS file:

device= dir \gpib.com

where dir is the directory to which INSTALL copied the NI-488.2

software files; for example, dir may be C:\GPIB-CT. If you have a
previous version of the NI-488.2 software installed on your computer,
INSTALL replaces the information in the old version file CONFIG.SYS
with the new information.

If you enter no to the above prompt, INSTALL displays a message

informing you of the correct line that you should add to your CONFIG.SYS
file.

Step 2. Configure the Software

Before you can run the software diagnostics tests, the NI-488.2 software
must be loaded. If you have just completed the installation procedure and
have not restarted your computer, the software is not yet loaded. Exit
INSTALL by pressing <Escape>. Before restarting your computer, you can
run the software configuration program IBCONF.

You must run IBCONF if you have made any changes to the
GPIB-232CT-A hardware switches or you need to change any of the default
software configuration options. If you have not changed the hardware in
any way and the default software configuration is acceptable, there is no
need to run IBCONF. You can, however, run IBCONF just to examine the
software configuration.

Refer to Chapter 5, Configure Your Software with IBCONF, for information

on the configurable software options and their default values and how to run
IBCONF .

Caution: In DOS, devices must NOT have the same names as files,
directories, or subdirectories. The MS-DOS GPIB device
driver uses the names GPIB0, GPIB1, GPIB2, GPIB3 and
DEV1, DEV2, DEV3 through DEV32. If you have files,

© National Instruments Corp. 3-5 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS Chapter 3

directories, or subdirectories with one these names, you must

rename them.

Step 3. Verify the Software Installation

To load the NI-488.2 software into the memory of the computer, you must
restart the computer. You will typically only have to do this once when you
first install the NI-488.2 software and whenever you need to reconfigure the
hardware settings.

Restart your computer by pressing <Ctrl-Alt-Del>. This restarts the

computer and loads the NI-488.2 software into memory.

After the NI-488.2 software is installed, run IBTEST. Running IBTEST

ensures that the NI-488.2 software is installed properly on your system.

Note: Before running IBTEST, make sure that the GPIB-232CT-A is

not connected to any GPIB devices.

If an error occurs, check the following:

• Is the GPIB-232CT-A connected to a GPIB device? IBTEST requires

that the GPIB-232CT-A not be connected to any GPIB devices.

• Is the GPIB-232CT-A box powered on?

• Did you change any of the hardware configurations on the

GPIB-232CT-A box? If so, check the current software configuration of
the software by running IBCONF. Make sure that the hardware
settings match. For more information, refer to Chapter 5, Configure
Your Software with IBCONF.

• Has the CONFIG.SYS file on your startup disk been correctly

modified to contain the following line?

device= dir \gpib.com

where dir is the directory to which INSTALL copied the NI-488.2

software files; for example, C:\GPIB-CT .

• Did you restart your computer after installing and configuring the
NI-488.2 software? If not, restart your computer and run IBTEST
again.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 3-6 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 3 Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS

If you have performed these steps and there is still a problem, refer to
Appendix C, Troubleshooting, for more information on installing or using
the NI-488.2 software.

If no errors occurred, you can proceed to learn how to use the software and
how to develop your application program.

Step 4. Developing Your Application Program

There are two tools that are useful for developing your application program:
IBIC.EXE and APPMON.EXE.

Interactive Control Program (IBIC)

The easiest way to learn to communicate with your instrument is by
controlling it interactively. Located in your GPIB directory is the Interface
Bus Interactive Control program called IBIC.EXE. You can use this
program to communicate with your instrument; the program displays the
status and any error after each NI-488.2 call.

With IBIC , you can program your instruments interactively from the
keyboard rather than from an application program. Using IBIC helps you
quickly understand how the instruments and the NI-488.2 software work.
IBIC is fully described in Chapter 6, IBIC, of the NI-488.2 Software
Reference Manual for MS-DOS.

While running IBIC, you should study the descriptions of each function
given to fully understand their purpose or you can use the online help
available if you have questions.

To use IBIC.EXE , connect your instrument to the bus and enter the
following commands:

cd \ dir

where dir is the name of the directory to which INSTALL copied the
NI -488.2 software. By default, dir is c:\GPIB-CT.

IBIC

You are now ready to begin developing applications. Refer to Chapter 6,

IBIC, of the NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS to get
started.

© National Instruments Corp. 3-7 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS Chapter 3

Applications Monitor
The program APPMON.EXE is the Applications Monitor. It is a DOS
memory-resident program that is used to monitor and record GPIB calls that
are made to the MS-DOS driver. It can also be used to halt the execution of
an application when a particular bit, for example, ERR, is set in ibsta.
The Applications Monitor stores up to 255 previous GPIB calls and is
invaluable for debugging your application. The Applications Monitor is
fully described in Chapter 7, Applications Monitor, of the NI-488.2
Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS.

The Application Program

When you decide to write your application program, be sure to refer to the
appropriate language reference manuals and the NI-488.2 Software
Reference Manual for MS-DOS for the proper syntax of the functions. Use
APPMON.EXE and IBIC.EXE to help you develop your application.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 3-8 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 4
Install the NI-488.2 Software for
Windows
This chapter contains a list of files that are copied to your destination and
Windows directories when you install your software, and instructions for
quick installation and interactive installation of the NI-488.2 software for
Windows. This chapter also describes two methods you can use to
communicate with GPIB devices from Windows: the Windows Interface
Bus Interactive Control ( WIBIC) program and a Windows application
program that you develop.

Before installing the software, you should understand the files that will be
copied from the distribution disk(s) and the purpose of each file. The
following section describes the files contained on the distribution disk(s).

NI-488.2 Files for the Windows Operating

Environment
The following files are required to run a Windows application using
NI-488.2 routines. The INSTALL program copies these files to the
specified Windows directory.

• GPIB.DLL is a dynamic link library (DLL) that is accessed by a

NI-488.2 application for Windows as the application executes. The
DLL contains all of the NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines.

• GPIB.INI is the private profile file which is used by GPIB.DLL to

determine the software configuration parameters for each GPIB board
and device in the system. You can modify GPIB.INI by using either
the WIBCONF.EXE file or a text editor.

© National Instruments Corp. 4-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows Chapter 4

NI-488.2 Files for the Development of Windows

Applications
The following files are required to test and begin programming with your
NI-488.2 software. The INSTALL program copies the following files to
the specified destination directory.

• WIBCONF.EXE, a DOS application, is a software configuration

program that you can use to change the software parameters and other
data used by the DLL. It has the same basic functionality as the
NI-488.2 for MS-DOS IBCONF program, which is described in
Chapter 5, Configure Your Software with IBCONF.

• WIBCONF.PIF, a Windows application, contains program information

about the WIBCONF.EXE program that Windows uses when it runs
WIBCONF.EXE.

• WIBTEST.EXE, a Windows application, is a program that tests the

software installation. It verifies that the software configuration is
consistent with the GPIB hardware configuration settings.

• WIBIC.EXE, a Windows application, is the Windows Interface Bus

Interactive Control program that executes NI-488 functions and
NI-488.2 routines that you enter from the keyboard. It can help you
learn how to use the NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines, program
instruments or other GPIB devices, and develop your particular
Windows application program.

GPIB Sample Windows Application Program

The following files are required to make the sample Windows application.
The INSTALL program also copies the following files into a new
subdirectory, named C in the specified destination directory.

• GPIB.LIB is the import library for the DLL. You must link it to your
NI-488.2 application for Windows just like any other library.

• WINDECL.H is an include file that contains prototypes of the NI-488

functions and NI-488.2 routines, and useful constants that you may
want to use in your NI-488.2 application for Windows. You must
include it at the beginning of any file that makes NI-488 function calls.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 4-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 4 Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows

• WINSAMP.EXE is a compiled Windows application program for

Windows that communicates over the GPIB. It is based primarily on
the GENERIC Windows application example provided with the
Windows Software Development Kit.

• MAKEFILE is the makefile used to compile and link the sample

Windows application.

• WINSAMP.C is the C language source file containing the Windows

functions WinMain, MainWndProc, About, InitApplication ,
and InitInstance.

• GPIBSAMP.C is the C language source file containing NI-488 function

calls to the DLL.

• WINSAMP.H is the header file containing definitions and declarations

required by WINSAMP.C .

• WINSAMP.RC is the resource script file that defines the menus and the
dialog-box template for the About dialog box.

