Description
The PCMCIA-488 PC Card, manufactured by National Instruments, is a versatile interface device that functions as both a GPIB controller and analyzer for computers with PCMCIA card slots. It offers plug-and-play convenience, allowing for seamless integration with systems that support this feature. The card is specially designed for low power consumption, making it suitable for equipment that is sensitive to energy usage.
One of the key features of the PCMCIA-488 is its hot insertion capability, which permits the card to be inserted or removed without the need to restart the system; however, this feature is not available for Windows NT operating systems. The card’s performance in terms of data transfer rates is dependent on the configuration and capabilities of the host computer and system, ensuring flexibility across different setups.
Available in several thicknesses, the card caters to various physical requirements with Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5 mm), and Type III (10 mm thickness) options. It also supports hot swapping on certain operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, Me, and 9X. Equipped with a 32-bit FIFO, the PCMCIA-488 can buffer data, enhancing performance by allowing the PCMCIA bus and GPIB to operate concurrently.
The card’s robust design is further enhanced by its latching connectors, which ensure a secure and reliable physical connection. Despite its obsolete status, the PCMCIA-488 PC Card remains available for purchase and repairs through Apex Waves, demonstrating its lasting value and utility in various applications.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Product Name | PCMCIA-488 PC Card |
| Interface | PCMCIA (PC Card) |
| Functionality | GPIB controller and analyzer |
| Plug-and-Play | Yes |
| Power Consumption | Designed for low power equipment |
| Hot Insertion Feature | Yes (except for Windows NT) |
| Data Transfer Rate | Dependent on host computer and system configuration |
| Card Types | Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5 mm), Type III (10 mm thickness) |
| Hot Swappable Support | Yes (Windows 2000/XP/Me/9X OS) |
| FIFO | 32-bit |
| Connectors | Latching connectors |
| Obsolete Status | Announced, available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves |
Q1: What are the different PCMCIA-488 PC Card thickness options provided by National Instruments, and which operating systems support its hot swapping feature?
A1: The PCMCIA-488 PC Card offers configuration options to accommodate different physical requirements by being available in three thicknesses: Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5 mm), and Type III (10 mm).
Q2: What are the features and capabilities of the PCMCIA-488 PC Card manufactured by National Instruments, and what are its limitations in terms of hot insertion with certain operating systems?
A2: The PCMCIA-488 PC Card by National Instruments serves as a GPIB controller and analyzer, offering plug-and-play functionality, low power consumption, and a 32-bit FIFO for buffered data transfer. It supports hot insertion for easy integration with systems, features latching connectors for a secure connection, and is available in various thicknesses to accommodate different physical configurations. However, its hot insertion capability is limited as it is not supported by the Windows NT operating system.
Q3: What are the physical dimension options available for the PCMCIA-488 PC Card, and which operating systems support its hot swapping feature?
A3: The PCMCIA-488 PC Card is available in three operational thickness options: Type I with 3.3 mm, Type II with 5 mm, and Type III with 10 mm, and it supports hot swapping on several operating systems including Windows 2000, XP, Me, and 9X, but not on Windows NT.
Q4: What are the operational thickness options for the PCMCIA-488 PC Card, and how does hot swapping capability vary across different operating systems?
A4: The PCMCIA-488 PC Card by National Instruments is available in three different thickness options: Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5 mm), and Type III (10 mm), and its hot swapping feature is supported on Windows 2000, XP, Me, and 9X operating systems.
Q5: What configuration options does the PCMCIA-488 PC Card offer to accommodate different physical requirements in computers with PCMCIA card slots?
A5: The PCMCIA-488 PC Card is available in three thicknesses—Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5 mm), and Type III (10 mm)—and supports hot swapping on Windows 2000, XP, Me, and 9X operating systems.
