GPIB-USB Controller

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Use this unique device to download data and control GPIB bus enabled oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, function generators, power supplies, and any other GPIB instrument seamlessly through USB!

FT245R. Drivers are currently available for most platforms including:

  • Drivers for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/Win7/8/10/11, Mac OS-8/9/X, Linux
  • Support for multiple devices
  • Driver provides virtual serial port to send and receive data
  • Powered by USB; no power supply needed
  • No GPIB cable needed; controller plugs on to instrument
  • All software configuration. No DIP switches
  • USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compatible
  • Standard USB (B) and IEEE 488 (Male) connectors

    Powered over USB - no external power required. Based on the popular FTDI USB Chip -

  • 3x2.5x0.9"

GPIB-USB Controller Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

1 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
See all skill levels


Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • c25148 / about 16 years ago / 2

    This USB-GPIB works great in a Linux environment. Just uses a standard /dev/ttyUSBx device. No special software to talk to it, I use minicom, then wrote a serial driver to talk to my Tek 2440 scope.
    Great product!!

  • Member #427137 / about 9 years ago * / 1

    Does anyone know if this will work with a National Instruments "NI ELVIS" board? I got the first generation one for a really good price, but I have a problem with interfacing with the built in Variable PSU, Oscilloscope, function generator etc. I understand I would have to build a custom cable to interface to this but I want to know if anyone has done it before I buy it.

  • Member #377490 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Does this have a USB vendor ID and product ID?

  • Member #513021 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Does anyone know if there is any drivers to use this device in C#, I want to control some instruments but i don't want to spend time writing the comms.

    • Chrisme / about 10 years ago / 1

      I found a developer who has written a visa interface and support the prologix unit. take a look here http://www.crf-global.com/software.php

  • Member #438994 / about 11 years ago / 1

    do you know if this works with AAS perkin elmer 3100. thank you

  • palindrome / about 11 years ago / 1

    Anyone knows if this will work with a Rohde&Schwarz Signal Generator SML02 ?

  • Am interested to procure this item. Please ask Indian representative to contact me in 09431131552 / 09471186888 / 09334820420 (Direct Cell).

    • MikeGrusin / about 11 years ago / 1

      We're glad you're interested. Please feel free to browse through our distributors page and contact your local distributors directly.

  • Member #396324 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Would this GPIB/USB unit be compatible with raspberry pi?

  • Prologix / about 12 years ago / 1

    Please contact Prologix at support@prologix.biz for all questions, including those about compatibility.

  • dbm / about 12 years ago / 1

    Would this GPIB/USB unit be compatible with a Audioprecision "GPIB" system ONE. there are a lot of those great audio test units being sold in the used market, product support from Audioprecision as been terminated on this model. So GPIB compatibility issues are to be found elsewere.

  • Member #3039 / about 12 years ago / 1

    Thinking about buying this for my HP 1631D.

    Anyone know if it will work with the Linux gpib-utils package? http://gpib-utils.sourceforge.net/

    gpib-utils looks to be supported by linux-gpib, and I can't find Prologix mentioned there... http://linux-gpib.sourceforge.net/

  • Member #78323 / about 13 years ago / 1

    Does this controller work with HP 1660A and HP 1715A?

  • Member #224727 / about 13 years ago / 1

    Anyone know if this will work with the Anritsu MS2661C Spectrum Analyzer?

  • rvo / about 13 years ago / 1

    Anyone knows if this will work with an HP8903B? Thinking of buying this USB-GPIB.

  • RadioGuy / about 13 years ago / 1

    Very low-cost way to put utility back into your older HP gear. HP8753 and many-many more. I have been using this with my HP8753A, 3577A and 3561A with simple 32-bit API software from 'http://www.ke5fx.com/gpib/setup.exe' and have been able to print/plot to any printer on my LAN or save as an image via GPIB (HP-IB) just as if I had an original HP plotter. 'http://www.thegleam.com/ke5fx/gpib/faq.htm'

  • -Darren- / about 14 years ago / 1

    This is a great product at a reasonable price. Works flawlessly with my 8569B spectrum analyzer.

  • Member #4046 / about 18 years ago / 1

    I have tried the USB-GPIB interface with four devices, an HP8752B vector network analyzer, a Tektronix TDS430 digital oscilloscope, a Panasonic VP8191 synthesized signal generator and an HP87510A gain-phase analyzer (actually a vector network analyzer by another name.)
    All but the 87510A worked perfectly. I found a problem when attempting to write to the plotter emulator (PrintCapture.) When I inquired about the incompatibility, I was given immediate attention by the USB-GPIB\'s developer, who worked with me (including providing special test software to analyze the problem.) The incompatibility (which apparently derives from a non-standard way the 87510A handled a plotter status request command) is now fixed.
    I can highly recommend the USB-GPIB adapter. A great product at a reasonable price. And fantastic support from the product's developer.
    My only ding is that the board really needs a case for mechanical protection and locking screws so that it can be firmly attached to the test equipment. I hope that a future revision will address the mechanical issue.

Customer Reviews

4.1 out of 5

Based on 7 ratings:

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1 of 1 found this helpful:

It works but an adjustment needed in programming

At first, I got a null return from remote device (Keysight DMM) by "++read". A 100ms waiting time is required between sending a query and receiving, to get correct response. The timeout command "++read_tmo_ms" does not work in this case. Maybe it is only for auto mode.

Not for Agilent/Keysight

This interface does work but if your intention is to use it with Agilent/Keysight equipment and software then get something else as this will not work.

Works as expected

Nothing much to say, it just works on my HP8563E Spectrum Analyzer, allowing me to control it via PySerial, no problems so far.

Very Convenient

It plugged in and worked. I can access my lab instruments from my Linux system. This is an enormous convenience.

Works great with my HP 7475a

I bought this to talk to my HP 7475a plotter with a HPIB interface. Works great in both directions.

Pricy, but pretty much the only game in town if you don't have a plotter with a normal serial port.

Nice inexpensive GPIB-USB controller

We, at Automated Integrated Solutions (AIS), have integrated this product into our flagship product ScpiStudio, an ATE automation/test software engineering product.

It is very interesting that you can support many GPIB instruments on one PC comport, as they can be addressed prior to sending SCPI commands, etc... My assumption is you can add multiple comports and support many, many GPIB instruments.

We at AIS will have videos soon on our youtube channel as well as our website. There will also be a post soon on LinkedIn...

Yup it works, and it's simple

GPIB stuff is always hard -- Each device seems like it has its own quirks. This device made it easy. Super simple serial interface.