• WINSAMP.DEF is the module definition file that contains module

definitions.

Step 1. Run INSTALL

You can install the NI-488.2 software for Windows using one of two
methods: quick installation or interactive installation.

Quick Installation
This quick version of the INSTALL program assumes that Windows is
installed in the default directory ( C:\WINDOWS). INSTALL copies files to
C:\WINDOWS and the GPIB destination directory, named C:\GPIB-CTW.

Note: If Windows is not in its default directory or you do not want the
default destination directory to be created, you must install the
NI-488.2 software for Windows interactively. Refer to the
following section, Interactive Installation.

© National Instruments Corp. 4-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows Chapter 4

After starting your computer, run the INSTALL program located on the
distribution disk by entering the following command:

X:install /qw

where X is the name of the drive containing the distribution disk (this is
usually A).

The quick version of INSTALL copies the NI-488.2 files. If no error

message appears, the NI-488.2 software is successfully installed and you
can proceed to Step 2. Set Up the Windows Applications. If an error occurs
during the quick installation, you may need to run the INSTALL program
interactively, as described in the next section, Interactive Installation.

Interactive Installation
If you choose to interactively install the NI-488.2 software, complete the
following instructions.

After starting your computer, run the INSTALL program on the distribution
disk by entering the following command:

X:install

where X is the name of the drive containing the distribution disk (this is
usually A).

This is the interactive version of the INSTALL program. When the

program prompts you for the type of software to install (DOS or Windows),
select Windows. After you select the Windows option, INSTALL displays
a main menu with three options: Partial GPIB Installation, Full GPIB
Installation, and Return to DOS.

Select the type of installation that you want to use (Partial or Full). If you
select Partial GPIB Installation, you are prompted to choose which parts
of the NI-488.2 software to install. If you select Full GPIB Installation,
all of the NI-488.2 software is installed.

Next, you are prompted to give the location of your Windows directory and
you are prompted for the name of the directory where Windows is stored
and the name of a new directory into which the files can be copied. The
INSTALL program creates the specified destination directory and copies
the NI-488.2 files to the appropriate directories.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 4-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 4 Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows

Step 2. Set Up the Windows Applications

To set up the NI-488.2 applications for Windows, complete the following
steps:

1. Run Windows Setup in the Main window.

2. Select Set Up Applications from the Options pull-down menu.

3. Add WIBIC and WIBTEST to the Windows Applications window.

Refer to the Microsoft Windows User’s Guide for a more detailed

description of the Windows Setup procedure.

Step 3. Configure the Software

If you have made any changes to the GPIB -232CT-A hardware switches or
you need to change any of the default software configuration options, you
must run the program WIBCONF . If the default configuration of the
hardware and software is acceptable, skip to Step 4. You can, however, run
WIBCONF just to examine the software configuration.

Refer to Chapter 5, Configure Your Software with IBCONF, for information

on the configurable software options and their default values and how to run
WIBCONF.

Step 4. Verify the Software Installation

The WIBTEST program verifies that the software is properly installed and
configured for your GPIB-232CT-A. WIBTEST is a Windows application
and can be run by selecting the WIBTEST icon in the Windows
Applications window.

WIBTEST requires no user interaction and takes about 10 seconds to

complete. Disconnect any GPIB cables from the GPIB -232CT-A before
running the program. If an error occurs, check the following:

• Is the GPIB-232CT-A connected to a GPIB device? WIBTEST

requires that the GPIB-232CT-A not be connected to any GPIB
devices.

© National Instruments Corp. 4-5 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows Chapter 4

• Is the GPIB-232CT-A powered on?

• Did you change any of the hardware configurations on the

GPIB-232CT -A? If so, check the current software configuration of the
software by running WIBCONF. Make sure that the hardware settings
match. Refer to Step 3. Configure the Software , earlier in this chapter.

• Are the files GPIB.DLL and GPIB.INI located in your Windows

directory (usually C:\WINDOWS)?

If you have performed these steps and there is still a problem, refer to
Appendix C, Troubleshooting, for more information on installing the
GPIB-232CT-A.

If no errors occur, you can proceed to learn how to use the software and how
to develop your application program.

Using WIBIC
The easiest way to learn to communicate with your instrument is by
controlling it interactively. Located in your GPIB directory is the Interface
Bus Interactive Control program called WIBIC.EXE. You can use this
program to communicate with your instrument; the program displays the
status and any error after each NI-488.2 call.

With WIBIC, you can program your instruments interactively from the
keyboard rather than from an application program. Using WIBIC helps you
quickly understand how the instruments and the NI-488.2 software work.
The WIBIC program is the Windows version of the NI-488.2 software for
MS-DOS IBIC program. It has the same general appearance and same
function as the DOS IBIC program. Refer to Chapter 6, IBIC, of your
NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS for a complete
description of how to use IBIC.

While running WIBIC, you should study the descriptions of each function
given to fully understand their purpose or you can use the online help
available if you have questions.

To run WIBIC, change to the Windows Applications window and select

the WIBIC icon.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 4-6 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 4 Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows

Writing Windows Programs That Use the GPIB

There are two methods for writing a Windows application that uses the
GPIB. The first method is to write an application that uses the standard
NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines and is linked to one of the
Windows language interfaces. The NI-488.2 software includes the
Microsoft C language interface. Contact National Instruments for
information on other language interfaces that you can use with Windows.

The second method of writing a NI-488.2 for Windows application is to use

the DLL direct entry NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines. Using direct
entry, you do not need to have a special language interface to link with your
application. Refer to Appendix D, DLL Direct Entry NI-488 Functions and
NI-488.2 Routines, for more information.

The remainder of this chapter describes the WINSAMP sample program that
illustrates how GPIB calls can be made from a simple Microsoft C
Windows application using the National Instruments Microsoft C language
interface. It also lists a general set of rules to follow when using the DLL in
your own Windows application.

The WINSAMP Sample

There are two primary parts to the WINSAMP sample: WINSAMP.C and
GPIBSAMP.C. WINSAMP.C handles most of the details for interfacing
with Windows and GPIBSAMP.C makes GPIB calls and then displays the
results on the screen.

To execute WINSAMP, set it up as a Windows application. Refer to Step 2.

Set Up the Windows Applications , change to the Windows Applications
window, and select the WINSAMP icon.

To make changes to WINSAMP , add the desired changes and rebuild it by

entering the following command.

make

© National Instruments Corp. 4-7 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Install the NI-488.2 Software for Windows Chapter 4

General Rules for Using GPIB.LIB with Windows

By following these general rules, any application can use the GPIB.DLL.

• Make the same GPIB calls that you do under DOS (refer to the
NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS for a list of these
calls).

• Add GPIB.LIB to the library list in the link command line.

Note: All NI-488.2 GPIB.DLL files for Windows share the same
.LIB file; therefore, you do not have to relink applications
to switch between GPIB boxes.

• Ensure that the correct GPIB.DLL is in the directory in which

Windows is installed or in the DOS search path when the application is
run. Unlike the GPIB.LIB file, GPIB.DLL files are unique for each
National Instruments GPIB box or interface board.

• Ensure that GPIB.INI is in the directory in which Windows is

installed when the application is run so that it can be used to properly
initialize the GPIB.DLL file. The GPIB.INI file is also unique for
each GPIB box or interface board.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 4-8 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5
Configure Your Software with IBCONF

This chapter contains a description of the programs IBCONF.EXE, a utility

you can use to configure your NI-488.2 driver for MS-DOS, and
WIBCONF.EXE, a utility you can use to configure your NI-488.2 driver for
Windows DLL.

In this chapter, the term IBCONF is used to refer to both IBCONF.EXE and
WIBCONF.EXE . When you complete your software configuration using
IBCONF , you are ready to begin developing your application program. If
you need more information on IBCONF, refer to the online help screens in
the configuration utility.

Note: Throughout this chapter and IBCONF, the terms interface board ,
access board, and board are used to refer the GPIB-232CT-A.

Overview of IBCONF
IBCONF is a screen-oriented, interactive program that is used to modify the
configuration parameters for your GPIB-232CT-A and the GPIB devices
connected to it.

When used interactively, IBCONF reads in the GPIB configuration

parameters and displays them for your inspection. You can alter any of the
parameters to suit your requirements. When you have finished modifying
the configurable parameters, these changes can be saved when you exit the
IBCONF program.

