NI GPIB-140A 186135G-01 PXI GPIB Controller

The National Instruments GPIB-140A (part number 186135G-01) is a GPIB interface module designed for PXI and PXI Express test systems. It provides a full IEEE 488.2 controller interface, enabling PXI chassis to communicate with and control GPIB instruments. This module is essential for integrating legacy GPIB instruments into modern PXI-based automated test equipment (ATE) systems, extending the useful life of existing instrument investments.

PXI System Integration

The GPIB-140A 186135G-01 installs directly into a PXI or PXI Express chassis, using the chassis backplane for power and communication with the PXI controller. The module appears to the system as a standard GPIB interface, and the NI-488.2 driver provides the same programming interface as other NI GPIB controllers, ensuring software compatibility. The module supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems and can be used in multi-chassis PXI systems.

Legacy Instrument Integration

This module enables modern PXI test systems to control thousands of GPIB instruments currently deployed in manufacturing and research facilities. By consolidating GPIB instrument control into a PXI chassis, engineers can reduce system complexity, improve measurement throughput, and take advantage of PXI's high-speed backplane and synchronization features. The GPIB-140A is commonly used with GPIB-to-fiber-optic extenders (GPIB-140A/2) for distributed test systems.

Application Domains

The GPIB-140A 186135G-01 is used in semiconductor test systems, automotive electronics test, aerospace and defense ATE, medical device manufacturing test, and university research laboratories. It is ideal for mixed-signal test systems that combine GPIB instruments with PXI-based measurement modules, and for retrofitting existing GPIB-based test systems with PXI controllers.