Using GPIB-USB-HS+ for Logging Traffic on an Existing GPIB Network

[Jeff_Lucas]

Hello, I am investigating an existing test setup that is not well documented. Can I use the GPIB-USB-HS+ to plug into the existing GPIB network to monitor command and data traffic using the GPIB Analyzer? I am not that familiar with the GPIB Analyzer and wanted some expert input.

I read the white paper (https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA00Z000000PACmSAO) that states the GPIB-USB-HS+ can be de-selected as a System Controller in the Measurement and Automation Explorer, but I wanted to verify that I am not misreading the documentation as to it's usage. Thanks.

[Dafrizzy]

 Hi Jeff,

Could you describe more specifically the GPIB network you are connecting to so we can have better context?

[Jeff__Lucas]

Daniel - Here is what I know about the network. It is operational, at least 10 years old, and contains at the least a Keysight PNA RF performance network analyzer and may have one or two other devices on the GPIB network. It is in a legacy test setup that the customer wants to replace, but the original developer is not available and the controller is driven from an executable. I am interested in viewing the traffic to and from the PNA analyzer in order to reproduce the  function.

In addition to the message boards, I have sent an email to the NI engineers to get their help. The primary purpose here is to see if anyone has used the GPIB-USB-HS+ to perform this type of traffic logging. The only other option I have identified is a 30 year old Analyzer488 hardware from IOTech. However, the manual for that device implies it has to be the System Controller on the bus.

Thanks for any help

[Dafrizzy · Accepted solution]

Jeff,

So from my understanding, you want to use the GPIB-USB-HS+ to monitor traffic on an existing GPIB network that already has a controller for that network. Is that correct? If so, I do believe this is possible. The GPIB-USB-HS+ should be able to use the GPIB analyzer software even if it is not the SC. You have to disable the GPIB setting that sets the HS+ as the SC though. I have included two articles from our knowledgebase that should be relevant, albeit pretty outdated.

"Can I use the GPIB Analyzer if I Am Not Using the Controller in My Application?": http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/526C669ED063A6BA862562C800611E3D

"Disabling a GPIB Interface as System Controller": http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/8A66FD984B07024D49256B5700749536?OpenDocument

I hope that helps!