In DOS, changes to the device driver using IBCONF.EXE take effect in the
memory-resident device driver in two ways:

• The traditional method is to restart your computer so that DOS can

reload the modified device driver into memory.

• A second, easier method, is to let IBCONF.EXE modify the

memory-resident device driver when you exit IBCONF.EXE. This
second method works only if the two copies of the device driver (the
one stored on disk and the one loaded into memory by DOS) are
compatible.

© National Instruments Corp. 5-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

For DOS, the simplest way to use IBCONF.EXE is to change to the

directory that contains the installed GPIB distribution files and enter the
following command:

IBCONF

IBCONF.EXE finds a GPIB.COM file to configure by going through the

following process:

1. If the file C:\CONFIG.SYS exists and contains a line of the format

device=<path>gpib.com , that GPIB.COM file is configured.

2. If the file CONFIG.SYS exists on the root directory of the current

drive and contains a line of the format device=<path>gpib.com ,
that GPIB.COM file is configured.

3. If a GPIB.COM file exists in the current directory, that file is

configured.

In Windows, changes made using WIBCONF.EXE are recorded in the

GPIB.INI file. The changes are effective immediately.

For Windows, you can run WIBCONF.EXE either from DOS or Windows.
WIBCONF.EXE finds the GPIB.INI file that contains the configuration
information by going through the following process:

1. Check C:\WINDOWS for a GPIB.INI file.

2. Check \WINDOWS for a GPIB.INI file.

3. Check the current directory for a GPIB.INI file.

Table 5-1. IBCONF Options

IBCONF Option Action

driver IBCONF configures the given driver file
instead of following one of the search rules
listed above.
-m Monochrome mode.
This option causes IBCONF to run in
monochrome mode even though you have a
color monitor.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Upper and Lower Levels of IBCONF

IBCONF operates at both an upper and a lower level. The upper level
consists of the board device maps and gives a graphical picture of the GPIB
system as defined in the handler. The lower level consists of screens
describing the individual board and devices that make up the system.

Upper Level Device Map

Figure 5-1 shows the upper level of IBCONF.

Figure 5-1. Upper Level of IBCONF

As shown in Figure 5-1, the upper-level screen of IBCONF displays the

names of all devices controlled by the driver. It also indicates which
devices, if any, are accessed through the interface or access board named
GPIB x, where x is 0 for your first board, 1 for your second board, and so
on. You can move around the map by using the cursor control keys. If you
have a Microsoft compatible mouse, you can also use it to move around the
map.

© National Instruments Corp. 5-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

The following options are available at the upper level.

• Device Maps of the Boards

• Help

• Rename

• (Dis)connect

• Edit

• Output GPIB Driver Configuration (IBCONF.EXE only)

• Autoconfigure (IBCONF.EXE only)

• Exit

Device Maps of the Boards

Use <PageUp> or <PageDown> to toggle between the device maps for the
different GPIB boards. Each board is referred to as an access board by
IBCONF . The maps show which devices are assigned to each box. The
default settings attach 16 devices to GPIB0 and 16 devices to GPIB1.

Help

Use <F1> to access the comprehensive, online help feature of IBCONF.

The help information describes the functions and common terms associated
with the upper-level of IBCONF.

Rename

Use <F4> to rename a device. Move to the device you want to rename by
using the cursor control keys. Press <F4> and enter the new name of the
device. The device name may contain up to eight characters and uses the
same rules as MS-DOS for naming files, except that suffixes ( .xxx) are not
allowed.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

As specified by MS-DOS, the device name cannot use the following

characters:

. " / \ [ ] :
| < > + = ; ,

(ASCII characters less than hex 21)

and cannot use the following reserved names:

CON NUL

Uppercase and lowercase letters are treated the same. The string PLOTTER
is treated the same as the string plotter, for example. For this reason,
IBCONF maps all lowercase letters to uppercase.

Caution: In DOS, devices must not have the same names as files,
directories, or subdirectories. The MS-DOS GPIB device
driver uses the names GPIB0, GPIB1, GPIB2, GPIB3 and
DEV1, DEV2, DEV3 through DEV32. If you have files,
directories, or subdirectories with one these names, you must
rename them.

The string representing a device or access board name is the first variable
argument of the function ibfind called at the beginning of your
application program. Refer to Chapter 4, NI-488.2 Software Characteristics
and Routines, and Chapter 5, NI-488 Software Characteristics and
Functions, of the NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS for
more explanations of ibfind.

(Dis)connect

Use <F5> to logically connect or disconnect a device from a board. Move

the cursor to the device that you want to connect or disconnect by using the
cursor control keys and press the <F5> key.

Edit

Use <F8> or <Enter> to edit or examine the characteristics of a particular

GPIB board or device. Move to the GPIB board or device that you want to
edit using the cursor control keys and press <F8>. This step puts you in the
lower level of IBCONF and lists the characteristics for the particular GPIB

© National Instruments Corp. 5-5 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

board or device that you want to edit. To exit edit mode, use <F9> or
<Escape>.

Output GPIB Driver Configuration (IBCONF.EXE only)

When configuring a GPIB device driver, you can write a text version of the
driver to a disk file. Use <F2> to direct IBCONF to create a text file named
GPIB.TXT in the current directory. This file contains a description of the
current GPIB driver and should be used only for information purposes.

Autoconfigure (IBCONF.EXE only)

Note: All the devices in the system must be connected and powered on
before running Autoconfigure.

Use <F3> to cause IBCONF to perform its automatic configuration. When

asked to autoconfigure a particular GPIB board, IBCONF interrogates all
the listen addresses on the GPIB to detect listening devices. IBCONF then
adjusts the device map for the board so that only the responding devices are
connected. It also adjusts the primary and secondary address fields of the
devices to match the addresses that responded as Listeners. The entire
operation only takes a few seconds. You may want to rename the connected
devices with names that indicate their function. For more information on
naming devices, refer to the section, Rename, earlier in this chapter.

IBCONF disconnects devices from higher numbered interface boards to

configure the current board. For this reason, if you have more than one
board in your system, you should plan to autoconfigure all of them,
beginning with board 0 and increasing. If you want to autoconfigure only
one board, and leave the others alone, you should arrange for board 3 to be
the autoconfigured board, and for the others to be left alone.

Note: Do NOT use Autoconfigure if you are using LabWindows.

Exit

Use <F9> or <Escape> to exit IBCONF. If you have made changes,

IBCONF asks if you want to save the changes to the disk before exiting.
Type a y (yes) to save changes, n (no) to lose changes, or c (cancel) and
remain in IBCONF. For more information on exiting IBCONF, refer to the
Exiting IBCONF section at the end of this chapter.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-6 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Lower Level Device/Board Characteristics

Figure 5-2 shows the lower level of IBCONF.

Figure 5-2. Lower Level of IBCONF

The lower level screens of IBCONF display the currently defined values for
characteristics of a device or board, such as addressing and timeout
information, as shown in Figure 5-2. You access these screens from the
upper level of IBCONF by selecting a board or device and pressing <F8> or
<Enter>. The configuration settings selected for each device and each
board are a means of customizing the communications and other options
used with that board or device. The settings for devices specify the
characteristics used by the access board for that device when device
functions are used. The settings for boards specify the characteristics used
when board functions are used.

The following functions are available at the lower level.

• Change Characteristics

• Change Board or Device

© National Instruments Corp. 5-7 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

• Help

• Reset Value

• Return to Map

Change Characteristics

To change a specific characteristic of a device or a board, move the cursor

to or click the mouse on that characteristic. You can also use <PageUp>,
<PageDown>, <Home>, or <End> to move around the characteristics of a
device or a board. When the cursor is on the characteristic, either use the
left/right arrow keys to select between different options or input the option
directly from the keyboard. Instructions on the right side of the screen
inform you which method is appropriate for the selected characteristic.

Change Board or Device

Use <Control-PageUp> and <Control-PageDown> to move to the next or

previous GPIB board or device in your configuration. For example, if you
are editing DEV3 and press <Control-PageUp>, you will then be editing
DEV4.

Help

Use <F1> to access the comprehensive, online help feature of IBCONF.

The help information describes the functions and common terms associated
with the lower level of IBCONF.

Reset Value

Use <F6> to reset a characteristic option to its previous value.

Return to Map

At the lower level, <F9> or <Escape> returns you to the upper level device
map of IBCONF .

