Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Model | GPIB-140A |
| Assembly Number | 186135H-01L |
| Product Type | Fiber Optic GPIB Bus Extender |
| Communication Standard | IEEE-488 / IEEE-488.2 |
| Transmission Method | Optical fiber communication |
| Architecture | Point-to-point transmission |
| Maximum Extension Distance | Up to 1 km |
| Fiber Type | 62.5/125 μm multimode fiber |
| Optical Wavelength | 850nm |
| Optical Connector | ST-style duplex fiber connector |
| Transfer Rate | >1.1 MB/s buffered mode |
| HS488 Transfer Rate | >2.8 MB/s |
| GPIB Device Capacity | Up to 28 devices including extenders |
| Operating Modes | Buffered mode / unbuffered interlocked mode |
| GPIB Loading | Two standard GPIB loads |
| Power Input | 100-120VAC or 220-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Current Consumption | 135mA at 100-120VAC; 100mA at 220-240VAC |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Humidity | 10% to 90%, non-condensing |
| Enclosure | Metal chassis |
| Dimensions | Approx. 88.9 × 143.5 × 41.1mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.25kg |
Product Introduction
NI GPIB-140A 186135H-01L Overview
The NI GPIB-140A 186135H-01L is a fiber optic IEEE-488/GPIB bus extender designed for extending instrument communication beyond standard GPIB cable limitations. It converts electrical GPIB signals into optical data transmission, allowing instruments and controllers to operate across longer distances with electrical isolation between locations.
The National Instruments GPIB-140A 186135H-01L is used in automated test equipment, measurement laboratories, and industrial test systems where instrument separation, noise immunity, or different ground potentials require an optical communication link.
GPIB-140A 186135G-01
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls (The Engineer’s Perspective)
Engineering Pain Point
A large automated test rack works correctly during bench testing but becomes unreliable after instruments are distributed across different rooms. Communication faults appear randomly. Cable length, ground potential differences, and electrical noise become difficult to isolate.
The GPIB-140A addresses this specific issue by moving the communication path onto fiber optics. It does not change the GPIB protocol. It extends the physical connection while preserving the IEEE-488 communication method.
Typical Applications
- Aerospace Test Systems – Remote connection of avionics test instruments and automated measurement equipment.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing – Extending GPIB connections between test handlers, analyzers, and measurement racks.
- Electronic Production Testing – Connecting automated test equipment across larger production areas.
- Research Laboratories – Isolating sensitive measurement instruments while maintaining GPIB control.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confirm Fiber Cable Specification
The GPIB-140A requires compatible multimode fiber with the correct optical characteristics. Verify fiber type, wavelength, and connector style before installation.
- Do Not Treat It as an Ethernet Converter
The module extends IEEE-488 communication only. It does not convert GPIB instruments into network devices.
- Check Pair Matching
systems require a transmitter/receiver pair. Confirm both extender units are the correct model family and distance rating.
Related Products
- NI 186135-01L
Standard interface assembly. Same extender family with different assembly identification. - NI /2 186135-02L
Extended-distance variant supporting longer fiber transmission applications. Used where the standard 1km distance is insufficient. - NI GPIB-120A
Electrical GPIB isolator and expander. Used when ground isolation is required without converting the signal path to fiber. - NI GPIB-130
Earlier generation GPIB extender designed for legacy IEEE-488 systems. - NI PCI-GPIB Interface Board
Computer-side GPIB controller interface used to connect PCs with instruments. - NI GPIB-USB-HS
USB-based GPIB controller interface for newer computer-based measurement setups. - NI PXI-GPIB
PXI modular GPIB interface for automated test platforms. - NI SCXI Series Modules
Signal conditioning hardware commonly used with NI measurement and instrumentation systems.
