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How the 4865B handles VXI-11 instruments, converting GPIB commands to VXI-11 RPC.
Automatic instrument discovery via AutoFind for VXI-11, LXI, or Discovery process.
How the 4865B supports instruments using raw socket protocol, transmitting GPIB messages.
Compatibility with existing GPIB programs and controllers, supporting VXI-11.3 and raw socket.
Describes connection methods: back-to-back, via hub/switch, and across a company network.
Instructions for installing the 4865B, including network configuration and web browser access.
Details on the improvements in the 4865B over the original 4865, including speed and features.
Information on housing the 4865B in ICS's Minibox for benchtop or rack mounting.
Details about the OEM Board version for engineers integrating functionality into instruments.
Overview of IEEE 488.1 capabilities, bus performance, and supported commands.
Specifics on the device's adherence to VXI-11.3 standards, including client and side roles.
Description of the front-panel controls (Power, LAN Reset) and status LEDs (PWR, LAN, ACT, RDY).
Details on the device's physical dimensions, weight, operating temperature, and humidity.
Part numbers and descriptions for the 4865B unit, OEM board, cables, and rack mounting kits.
The ICS 4865B is a GPIB-to-LAN Instrument Interface designed to bridge the gap between traditional GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) test systems and modern LAN-based instruments. Its primary function is to allow instruments with an Ethernet interface to be controlled from a GPIB Bus, making them appear as if they were standard GPIB instruments. This capability is particularly useful for integrating newer LAN-based instruments into existing GPIB test setups, replacing obsolete or failed GPIB instruments with LAN alternatives, or simply adding new LAN instruments to a GPIB bus system without overhauling the entire test infrastructure.
The 4865B handles both VXI-11 compatible instruments and instruments that use raw socket protocol. For VXI-11 compatible instruments, the 4865B translates 488.1 GPIB commands into equivalent VXI-11 RPC (Remote Procedure Call) commands, which are then sent to the instrument. Device messages are transparently transmitted, and instrument replies are returned to the GPIB Controller, mimicking the behavior of a direct GPIB connection. This ensures that existing GPIB applications can control LAN-based instruments as if they were native GPIB devices, minimizing the need for extensive programming changes. For raw socket instruments, the 4865B transparently transmits GPIB device messages, and instrument responses are outputted to the GPIB Controller when the 4865B is addressed to talk. The 4865B can be configured to use a specific raw socket port number and to recognize an End-Of-String (EOS) character to terminate instrument responses. It can also be set to test the instrument's IDN (Identification) response.
A key feature of the 4865B is its AutoFind capability, which simplifies instrument linkage by automatically discovering the instrument. If the instrument is VXI-11 compatible, an LXI instrument, or can perform the LXI 'VXI-11 Discovery' process, the 4865B can automatically find it. AutoFind can be used with a 'Static' IP address or with the 'DHCP with AutoIP' setting when the 4865B is directly connected to the instrument. When enabled, the 4865B initiates the instrument discovery process after power-on and self-test. If it finds an instrument that responds to the VXI-11 Discovery process, it uses that IP address. If the 4865B is assigned a specific IP address, it will only look for an instrument at that address. Fixed IP addresses are recommended for connections over a company network, when multiple instruments might respond, or for raw socket communication. This feature eliminates the need for manual hunting and setting/changing IP addresses, streamlining setup.
The 4865B supports various IEEE-488.1 capabilities, including AH1, SH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL2, PP0, DC1, DT1, CO, and E2 for VXI-11 instruments. E2 Drivers incorporate power up/down protection. It supports GPIB addresses from 0 to 30. For raw socket instruments, the 4865B can convert IEEE-488.1 GPIB Commands like GET, SDC, and GPIB events like IFC or local/remote changes into user-specified command strings, provided the instrument has similar capabilities. If SRQs (Service Requests) and Serial Polls are enabled, the 4865B performs background checks of the instrument's Status Register with the *STB? query to create a virtual Status Byte Register and asserts an SRQ on the GPIB bus if a Service Request is detected. This allows for robust control and status monitoring of LAN instruments within a GPIB framework.
The device is designed for ease of use and configuration. It features an internal web server that provides HTML web pages for viewing and setting the 4865B's configuration. This allows for easy configuration from any web browser. Installation is straightforward: the 4865B can be plugged into a network access point or connected directly to a PC's network port using an Ethernet cable. The default AutoIP address (169.254.48.65) allows access to the Welcome page, which provides information about current settings. Configuration options include setting a static IP address or DHCP with AutoIP, changing the GPIB address, enabling AutoFind, setting a fixed IP address for the companion instrument, and selecting the instrument protocol (VXI-11 or raw socket). For raw socket instruments, custom command strings can be entered for Device Trigger, Device Clear, GTL, Local/Remote, IFC received, and power turn-on or reset. A rear panel LAN Reset button is provided to restore factory default network settings if needed.
The 4865B is an upgraded version of the original 4865, featuring a faster processor and a faster Ethernet interface. This results in a 2.5x to 10x faster interface, depending on the command, protocol, and companion instrument. It also adds support for raw socket instruments, expanding its compatibility.
General| Brand | ICS ELECTRONICS |
|---|---|
| Model | 4865B |
| Category | Controller |
| Language | English |