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-8 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Default Configurations
The NI-488.2 software has factory default configurations. For example, the
default device names of the 32 GPIB devices are DEV1 through DEV32 .
You may want to change the names to more descriptive ones, such as
METER for a digital multimeter.

You can use IBCONF to look at the current default settings in the software
file.

If you do not use IBCONF to make changes to the NI-488.2 software, the
default configurations of the software remain in effect.

Default Values
The following are the default values of the NI-488.2 software.

• There are 32 devices with symbolic names DEV1 through DEV32 .

• There are four access boards with symbolic names GPIB0, GPIB1,
GPIB2, and GPIB3. You cannot change access board names.

• Access board GPIB0 is enabled. GPIB1, GPIB2, and GPIB3 are

disabled.

• The GPIB addresses of the first 16 devices are the same as the device
number. For example, DEV1 is at address 1. These devices are
assigned to the access board GPIB0.

• The GPIB addresses of the second 16 devices are 1 through 16, in

order. For example, DEV17 is at address 1 and DEV18 is at address 2.
These devices are assigned to access board GPIB1.

• Each GPIB interface board is System Controller of its independent bus

and has a GPIB primary address of 0.

• The END message is sent with the last byte of each data message to a
device. No End-of-String (EOS) character is recognized.

© National Instruments Corp. 5-9 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

• The time limit on I/O and wait function calls is set for approximately
10 s.

• GPIB0 serial communications settings:

COM1, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No parity, 9600 baud

Device and Board Characteristics

The following explanations are for board and device characteristics in
IBCONF . More extensive help for each characteristic is displayed on the
IBCONF screen while the cursor is positioned in a field. Most of the
following characteristics apply to both devices and boards although some,
as indicated, only apply to boards.

Primary GPIB Address

All devices and boards must be assigned unique primary addresses in the
range from hex 00 to hex 1E (0 to 30 decimal).

Secondary GPIB Address

Any device or board using extended addressing must be assigned a
secondary address in the range from hex 60 to hex 7E (96 to 126 decimal),
or you can select the NONE option to disable secondary addressing. The
default option for this characteristic is NONE.

Timeout Settings
The timeout value is the approximate minimum length of time that I/O
functions such as ibrd, ibwrt, and ibcmd can take before a timeout
occurs. It is also the length of time that the ibwait function waits for an
event before returning if the TIMO bit is set in the event mask. The default
option for this characteristic is 10sec.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-10 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Serial Poll Timeouts (Device Characteristic Only)

This timeout value controls the length of time the driver waits for a serial
poll response from a device. The ANSI/IEEE 488 standard does not specify
the length of time a Controller should wait for the response byte. The driver
default of 1 s should work for most devices.

Terminate READ on EOS

Some devices send an EOS byte signaling the last byte of a data message.
A yes response to this field causes the GPIB board to terminate a read
operation when it receives the EOS byte. The default option for this
characteristic is no. See also the EOS Byte section.

Set EOI with EOS on Write

A yes response to this field causes the GPIB board to assert the EOI line
when the EOS byte is detected on a write operation. The default option for
this characteristic is no. See also the EOS Byte section.

Type of Compare on EOS

This field specifies the type of comparison to be made with the EOS byte.
You may indicate whether all eight bits are to be compared or just the seven
least significant bits (ASCII or ISO format). This field is only valid if a
yes response was given for either the Set EOI with EOS on Write field or
the Terminate Read on EOS field. The default option for this characteristic
is 7-bit. See also the EOS Byte section.

EOS Byte
You can program some devices to terminate a read operation when a
selected character is detected. A linefeed character (hex 0A) is a common
EOS byte.

Note: The driver does not automatically append an EOS byte to the end
of data strings on write operations. You must explicitly include
this byte in your data string. The designation of the EOS byte is

© National Instruments Corp. 5-11 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

only for the purpose of informing the driver of its value so that
I/O can terminate correctly.

The default option for this characteristic is 00H.

Set EOI at End of Write

Some devices, as Listeners, require that the Talker terminate a data message
by asserting the EOI line with the last byte. A yes response causes the
GPIB interface board to assert the EOI line on the last data byte. The
default option for this characteristic is yes.

System Controller (Board Characteristic Only)

This field appears only on the board characteristics screen. The System
Controller in a GPIB system is the device that maintains ultimate control
over the bus. There should only be one device designated as System
Controller in any GPIB system. The default option for this characteristic is
yes.

Assert REN when SC (Board Characteristic Only)

A yes response to this field causes Remote Enable (REN) to be asserted
automatically whenever the board is placed online, provided that the board
has been given System Controller capability. If a no response is provided,
an explicit call to ibsre is required to assert REN. The default option for
this characteristic is no.

Enable Auto Serial Polling (Board Characteristic Only)

This option enables or disables automatic serial polls of devices when the
GPIB Service Request (SRQ) line is asserted. Positive poll responses are
stored following the polls and can be read with the ibrsp device function.
The default option for this characteristic is no.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-12 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Enable CIC Protocol (Board Characteristic Only)

If a device-level NI-488 call is made after control has been passed to
another device, enabling this protocol causes the board to assert SRQ with a
Serial Poll status byte of hex 42. The current Controller must recognize that
the board wants to regain control. If the current Controller passes control
back to the board, the device call proceeds as intended. If control is not
passed within the timeout period, the error ECIC results from the call. If the
CIC protocol is disabled, ECIC is returned immediately if a device call is
made after control has been passed. The default option for this
characteristic is no.

Bus Timing (Board Characteristic Only)

This field specifies the T1 delay of the source handshake capability for the
board. This delay determines the minimum amount of time, after the data is
placed on the bus, that the board may assert DAV during a write or
command operation. If the total length of the GPIB cable length in the
system is less than 15 m, then the value of 350nsec is appropriate.

There are other factors that may affect the choice of the T1 delay, although
they are unlikely to affect you. Refer to the ANSI/IEEE 488.2-1987
Standard, IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common
Commands, for more information about these other factors.

The default option is 500nsec .

Enable Repeat Addressing (Device Characteristic Only)

Normally, devices are addressed before a read or write operation is
performed only if they are not already properly addressed for the read or
write operation. If yes is selected, read or write operations always
readdress even if the device is already properly addressed. The default
option is no.

Use This Interface (Board Characteristic Only)

If you do not want the driver to try to access an interface (because you do
not have an interface in the system), select no for this option. When this
field is set to no, the driver does not try to access the interface hardware. It

© National Instruments Corp. 5-13 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Configure Your Software with IBCONF Chapter 5

returns the error ENEB as soon as a program tries to access the board. The
default is yes for GPIB0 and no for all other GPIB boards.

COM Port (Board Characteristic Only)

This field specifies the serial communications port to which the GPIB
interface is connected. COM1 through COM4 define the standard
PC-compatible serial communications ports. The Serial Port Base Address
and IRQ Level fields change accordingly when you change the COM Port
Selection. If you have non-standard serial communications ports, then
modify the Serial Port Base Address and IRQ level fields separately. The
default for GPIB0 is COM1.

Serial Port Base Address (Board Characteristic Only)

This field specifies the base I/O address of the serial communications port
and should only be used if you have a non-standard serial communications
port. The GPIB-232CT-A software assumes that the serial controller
hardware is compatible with the National Semiconductor INS8250 universal
asynchronous receiver/transmitter (the standard for PC-compatibles).

Serial Port IRQ Level (Board Characteristic Only)

This field specifies the IRQ level of the serial communications port and
should only be used if you have a non-standard serial communications port.
The GPIB-232CT-A software assumes that the serial controller hardware is
compatible with the National Semiconductor INS8250 universal
asynchronous receiver/transmitter (the standard for PC-compatibles).

Baud Rate (Board Characteristic Only)*

This field specifies the baud rate of the serial communications port. It
ranges from 300 baud to 38400 baud. For Windows, 38400 baud is not
supported and 19200 baud does not work properly in all configurations; you
should use the default rate of 9600 baud.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows 5-14 © National Instruments Corp.

Chapter 5 Configure Your Software with IBCONF

Parity (Board Characteristic Only)*

This field specifies the parity checking for the serial communications port.
Parity checking can be odd, even, or none; the default is none.

Stop Bits (Board Characteristic Only)*

This field specifies the number of stop bits per character for the serial
communications port. Stop bits can be set to 1 or 2; the default is 1.

