Why use PCIIA if PCII is flawed?

[TheMightyICT]

I am trying to set up my lab computer with a lock-in amplifier and I have run into a few problems and options whilst setting up the GPIB. I have a GPIB-PCII/PCIIA and Windows 3.1. The system I have inherited had PCIIA set up in the hardware but PCII in the software (and still seemed to work fine for some reason from what I gather). The NI website states the difference between the 2 options with respect to the way I/O addresses are configured and goes as far to say that the PCIIA mode is flawed and that it recommends setting up the PCII mode. What it doesn't explain, and what I would like to know is, why then would you chose the PCIIA mode over the PCII one? I am quite confused and would appreciate any help you can offer me.

[Online_Courses]

Hi Chris,

I assume the document you are referring to is here:  What is the Difference Between PCII and PCIIA Mode on a GPIB-PCII/IIA?

 This document states to use the PCII mode only with this hardware.  To answer your question, you would not choose PCIIA mode over the PCII.  This document states that "National Instruments strongly recommends that you use PCII mode" and "It is safest to use the GPIB-PCII/IIA board only in PCII mode, not in PCIIA mode".

Cheers, 

Michael W

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

Message Edited by Online Courses on 03-31-2010 09:44 AM

[TheMightyICT]

Thank you for your response; maybe my question is a bit misleading (as I have just noticed the title appears to be, probably as a result of having spent the 13 hours preceding writing it in the lab), but I had previously seen from the link that the PCIIA is flawed, and am asking why you would then chose to use this over the PCII which isn't flawed?

[Michael_W.]

Hi Chris,

Based on this document, it seems there is no reason for you to use PCIIA mode.  I assume your question is more general, as in why would anyone want to use PCIIA  mode if it is flawed.  The PCIIA mode itself isn't necessarily flawed.  There is a problem with how the Windows 95/98 Device Manager works with the board in this mode.  Therefore, we recommend anyone with these OS and this board use PCII mode.  Is this what you were asking?

Cheers,

[TheMightyICT]

Thanks, you are correct in that it was more of a general question. To expand on your answer, under what circumstances would someone chose to use the PCII and similarly when would PCII be the preferred option?

[Michael_W.]

Hi Chris,

Please take a look at KB 0I59G5EO: What Is the Difference between the GPIB-PCII and the GPIB-PCIIA?.  This document states the only difference between the two modes is the addressing scheme.  I'm unsure of which situations would call for one addressing scheme or the other.

Cheers,