Re: Apple II IEEE-488 Interface card

[frankc <frankc@srv.net>]

They invented HPIB, GPIB or IEEE 488?
IBM was not happy about people copying the PC.  In fact they tried to sue
where they could.  The PS/2 was an Apple style way of controlling a platform,
but just as inevitable as open software is so is open hardware.  The PC was
NOT a gift at the time.  IBM just failed to secure patents on key interfaces
like the slots and the case.  I suspect, but could be wrong, that HP did not
want to give up HPIB, but could not protect it and gave up.  At work we just
got rid of a robotic arm from HP that uses HPIB.  From what I know it is not
GPIB compatible.

Paul Grammens wrote:

> frankc <frankc@srv.net> wrote in message 39A5E8FD.D372D119@srv.net">news:39A5E8FD.D372D119@srv.net...
> > National Instruments uses GPIB extensively in thier line of
> instrumentation.  HPIB
> > was HP's attempt to proprietorize the standard.
>
> I believe hp invented the interface, and then gave up the rights to it in
> order to make it as widely used as possible. Kind of like what IBM did with
> it's PC, and for similiar reasons: figuring it would sell more hp equipment
> that way. BTW, I worked for hp, and now Agilent.
> -Paul