Data Bits (Board Characteristic Only)*

This field specifies the number of data bits per character for the serial
communications port. The number of data bits can be set to 7 or 8; the
default is 8.

* If you change these software settings, you must change your hardware
settings to match. Refer to Appendix A, Hardware Configuration, for
more information on changing these settings.

Exiting IBCONF
After you have made all your changes, you can exit IBCONF by pressing
<F9> or <Escape>. The program asks if you want to save the changes to
the disk before exiting. Typing a y (yes) response causes the changes to be
written to the file on disk.

Before exiting, the program checks for situations that can cause problems,
such as the following:

• Is there a GPIB addressing conflict between a device and its access

board?

• Are GPIB boards not present in the host machine at the specified
address?

• Are timeouts disabled on a device or board?

If any of these situations are found, you are notified and given the option of
re-entering or exiting IBCONF.

© National Instruments Corp. 5-15 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Appendix A
Hardware Configuration
This appendix describes how to configure the GPIB-232CT-A RS-232 serial
port.

The default hardware settings for the GPIB-232CT-A are compatible with
the default software settings. If you change the hardware settings, make
sure that you also change the software settings so that they are compatible.

Configure the RS-232 Serial Port

The GPIB-232CT-A is shipped from the factory configured to operate in
Serial (S) mode. In S mode, the computer attached to the RS-232 port of the
GPIB-232CT-A is the controlling device. The RS-232 serial port is
configured at 9600 baud, 1 stop bit, no parity, and 8 data bits. To change the
parameters, you set the configuration switches on the back panel.

The DIP switch is used to configure the serial port parameters of the
GPIB -232CT-A while in S mode. In G mode, the GPIB-232CT-A is used to
interface an RS-232 device as a GPIB Talker/Listener.

Figure A-1 shows the factory default setting of the DIP switch. In
Figure A-1, the black side of the switch represents the position of the switch
handle.

S MODE
DATA FORMAT
BAUD RATE OFF

ON
GPIB ADDRESS
G MODE

Figure A-1. Factory Default Setting (S Mode) for DIP Switch

© National Instruments Corp. A-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Hardware Configuration Appendix A

Note: For the purpose of this explanation, the switches have been
assigned numbers as a point of reference. These numbers do
NOT appear on the GPIB-232CT-A itself. In this explanation,
the three switches labeled BAUD RATE are switches 1 through
3, the DATA FORMAT switches are switches 4 through 7, and
the S MODE switch is switch 8.

In Figure A-1, switches 1 through 3 are ON, OFF, and ON, respectively,
indicating that the serial port is operating at 9600 baud. Switches 4 and 5
are both OFF, which indicates that parity is disabled. Switch 6 is OFF,
indicating 1 stop bit/character. Switch 7 is ON, indicating that the
GPIB -232CT-A is using 8 bits per character for serial data transfers.
Switch 8 is OFF, indicating that the GPIB-232CT-A is operating in S mode.

Tables A-1 and A-2 show the possible configurations of the eight switches
and what each configuration indicates. The factory default settings are in
bold italics .

Table A-1. Configuration Parameters for Switches 1 through 3

Switches
1 2 3 Indication

OFF OFF OFF 300 baud

ON OFF OFF 600 baud
OFF ON OFF 1200 baud
ON ON OFF 2400 baud
OFF OFF ON 4800 baud
ON OFF ON 9600 baud
OFF ON ON 19200 baud
ON ON ON 38400 baud

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows A-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix A Hardware Configuration

Table A-2. Configuration Parameters for Switches 4 through 8

Switch Position Indication

4 OFF odd parity
ON even parity
5 OFF parity generation/checking disabled
ON parity generation/checking enabled
6 OFF 1 stop bit/character
ON 2 stop bits/character
7 OFF 7 bits/character
ON 8 bits/character
8 OFF operates in S mode
ON operates in G mode

© National Instruments Corp. A-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Appendix B
Hardware Specifications
The appendix specifies the electrical, environmental, and physical
characteristics of the GPIB-232CT-A and the recommended operating
conditions.

Table B-1. Electrical Characteristics - AC Version

Characteristic Specification

Power Supply Unit 100-120 VAC ± 10%, 50-60 Hz or

220-240 VAC ± 10%, 50-60 Hz

Current 100-120 VAC 23 mA or

220-240 VAC 20 mA

Fuse Rating and Type 100-120 VAC 300 mA, UL/CSA approved or
220-240 VAC 500 mA, IEC approved

Table B-2. Electrical Characteristics - DC Version

Characteristic Specification

Power Supply Unit Wall-mount type, 100-120 VAC ± 10%

50-60 Hz input , 9 VDC @ 1A output or
Desktop type, 220-240 VAC ± 10%
50-60 Hz input, 9 VDC @ 1 A output

DC Input +5 to +13 Regulated

Current 300 mA typical; 400 mA maximum

© National Instruments Corp. B-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Hardware Specifications Appendix B

Table B-3. Environmental Characteristics- AC Version

Characteristic Specification

Operating Temperature 10° to 40° C

Storage Temperature 0° to 70° C

Relative Humidity 10% to 95% noncondensing conditions

EMI FCC Class A Verified

Table B-4. Environmental Characteristics- DC Version

Characteristic Specification

Operating Temperature 10° to 40° C

Storage Temperature 0° to 70° C

Relative Humidity 10% to 95% noncondensing conditions

EMI FCC Class B Certified

Table B-5. Physical Characteristics - AC Version

Characteristic Specification

Case Size 4.65 in. by 3.0 in. by 1.74 in.

(118.1 mm by 76.2 mm by 44.2 mm)

Case Material All metal enclosure

Weight 12 oz (340 g)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows B-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix B Hardware Specifications

Table B-6. Physical Characteristics - DC Version

Characteristic Specification

Case Size 4.65 in. by 3.0 in. by 1.11 in.

(118.1 mm by 76.2 mm by 28.2 mm)

Case Material All metal enclosure

Weight 7 oz (198 g)

© National Instruments Corp. B-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Appendix C
Troubleshooting
This appendix suggests some areas to check if you have problems installing
or using the GPIB-232CT-A or the NI-488.2 software after going through
the procedures described in Chapters 2 through 5.

If you still have problems after completing the steps in this appendix,
complete the appropriate forms in Appendix F, Customer Communication
and then contact National Instruments for technical support.

Troubleshooting Hardware Problems

Warning: The AC version of the GPIB-232CT-A contains circuitry that
operates with hazardous voltages. Do NOT open the unit
unless so instructed by National Instruments. Be sure to
remove the power cord before opening the unit.

• All cables must be securely connected to the GPIB-232CT-A.

• Check the DIP switch settings on the GPIB-232CT-A. This DIP switch
selects the serial port configuration. Most applications require the
default setting, which is shown in Figure A-1. Refer to Appendix A,
Hardware Configuration, for information on setting the GPIB-232CT-A
configuration using this switch.

• Make sure that the GPIB-232CT-A is powered on.

• If you have an AC version, check the fuse.

Warning: For continued protection against fire, replace only with

the same type and rating of fuse. See Appendix B,
Hardware Specifications, for fuse specifications.

© National Instruments Corp. C- 1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Troubleshooting Appendix C

Troubleshooting Software Problems

If the following three conditions apply, the GPIB-232CT-A and the
NI-488.2 software are unable to communicate properly.

• GPIB calls return with the ERR bit set in ibsta.

• The value of iberr is EDVR.

• The value of ibcntl is 122541, 188077, or 253613 (1DEAD, 2DEAD,

or 3DEAD in hexadecimal notation).

The solution depends on the value of ibcntl. The following paragraphs

contain troubleshooting tips for each of the ibcntl values.

• If ibcntl is 1DEAD, the software is unable to open and initialize the

serial communications port. You should reconfigure your
GPIB-232CT-A and software to verify that the settings match.

• If ibcntl is 2DEAD, the software is encountering serial overrun errors

when it attempts to access the GPIB-232CT-A box. Serial overrun
errors occur when the software is not able to service the serial interrupt
receiving a serial byte before the next serial byte arrives. One way to
eliminate this problem is to slow down the baud rate that the
GPIB-232CT-A and NI-488.2 software are using. Another way to
eliminate this problem is to unload any device drivers, TSRs, or
applications that you are using that might disallow interrupts over an
extended period of time.

