Build an Electronic Project of USB-Based GPIB Controller. Contemporary research laboratories include a variety of instruments that connect using any of several interface methods to a PC for automating procedures and collecting data. Although different communication interfaces exist, the GPIB (general-purpose-interface bus) still enjoys wide popularity. The host PC must include a suitable GPIB controller—an internal interface card or an external device. Newer PC designs are phasing out traditional internal buses, such as PCI, ISA, and EISA, in favor of other standards, so using an external controller offers a more appropriate approach because external I/O ports, such as RS-232 and USB, tend to maintain backward compatibility. This Design Idea covers the development of a GPIB controller, which turned out to be easier and cheaper than commercially available alternatives. The design uses easy-to-obtain components with a total component cost of approximately $ 50. For comparison, a commerci...