8 - IEEE 488 standard

Abstract

This chapter provides a general overview of the IEEE 488 standard. The term IEEE 488 is usually associated with three standards—IEEE 488.1, IEEE 488.2, and the SCPI. The IEEE Standard 488.2 was introduced to define data formats, status reporting, controller functionality, error handling, and common commands. IEEE 488.2 concentrates on software protocol issues and maintains full compatibility with devices that comply with the hardware-oriented IEEE 488.1 standard. Standard commands for programmable instruments (SCPI) uses IEEE 488.2 as a basis and defines a common command set that can be used for programming instruments with any hardware link. The term general purpose interface bus (GPIB) is often used interchangeably with IEEE 488 standard. The GPIB is an interface design that allows the simultaneous connection of up to 15 devices or instruments on a common parallel data communications bus. This allows instruments to be controlled or data to be transferred to a controller, printer, or plotter. GPIP defines methods for the orderly transfer of data, addressing of individual units, standard bus management commands, and the physical details of the interface.