• If ibcntl is 3DEAD, there is total miscommunication between the

NI-488.2 software and the GPIB-232CT-A. The only solution is to
power off the box and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try
using a different serial cable.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows C- 2 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix D
DLL Direct Entry NI-488 Functions
and NI-488.2 Routines

This appendix explains and gives examples of how to use the DLL Direct
Entry NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines to access the GPIB.DLL
file. Following the examples are tables that list all NI-488.2 routines and
NI-488 functions, including their calling syntax and ordinal entry values.

The DLL Direct Entry NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines can be used
to access the GPIB.DLL file from any language or programming
environment that runs under Windows and supports access to standard
Windows DLL functions. As with all functions exported by a DLL, these
functions conform to the PASCAL calling conventions. A few examples of
using these entry points follow. Tables D-1 and D-2 contain a complete list
of all of the entry points.

For specific information on the variables ibsta, iberr, and ibcntl,

refer to Chapter 3, Understanding the NI-488.2 Software, in the NI-488.2
Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS. For specific information on a
routine or function, refer to the NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for
MS-DOS. For information about accessing dynamic link library DLL
functions from a given language or environment or using ordinal entry
values which some environments do not support, see the documentation
provided with that package.

Example 1, accessing the GPIB.DLL file from Turbo Pascal for Windows:
(* First, import the DLL functions you plan to use. *)

function DLLibfind(udname: PChar;

var ibsta: integer;
var iberr: integer;
var ibcntl: longint) : integer; far;
external 'GPIB' index 22;

function DLLibsic(ud: integer;

var: ibsta: integer;
var: iberr: integer;
var: ibcntl: longint) : integer; far;
external 'GPIB' index 42;

© National Instruments Corp. D-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines Appendix D

procedure DLLSendIFC(board: integer;

var ibsta: integer;
var iberr: integer;
var ibcntl: longint) ; far;
external 'GPIB' index 119;

(* Your application can now use the functions. *)

var BoardHandle: integer;

var ibsta: integer;
var iberr: integer;
var ibcntl: longint;
var temp: integer;

BoardHandle:= DLLibfind('GPIB0', ibsta, iberr, ibcntl);

temp:= DLLibsic(BoardHandle, ibsta, iberr, ibcntl);

(* or *)

DLLSendIFC(0, ibsta, iberr, ibcntl);

Example 2, accessing the GPIB.DLL file from Microsoft Visual Basic:

'First declare the DLL functions you plan to use.

Declare function DLLibfind Lib "gpib.dll"

(ByVal udname$, ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&) As Integer
Declare function DLLibsic Lib "gpib.dll"
(ByVal ud%, ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&) As Integer
Declare procedure DLLSendIFC Lib "gpib.dll"
(ByVal board%, ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&)

'Your application can now use the functions.

Global BoardHandle As Integer

Global ibsta As Integer
Global iberr As Integer
Global ibcntl As Long

BoardHandle% =
DLLibfind("GPIB0", ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&)

temp% = DLLibsic(BoardHandle%, ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&)

'or

call DLLSendIFC(0, ibsta%, iberr%, ibcntl&)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows D-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix D DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines

Note: All of the routines listed in Table D-1 are of type

void _far _pascal.

Table D-1. Direct Entry NI-488.2 Style Routines

Routine Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

AllSpoll DLLAllSpoll (short board,

(100) short _far* addresslist,
short _far * resultlist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

DevClear DLLDevClear (short board, short

(101) address, short _far *ibsta, short _far
*iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

DevClearList DLLDevClearList ( short board,

(102) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

EnableLocal DLLEnableLocal (short board,

(103) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

EnableRemote DLLEnableRemote ( short board,

(104) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

FindLstn DLLFindLstn (short board,

(105) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *resultlist, short limit,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

FindRQS DLLFindRQS ( short board,

(106) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *result, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

© National Instruments Corp. D-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines Appendix D

Table D-1. Direct Entry NI-488.2 Style Routines (continued)

Routine Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

PassControl DLLPassControl (short board,

(107) short address, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

PPoll DLLPPoll ( short board, short _far

(108) *result,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

PPollConfig DLLPPollConfig (short board,

(109) short address, short dataline,
short sense, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

PPollUnconfig DLLPPollUnconfig (short board,

(110) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

RcvRespMsg DLLRcvRespMsg ( short board,

(111) char _far * data, long count,
short termination, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ReadStatusByte DLLReadStatusByte ( short board,

(112) short address, short _far *result,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

Receive DLLReceive ( short board, short address,

(113) char _far * data, unsigned long count,
short termination, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

(continues)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows D-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix D DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines

Table D-1. Direct Entry NI-488.2 Style Routines (continued)

Routine Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

ReceiveSetup DLLReceiveSetup ( short board,

(114) short address, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ResetSys DLLResetSys (short board,

(115) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

Send DLLSend ( short board, short address,

(116) char _far * data, long count,
short eotmode, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SendCmds DLLSendCmds (short board,

(117) char _far * commands, unsigned long count,
short eotmode, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SendDataBytes DLLSendDataBytes (short board,

(118) char _far * data, long count,
short eotmode, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SendIFC DLLSendIFC ( short board,

(119) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SendList DLLSendList (short board,

(120) short _far *addresslist, char _far * data,
long count, short eotmode,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

(continues)

© National Instruments Corp. D-5 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines Appendix D

Table D-1. Direct Entry NI-488.2 Style Routines (continued)

Routine Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

SendLLO DLLSendLLO ( short board,

(121) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SendSetup DLLSendSetup ( short board,

(122) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

SetRWLS DLLSetRWLS ( short board,

(123) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

TestSRQ DLLTestSRQ ( short board,

(124) short _far *result, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

TestSys DLLTestSys ( short board,

(125) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *resultlist, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

Trigger DLLTrigger ( short board, short address,

(126) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

TriggerList DLLTriggerList (short board,

(127) short _far *addresslist,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

WaitSRQ DLLWaitSRQ ( short board,

(128) short _far *result, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows D-6 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix D DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines

Note: All of the functions listed in Table D-2 are of type

short _far _pascal.

Table D-2. Direct Entry NI-488 Style Functions

Functions Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

ibbna DLLibbna ( short ud, char _far * bname,

(10) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibcac DLLibcac ( short ud, short v,

(11) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibclr DLLibclr ( short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(12) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibcmd DLLibcmd ( short ud, char _far * cmd,

(13) long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibcmda DLLibcmda (short ud, char _far * cmd,

(14) long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibconfig DLLibconfig (short ud,

(15) unsigned short option, unsigned short cnt,
short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibdev DLLibdev ( short boardindex, short pad,

(16) short sad, short tmo, short eot,
short eos, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibdma DLLibdma ( short ud, short v,

(18) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

© National Instruments Corp. D-7 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines Appendix D

Table D-2. Direct Entry NI-488 Style Functions (continued)

Functions Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

ibeos DLLibeos ( short ud, short v,

(19) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibeot DLLibeot ( short ud, short v,

(20) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibfind DLLibfind (char _far * udname,

(22) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibgts DLLibgts ( short ud, short v,

(23) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibist DLLibist ( short ud, short v,

(24) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

iblines DLLiblines ( short ud, short _far *clines,

(25) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibln DLLiblin ( short ud, short pad, short sad,

(26) short _far *listen, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibloc DLLibloc ( short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(27) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibonl DLLibonl ( short ud, short v,

(28) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibpad DLLibpad ( short ud, short v,

(29) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

(continues)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows D-8 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix D DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines

Table D-2. Direct Entry NI-488 Style Functions (continued)

Functions Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

ibpct DLLibpct ( short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(30) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibppc DLLibppc ( short ud, short v,

(32) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrd DLLibrd ( short ud, short _far *rd,

(33) unsigned long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrda DLLibrda ( short ud, char _far * rd,

(34) unsigned long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrdf DLLibrdf ( short ud, char _far * flname,

(35) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrpp DLLibrpp ( short ud, char _far * ppr,

(37) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrsc DLLibrsc ( short ud, short v,

(38) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrsp DLLibrsp ( short ud, char _far * spr,

(39) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibrsv DLLibrsv ( short ud, short v,

(40) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibsad DLLibsad ( short ud, short v,

(41) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

© National Instruments Corp. D-9 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

DLL Direct Entry Functions and Routines Appendix D

Table D-2. Direct Entry NI-488 Style Functions (continued)

Functions Syntax
(ordinal entry value)

ibsic DLLibsic ( short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(42) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibsre DLLibsre ( short ud, short v,

(43) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibstop DLLibstop (short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(44) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibtmo DLLibtmo ( short ud, short v,

(45) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibtrg DLLibtrg ( short ud, short _far *ibsta,

(46) short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibwait DLLibwait (short ud, short mask,

(47) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibwrt DLLibwrt ( short ud, char _far * wrt,

(48) unsigned long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibwrta DLLibwrta (short ud, char _far * wrt,

(49) unsigned long cnt, short _far *ibsta,
short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

ibwrtf DLLibwrtf (short ud, char _far * flname,

(50) short _far *ibsta, short _far *iberr,
unsigned long _far *ibcntl)

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows D-10 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix E
Interfacing to a Serial Device

This appendix describes the RS-232 serial port on the GPIB-232CT-A and
explains how to interface a DCE or DTE serial device to the RS-232 serial
port.

