Description
IOtech Serial488A IEEE-488 GPIB to RS-232 RS-422 Serial Bus Converter 32K Buffer
The IOtech Serial488A is a desktop serial bus converter that provides a transparent bidirectional interface between RS-232 or RS-422 serial devices and the IEEE-488 (GPIB) instrument bus. It allows instruments or computers with a serial port to communicate directly on a GPIB network — and vice versa — without requiring custom software drivers for the conversion layer. A 32,000-character onboard buffer handles data rate mismatches between the serial and GPIB sides, preventing data loss during burst transfers.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: IOtech Serial488A Bus Converter
- Interface 1: RS-232 — DB-25 connector (pins: +VTEST, GND, CTS, TXD, RXD)
- Interface 2: RS-422 — DB-25 connector (pins: +TXD, +RXD)
- Interface 3: IEEE-488 (GPIB) — standard 24-pin GPIB connector
- Buffer: 32,000 characters
- Power requirement: 10VDC MAX at 600mA (external power supply — not included)
- Front-panel indicators: TALK, LISTEN, SEND, RECEIVE, POWER (LED)
- Form factor: Desktop / benchtop enclosure
- Certifications: CE
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Included: Converter unit only — no power supply, no cables
Applications
The Serial488A was designed for test and measurement environments where GPIB (IEEE-488) is the dominant instrument bus but some devices in the system communicate only over RS-232 or RS-422 serial. In the 1980s and 1990s, GPIB was the standard interconnect for bench and rack-mounted instruments — oscilloscopes, signal generators, DMMs, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies from HP, Tektronix, Keithley, and others. The Serial488A allowed a controller (typically a PC or workstation with a GPIB card) to issue commands to serial-only instruments, data loggers, and lab peripherals as if they were native GPIB talkers/listeners. It is also used in the reverse direction: connecting a GPIB-capable computer or instrument controller to a serial terminal or serial-port device. Legacy automated test systems and production-line ATE setups that still use GPIB infrastructure continue to use interface converters like the Serial488A to bridge older serial peripherals into the bus. IOtech (later absorbed into Measurement Computing) was a well-regarded maker of GPIB instrumentation and bus peripherals based in Cleveland, Ohio.
This IOtech Serial488A IEEE-488 GPIB to RS-232/RS-422 Bus Converter has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The enclosure shows minor scuffs and light wear consistent with normal bench use. All five front-panel LED indicators (TALK, LISTEN, SEND, RECEIVE, POWER) and rear connectors — RS-232 DB-25, RS-422 DB-25, and IEEE-488 GPIB — appear intact. This unit has not been powered up or tested at our facility, but it was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. Power supply is not included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
IOtech |
Model: |
Serial488A |
MPN: |
Serial488A |
Type: |
IEEE-488 GPIB to RS-232/RS-422 Serial Bus Converter |
SKU: |
48552 |
Interface: |
IEEE-488 (GPIB), RS-232, RS-422 |
Buffer Size: |
32,000 Characters |
RS-232 Connector: |
DB-25 |
RS-422 Connector: |
DB-25 |
IEEE-488 Connector: |
Standard 24-pin GPIB |
Power Requirements: |
10VDC MAX, 600mA |
Power Supply Included: |
No |
Front Panel Indicators: |
TALK, LISTEN, SEND, RECEIVE, POWER LEDs |
Certifications: |
CE |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / Benchtop |
Seller Notes: |
Converter unit only — power supply not included. No cables. |
Condition Notes: |
This IOtech Serial488A GPIB to RS-232/RS-422 Bus Converter is in good used condition with minor bench wear. Not tested at our facility but pulled from a working environment. Power supply not included. Please contact us with any questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
