Re: Apple II IEEE-488 Interface card

[frankc <frankc@srv.net>]

I did a quick search and HPIB was the original proprietary form.  It was
developed in the 60s and it eventually became GPIB then IEEE made a standard of
IEEE 488.  Sorry about any confusion.  The patent for HPIB stuff would have run
out by now.  Hence HP lost contol a long time ago.

frankc wrote:

> 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