The GPIB-232CT-A transfers serial data using the electrical signals,

mechanical connections, data format, and control protocols defined in the
RS-232C standard. The RS-232 port on the GPIB-232CT-A provides an
asynchronous serial communication link to a serial peripheral device.

The RS-232C Standard

The RS-232C standard (international standard CCITT V.24) was formulated
in 1969 largely from the efforts of the Electronic Industries Association
(EIA) and Bell Laboratories. The standard describes the electrical
specifications and arrangement of control and data signals on both sides of a
serial communications interface. Its original intent was to interface
terminals to modems. Many manufacturers of computers and instruments
have adopted the standard for their serial communications needs. For more
information on the RS-232C standard, contact

Global Engineering Documents

7730 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 4007
St. Louis, MO 63105
(800) 854-7179

Description of the RS-232 Port

The RS-232 serial port on the GPIB-232CT-A uses a male 9-pin
D-Subminiature connector with a DTE interface configuration. Table E-1
shows the signal lines supported on the GPIB-232CT-A.

© National Instruments Corp. E-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Interfacing to a Serial Device Appendix E

Table E-1. RS-232 Serial Port Signal Configuration

Pin Signal RS-232 Function

Number Description Code
2 RXD BB This signal carries serial data from
(Receive the serial device to the
Data) GPIB-232CT-A.
3 TXD BA This signal carries serial data from
(Transmit the GPIB-232CT-A to the serial
Data) device.
4 DTR (Data CD This signal is asserted by the
Terminal GPIB-232CT-A to signal that it has
Ready) been powered on and is ready to
operate.
5 GND AB This signal establishes a reference
(Ground) point for all interface voltages.
7 RTS CA This signal is driven by the
(Request to GPIB-232CT-A. When asserted, it
Send) indicates that the GPIB-232CT-A is
ready to accept serial data. When
unasserted, it indicates that the
GPIB-232CT-A is no longer ready
to accept serial data because the
buffer is full.
8 CTS (Clear CB This signal is sensed by the
to Send) GPIB-232CT-A. When asserted, it
indicates that the serial device is
ready to accept serial data. When
unasserted, it indicates that data
transmission should be disabled.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows E-2 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix E Interfacing to a Serial Device

Interfacing Serial Devices to the RS-232

Serial Port
To interface other serial devices to the RS-232 serial port on the
GPIB -232CT-A, first refer to the manual that came with your serial device
to determine if the device is configured as a DTE or DCE. Also, determine
from the manual how the control lines are used and whether they must be
driven for the serial port to operate.

Note: The GPIB-232CT-A serial port is configured to be a DTE.

Figure E-1 shows the location of the RS-232 connector.

DC Power Jack
(DC version only)

GPIB-232CT-A
RS-232 IEEE 488 Controller
ER

EN
Y
D

NATIONAL
K
W

Q
ST
EA

N
L
PO

SR
TA

AT

INSTRUMENTS
LI
R

RS-232 Connector GPIB Connector

Figure E-1. Location of the RS-232 Connector

Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DCE with

Handshaking
A correctly configured DTE-to-DCE interface is wired straight across:
GPIB-232CT-A TXD to DCE TXD, GPIB-232CT-A RXD to DCE RXD,
and so on as shown in Table E-2.

© National Instruments Corp. E-3 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Interfacing to a Serial Device Appendix E

Table E-2. Cable Wiring Scheme for GPIB-232CT-A DTE to

Serial Device DCE

Standard Standard
GPIB-232CT-A Signal to DTE to DCE DTE to DCE
DCE Serial Device Signal 9-pin 9-pin 9-pin 25-pin
RXD to RXD 2 to 2 2 to 3
TXD to TXD 3 to 3 3 to 2
DTR to DTR 4 to 4 4 to 20
GND to GND 5 to 5 5 to 7
RTS to RTS 7 to 7 7 to 4
CTS to CTS 8 to 8 8 to 5
Note: Connections in bold italics must be implemented.

Figure E-2 shows a properly configured 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE cable
including the hardware handshake lines RTS, CTS, and DTR. With this
configuration, the GPIB-232CT-A can function properly (handshake) on
buffer full conditions. Figure E-3 shows an equivalent 9-pin DTE to 25-pin
DCE cable configuration.

1 5
6 9
7 8
8 7
9 6
5 1

GPIB-232CT-A Serial Device

9-pin DTE 9-pin DCE

Figure E-2. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE with
Handshaking

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows E-4 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix E Interfacing to a Serial Device

1
1
6 14
7 15
8 16
9 17
5 18
19
20
GPIB-232CT-A 8 21
9 22
9-pin DTE 10 23
11 24
12 25
13

Serial Device
25-pin DCE

Figure E-3. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DCE with
Handshaking

Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DCE without

Handshaking
If your serial device does not require or use the hardware handshaking
protocol used by the GPIB-232CT-A, you have two options:

• Use a minimum configuration cable which does not support hardware

handshaking and use XON/XOFF software handshaking (if necessary).
To create a minimum configuration cable, connect the signals shown in
bold italics in Table E-2.

• Wire a custom cable that properly interfaces the GPIB-232CT-A

hardware handshaking protocol to the handshaking protocol of your
serial device.

© National Instruments Corp. E-5 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Interfacing to a Serial Device Appendix E

Minimum Configuration Cable

The minimum configuration cable assumes that the DCE does not require
external hardware handshaking. The minimum configuration for a DTE
9-pin to DCE 9-pin cable is shown in Figure E-4. Figure E-5 shows an
equivalent 9-pin to 25-pin cable.

1 5
6 9
7 8
8 7
9 6
5 1

GPIB-232CT-A Serial Device

9-pin DTE 9-pin DCE

Figure E-4. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DCE

1 1
6 14
7 15
8 16
9 4 17
5 18
5 6
19
20
GPIB-232CT-A 8 21
9 22
9-pin DTE 10 23
11 24
12 25
13

Serial Device
25-pin DCE

Figure E-5. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DCE

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows E-6 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix E Interfacing to a Serial Device

Custom Cables

If your application requires a custom cable, you can construct one if you
have a thorough knowledge of the handshaking protocols involved. Review
the RS-232 characteristics of your serial device and build the cable to
properly connect the handshake lines of the two devices. Because the
DTE-to -DCE connection is a straight across connection, it often involves
only connecting RTS to RTS, CTS to CTS, DTR to DTR, and so on. If the
documentation for your serial device does not provide a thorough
explanation of its handshaking protocol, the ANSI/EIA-232-C standard is a
good reference, provided your device conforms to the RS-232 protocol.

Caution: Although handshaking might not be required, it is best to use

some form of handshaking to prevent loss of data.

Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DTE with

Handshaking
For serial devices set up as DTEs, you must wire a DTE-to-DTE interface
cable, commonly known as a null modem cable. The cable allows the
GPIB-232CT-A to act as though it is communicating with a DCE, but it
swaps the appropriate pins to achieve a DTE configuration. This wiring
configuration is shown in Table E-3.

