ASIC interfacing

[Xtian_prodigy]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this ASIC IC of NI https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/category/gpib-serial-and-ethernet.html and I want to learn how to start it, Can anybody suggest how to start it? Thank you very much.

application - A equipment that is like a GPIB Analyzer Card but mine is embedded

[Xtian_prodigy]

I dont want this to participate in the handshake. so it is like a NI IO trace

[Xtian_prodigy]

The problem started from this link https://forums.ni.com/t5/Instrument-Control-GPIB-Serial/GPIB-WIRETAPPING-into-GPIB/td-p/2132874

I have a set up that will enable me to tap GPIB data without interfering with the communication between the controller and instrument. Here are my 4 setups

(see the pictures for your reference)
1. Using the TNT4882 IC (Untried)
2. Using GPIB to rs232 (Listen Mode) (Untried)

3. Using 2 GPIB and intercept circuit/program (Successful)

4.Using the NI IO Trace (Successful).

The problem with these two solutions is first the #3 option is expensive to deploy, and #4 option is PC dependent. What I need to do is something embeded so I could use it on any platforms because it only listens on the conversation of a controller and a instrument without participating in the handshake.so I am thinking of a hardware solution

My two last options is to use the GPIB to RS232 and the TNT4882 IC.

Can anyone say if this two parts can solved my problem? Have anyone tried using the GPIB to RS232 to listen without potential of participating in the handshake but only captures all the data that passes.?

Have anybody used the development kit for asic? how does it look like? https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/category/gpib-serial-and-ethernet.html

Thanks Everyone!

[GPIB_Guru]

I don't think you can bypass the handshaking. You can set listen-only to cause it to always be a listener. It sounds like you want a logic analyzer.

[XxtianX]

Hi GPIB_GURU,

Thank you for your reply, yes for the GPIB part but as a tapping circuit recording all communications of the two (tester and handler) using tnt4882 is it possible?

[PatJamSim]

Hello XxtianX,

I would like some clarification about your application.  If what you want is to store logs of your data transfers, you should be able to do this via software without adding any hardware to your setup.  However, as you said you are deploying this setup, but if you deploy any software with your hardware then it would be easy to include.  If you absolutely need to have a hardware solution, then I would recommend an NI PCI-GPIB+ card.  It has the capability to serve as both an interface and an analyzer, so you would not need a third piece of hardware to store the logs; you could configure this card to do it.  

Also, I am afraid I have to agree with GPIB_GURU, you would not be able to tap the communication line without some sort of handshake occurring.  By using a single card as tranceiver and analyzer, you can avoid this interruption.  

Hopefully you find this information helpful to your application.  Feel free to respond with any additional questions or comments.  Thank you.

[Xtian_prodigy]

Thank you PAT. actually the reason:

i don't want to use the GPIB analyzer is because in reality i have to use about 100 of this so I would need about 100 GPIB analyzer and 100 pc  + 100 additional network lines. COST

the reason I dont want to use the software side is the processing capability of the tester, it is already too occupied by the running program.

[Xtian_prodigy]

one question pat.. is the TNT4882 not capable of doing this? have you seen my attachment pictures?

[Xtian_prodigy]

PatJamSim but is it possible to tap without interfering with the communication of the controller and instrument? -to tap the communications being done by controller and instrument

[PatJamSim]

Hello Xtian_prodigy,

As I said in my post, there does not appear to be a way to tap the communication line without some sort of handshake or interference occurring.  The solution to this that National Instruments provides is to use the NI PCI-GPIB+ card.  Along with other software and hardware options discussed, a number of possible solutions are available.  I apologize that none of the solutions as presented are ideal from an efficacy and cost standpoint, but I believe that from the options available you can construct a solution that institutes your functionality without too many compromises.