The XyphroLabs GPIBee connects proven GPIB/IEEE-488 instruments to modern computers and networks. The compact adapter offers USB-C and Ethernet with PoE, supports open standards such as VXI-11 and USBTMC, and integrates easily with common VISA environments.
An integrated web interface allows configuration and direct access to connected instruments. With GPIBee Benches, you can even create custom browser-based control panels for existing GPIB instruments - without installing additional software or writing your own code.
Modern Connectivity for Existing GPIB Instruments
Many high-quality oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, frequency counters, and other laboratory instruments use a GPIB interface and remain excellent tools even after many years of service.
The GPIBee makes it easy to integrate these instruments into modern test setups and automation systems. It supports GPIB/IEEE-488 instruments as well as devices labeled HP-IB or IEC-625. Up to 15 instruments can be operated on one GPIB bus.
The computer connection is made either via USB-C or through the integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface. Using VXI-11, multiple GPIB instruments can be accessed independently - and in network operation, even from multiple computers.
Standard Protocols Instead of Proprietary GPIB Drivers
The GPIBee uses established standards from the test and measurement industry. VXI-11 is available via both USB and Ethernet. The adapter also supports USBTMC, Linux GPIB, and the Prologix-compatible ++ protocol.
This allows the GPIBee to work with common VISA environments and measurement software, including:
- NI-VISA
- LabVIEW
- Keysight IO Libraries Suite
- Rohde & Schwarz VISA
- Python / PyVISA
- MATLAB Instrument Control
- GNU Octave
- Linux GPIB
For normal VXI-11 operation, no proprietary GPIB drivers or manufacturer-specific applications are required.
USB-C or Ethernet with PoE - No Separate Power Supply Required
The GPIBee offers two simple options for connection and power:
- USB-C: data connection and power directly via USB
- Ethernet with 802.3af PoE: network connection and power through a single Ethernet cable
No separate power supply is required. When PoE is used, one Ethernet cable is enough for both data communication and power - especially useful in test racks, automated systems, or installations where the instruments are located farther away. The Ethernet port, including PoE, is galvanically isolated.
Integrated Web Interface
The GPIBee includes its own web interface, which can be opened directly in a standard web browser. It can be used to change settings, send GPIB commands, and display responses from connected instruments.
This is especially useful during setup and troubleshooting: communication with an instrument can be tested directly in the browser before setting up dedicated measurement or automation software.
GPIBee Benches - A Web Interface for Existing Instruments
With GPIBee Benches, existing GPIB instruments can be equipped with a custom browser-based control interface.
A Bench is created directly in the GPIBee web interface using configurable controls and display elements. It is then stored on the adapter itself. No additional application needs to be installed on the computer, and no custom programming is required. The finished interface can be opened from a PC, tablet, or smartphone using a web browser.
Depending on the connected instrument, a Bench can include features such as:
- Live measurement display
- Measurement trend graphs
- Minimum, maximum, and average values
- CSV download of recorded measurements
- Switches, buttons, and selection controls
- Input fields for setpoints and other settings
- Instrument functions and self-tests
- Download of screenshots, waveforms, or other instrument data
For example, an older laboratory power supply can be controlled from a browser, including output on/off control, voltage and current settings, and live monitoring of the actual output voltage.
Multiple Benches can be stored on one GPIBee, allowing a separate interface to be created for different instruments on the same GPIB bus. Finished Benches can also be exported as .gpibee files for backup or transfer to another GPIBee adapter.
GPIBee Benches complement traditional test automation. They are intended mainly for interactive instrument control and monitoring. Automated measurements, sweeps, and time-critical applications can still access the instruments directly through VXI-11, VISA, PyVISA, or other supported interfaces.
Features
- USB-C and Ethernet-to-GPIB adapter
- For GPIB, IEEE-488, HP-IB, and IEC-625 instruments
- Supports up to 15 GPIB instruments on one bus
- Powered via USB-C or 802.3af PoE - no separate power supply required
- Galvanically isolated Ethernet port including PoE
- VXI-11 via USB and Ethernet, plus USBTMC support
- Compatible with common VISA environments on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Multiple simultaneous GPIB connections via VXI-11
- Integrated web interface for configuration and direct GPIB communication
- GPIBee Benches for custom browser-based instrument interfaces
- Developed, assembled, and tested in Germany
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB interface | IEEE-488, 24-pin |
| Number of GPIB instruments | Up to 15 |
| GPIB addresses | Primary 0–30, secondary 0–30 |
| Service Request | SRQ supported |
| USB | USB-C, USB 2.0 High Speed, up to 480 Mbps |
| Ethernet | RJ45, 10/100 Mbps |
| Power over Ethernet | IEEE 802.3af PoE |
| Power | USB-C, 5 V / ≤ 500 mA, or PoE |
| Ethernet isolation | Galvanically isolated, including PoE |
| Protocols | VXI-11, USBTMC, Linux GPIB, Prologix-compatible ++ protocol |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Enclosure | CNC-machined, EMI-shielded aluminum enclosure |
Note
The GPIBee currently operates as a GPIB controller and GPIB-to-VXI-11 bridge. Emulating a GPIB instrument with the adapter itself is currently not supported.