Table E-3. Cable Wiring Scheme for GPIB-232CT-A DTE to

Serial Device DTE

Standard Standard
GPIB-232CT-A Signal to DTE to DTE DTE to DTE
DTE Serial Device Signal 9-pin 9-pin 9-pin 25-pin
RXD to TXD 2 to 3 2 to 2
TXD to RXD 3 to 2 3 to 3
DTR to DSR 4 to 6 4 to 6
GND to GND 5 to 5 5 to 7
RTS to CTS 7 to 8 7 to 5
CTS to RTS 8 to 7 8 to 4
Note: Connections in bold italics must be implemented.

© National Instruments Corp. E-7 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Interfacing to a Serial Device Appendix E

Figure E-6 shows a typical 9-pin to 9-pin null modem cable with the RTS,
CTS, and DTR handshake lines implemented. Figure E-7 shows an
equivalent 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DTE cable configuration.

The cable configuration in Figure E-6 allows you to connect to the 9-pin
serial port of a personal computer. The cable in Figure E-7 shows how to
connect to the 25-pin serial port of a personal computer.

1 5
6 9
7 8
8 7
9 6
5 1

GPIB-232CT-A Serial Device

9-pin DTE 9-pin DTE

Figure E-6. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DTE with
Handshaking

1 1
6 14
7 15
8 16
9 17
5 18
19
20
GPIB-232CT-A 8 21
9
9-pin DTE 10
22
23
11 24
12 25
13

Serial Device
25-pin DTE

Figure E-7. Cable Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DTE with
Handshaking

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows E-8 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix E Interfacing to a Serial Device

Interfacing the GPIB-232CT-A to a DTE without

Handshaking
If your serial device does not require or use the same hardware handshaking
protocol used by the GPIB-232CT-A, you have two options:

• Use a minimum configuration null modem cable which does not support
the hardware handshake lines and use XON/XOFF software
handshaking (if necessary). To create a minimum configuration cable,
connect the signals shown in bold italics in Table E-3.

• Wire a custom cable that properly interfaces the GPIB-232CT-A

hardware handshaking protocol to the handshaking protocol of your
serial device.

Minimum Configuration Cable

The minimum cable configuration assumes that the serial device does not
require external hardware handshaking. The minimum configuration for a
9-pin to 9-pin null modem cable is shown in Figure E-8. Figure E-9 shows
an equivalent 9-pin to 25-pin cable.

1 5
6 9
7 8
8 7
9 6
5 1

GPIB-232CT-A Serial Device

9-pin DTE 9-pin DTE

Figure E-8. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 9-pin DTE

© National Instruments Corp. E-9 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Interfacing to a Serial Device Appendix E

1 1
6 14
7 15
8 16
9 17
5 18
6 19
20
GPIB-232CT-A 8 21
9
9-pin DTE 10
22
23
11 24
12 25
13

Serial Device
25-pin DTE

Figure E-9. Minimum Configuration for 9-pin DTE to 25-pin DTE

Custom Cables

If your application requires a custom cable, you can construct one if you
have a thorough knowledge of the handshaking protocols involved. Review
the RS-232 characteristics of your serial device and build the cable to
properly connect the handshake lines of the two devices. If the
documentation for your serial device does not provide a thorough
explanation of its handshaking protocol, the ANSI/EIA-232-C standard is a
good reference, provided your device conforms to the RS-232 protocol.

Caution: Although handshaking might not be required, it is best to use

some form of handshaking to prevent loss of data.

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows E-10 © National Instruments Corp.

Appendix F
Customer Communication
For your convenience, this appendix contains forms to help you gather the
information necessary to help us solve technical problems you might have
as well as a form you can use to comment on the product documentation.
Filling out a copy of the Technical Support Form before contacting
National Instruments helps us help you better and faster.

National Instruments provides comprehensive technical assistance around

the world. In the U.S. and Canada, applications engineers are available
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (central time). In other
countries, contact the nearest branch office. You may fax questions to us at
any time.

Corporate Headquarters
(512) 795-8248
Technical support fax: (800) 328-2203
(512) 794-5678

Branch Offices Phone Number Fax Number

Australia (03) 879 9422 (03) 879 9179
Austria (0662) 435986 (0662) 437010-19
Belgium 02/757.00.20 02/757.03.11
Denmark 45 76 26 00 45 76 71 11
Finland (90) 527 2321 (90) 502 2930
France (1) 48 14 24 00 (1) 48 14 24 14
Germany 089/741 31 30 089/714 60 35
Italy 02/48301892 02/48301915
Japan (03) 3788-1921 (03) 3788-1923
Mexico 95 800 010 0793 95 800 010 0793
Netherlands 03480-33466 03480-30673
Norway 32-848400 32-848600
Singapore 22658862265887
Spain (91) 640 0085 (91) 640 0533
Sweden 08-730 49 70 08-730 43 70
Switzerland 056/20 51 51 056/20 51 55
Taiwan 02 377 1200 02 737 4644
U.K. 0635 523545 0635 523154

© National Instruments Corp. F-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Technical Support Form

Technical support is available at any time by fax. Include the information

from your configuration form. Use additional pages if necessary.

Name
Company
Address

Fax ( ) Phone ( )
Computer brand
Model Processor
Operating system
Speed MHz RAM MB
Display adapter
Mouse yes no
Other adapters installed
Hard disk capacity MB Brand
Instruments used
National Instruments hardware product model
Revision
Configuration
National Instruments software product
Version
Configuration
(continues)
The problem is

List any error messages

The following steps will reproduce the problem

GPIB-232CT-A Hardware and Software
Configuration Form
Record the settings and revisions of your hardware and software on the line
to the right of each item. Update this form each time you revise your
software or hardware configuration, and use this form as a reference for your
current configuration.

National Instruments Products

• GPIB-232CT-A Model and Revision

• NI-488.2 Software Version Number on Disk

• RS-232 Port Configuration

Standard RS-232 (factory setting)

PC

Other Products
• Computer Make and Model

• Memory Capacity on Computer

• Operating System Version

• Number of GPIB Devices on Bus

• Other Hardware Devices in System

• Type of Monitor
Documentation Comment Form

National Instruments encourages you to comment on the documentation

supplied with our products. This information helps us provide quality
products to meet your needs.

Title: Getting Started with Your GPIB-232CT-A and the NI-488.2™

Software for MS-DOS/Windows

Edition Date: March 1995

Part Number: 320555B-01

Please comment on the completeness, clarity, and organization of the

manual.

(continues)
If you find errors in the manual, please record the page numbers and
describe the errors.

Thank you for your help.

Name
Title
Company
Address

Phone ( )

Mail to: Technical Publications

National Instruments Corporation
6504 Bridge Point Parkway, MS 53-02
Austin, TX 78730-5039

Fax to: Technical Publications

National Instruments Corporation
MS 53-02
(512) 794-5678
Glossary

Prefix Meaning Value

n- nano- 10-9
m- milli- 10-3
k- kilo- 103
M- mega- 106

° degrees
% percent
A amperes
AC alternating current
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASCII American Standard Code for Information
Interchange
boot drive Refers to the drive your computer reads when
you power on or restart your computer
C Celsius
CIC Controller-in-Charge
CSA Canadian Standards Association
CTS Clear to Send
DAV Data Valid
destination directory Refers to the location on your hard disk where
you install the NI-488.2 software
DIP dual inline package
DLL dynamic link library
DTR Data Terminal Ready
ECIC Enable Controller-In-Charge
EDVR DOS error
EIA Electronic Industries Association
EMI electromagnetic interference
ENEB Nonexistent GPIB board
EOI end or identify

© National Instruments Corp. Glossary-1 GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows

Glossary

EOS end of string

ERR GPIB error
FCC Federal Communications Commission
g grams
GND ground
GPIB General Purpose Interface Bus
hex hexadecimal
Hz hertz
IBIC Interface Bus Interactive Control
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEEE Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers
in. inches
I/O Input/Output
IRQ Interrupt Request
ISO International Standards Organization
LED light-emitting diode
m meters
MB megabytes of memory
oz ounces
PC personal computer
RAM random-access memory
REN Remote Enable
RTS Request to Send
RXD Receive Data
SC System Controller
s seconds
source directory Refers to the NI-488.2 distribution disk
source disk Refers to the NI-488.2 distribution disk
SRQ Service Request
TIMO Time limit exceeded
TSR terminate-stay resident
TXD Transmit Data
UL Underwriters Laboratories
ULI Universal Language Interface
V volts
VAC volts alternating current
VDC volts direct current

GPIB-232CT-A for MS-DOS/Windows Glossary-2 © National Instruments Corp.