National Instruments 776526-01 GPIB Extender 

National Instruments part number 776526-01 is an identifying part number for the GPIB-130, a GPIB Extender with a Transfer Rate of 900 kbytes/s and one standard load, AC and DC GPIB interface Load. The NI 776526-01 extends the cable length and device loading restrictions specified in the IEEE 488 standard. According to this standard, users are limited to a maximum cable length of 300 meters and can connect up to 14 devices on a single GPIB system. The GPIB Extender converts GPIB messages into either parallel or serial signals, allowing transmission to a corresponding extender located at the receiving end. Therefore, to create an extended GPIB network, users will need two identical extenders one at each end of the extended setup. 

The operating characteristics of the device include a point-to-point transmission architecture, which does not support multi-drop configurations. It offers two operating modes: Buffered mode, allowing independent transmission and reception, and Unbuffered (interlocked) mode, which ensures synchronized data exchange. Additionally, it supports two Parallel Poll Response modes: Immediate Parallel Poll Response mode for real-time communication, and Stored Parallel Poll Response mode for queued data retrieval. 

The NI 776526-01 supports both IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standards completely. It operates transparently with existing system setups, requiring no modifications to programs or hardware infrastructure. The device accommodates three types of transmission cables: for distances ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters, a CL2-rated T2 cable is suitable. Alternatively, for distances up to 50 meters, users can opt for the T5 cable, which is smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than the T2. It features a specialized transfer technique that enables high-speed data rates exceeding 900 bytes per second.

National Instruments has declared obsolete status for the 776526-01, however, it shall remain available for purchase on Apex Waves.