How to Select a Micro-D25 to GPIB Cable: Y1260A, PX0110A, PX0114A and NI 183285
Compare connector structure, cable length, equipment compatibility and part-number requirements before selecting a Micro-D25 to standard IEEE-488 GPIB cable for PXI, PXIe, AXIe and automated test systems.
A Micro-D25 to GPIB cable connects the compact 25-position Micro-D GPIB port used on certain embedded controllers and system modules to a conventional 24-pin IEEE-488 interface. It allows space-constrained PXI, PXIe and AXIe hardware to communicate with GPIB-controlled instruments without requiring a full-size GPIB connector on the controller front panel.
Important: Do not select a replacement only because the connectors look similar. Confirm the equipment manufacturer, controller model, original cable part number, connector orientation, required length and equipment-side signal assignment before ordering. A generic 25-pin Micro-D cable is not automatically a GPIB cable.
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What Is a Micro-D25 to GPIB Cable?
A Micro-D25 to GPIB cable is an interface cable assembly with a compact 25-position Micro-D connector on the controller side and a standard 24-contact IEEE-488 GPIB connector on the instrument side. It is also described as a Micro GPIB cable, Micro-D to IEEE-488 cable, Micro-DSub GPIB cable or PXIe GPIB cable.
The compact connector is useful on embedded controllers and system modules where the front panel does not have enough space for a conventional full-size GPIB connector. The cable changes the physical connector format while maintaining the GPIB communication interface required for instrument control, command transfer, status reporting and data acquisition.
Overall Cable Assembly
System Connection Diagram
Key distinction: Micro-D25 describes the compact equipment-side connector. GPIB or IEEE-488 describes the communication interface. A Micro-D25 cable used for trigger, digital I/O, analog signals or another proprietary interface cannot be substituted merely because it has the same number of contacts.
Micro-D25 and Standard GPIB Connector Identification
Correct identification begins with both cable ends. The compact end and the standard GPIB end use different connector families, mounting hardware and physical dimensions.
25-Position Micro-D Connector
The equipment-side connector is a compact 25-position Micro-D interface. It occupies considerably less panel space than a standard DB25 or full-size IEEE-488 connector and is commonly secured with #2-56 locking hardware.
- 25 compact contacts
- Space-saving controller-side form factor
- Locking hardware for secure retention
- Gender and mating orientation must be confirmed
Standard 24-Pin IEEE-488 Connector
The instrument-side connector is the familiar 24-contact GPIB interface used on laboratory instruments, automated test equipment and instrument-control systems. It normally includes screw-lock hardware and a metal shell.
- 24-contact IEEE-488 interface
- Used on test and measurement instruments
- Screw-lock retention
- Do not describe this end as a 25-pin GPIB connector
Micro-D25 Connector Detail
Standard GPIB Connector
Why Similar Micro-D25 GPIB Cables May Not Be Interchangeable
Several manufacturer cables use the same general Micro-D25-to-GPIB form factor. A replacement should nevertheless be selected by the equipment model or original cable reference rather than by connector appearance alone.
| Selection Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Equipment model | The controller documentation normally identifies the intended cable or accessory reference. |
| Original part number | Part numbers distinguish application assignments and standard cable lengths. |
| Micro-D25 pin assignment | The compact connector must route every required GPIB signal, ground and shield connection correctly. |
| Connector gender and orientation | The mating interface must match the controller port physically and mechanically. |
| Cable length | Published options range from short 0.2 m or 0.25 m adapters to 1 m and 2 m cable assemblies. |
| Shield and ground construction | A stable instrument-control link depends on proper shielding, shell connection and finished-cable testing. |
Do not use a generic Micro-D25 cable: A 25-position Micro-D connector may also carry digital I/O, trigger, GPIO, analog signals or another manufacturer-specific interface. Confirm that the cable is designed for the required GPIB application.
Micro-D25 to GPIB Part Number and Length Comparison
The following table organizes common search references by manufacturer, published length and intended equipment family. It is a selection aid, not a statement that every listed cable is automatically interchangeable across brands.
| Reference | Published Length | Typical Equipment or Application | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keysight Y1260A | 1 m | M9037A, M9537A and M9024A | Keysight states that it is not compatible with M9036A. |
| Keysight PX0110A | 0.25 m | PZ2100A | Short adapter-style cable. |
| Keysight PX0114A | 1 m | PZ2100A | Longer PZ2100A cable option. |
| NI 183285-0R2 | 0.2 m | NI Micro-D25 GPIB interfaces | Short X13 adapter cable. |
| NI 183285-01 | 1 m | Applicable NI PXI, PXIe, VXI and PMC-GPIB products | Standard 1 m X13 cable. |
| NI 183285-02 | 2 m | Applicable NI PXI, PXIe, VXI and PMC-GPIB products | Longer X13 cable. |
| ADLINK ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A | 1 m | Specified ADLINK PXI/PXIe controllers | Confirm the controller option and front-panel interface. |
| Premier Cable PCM-S-0664 | 2 m standard; custom available | Replacement and OEM Micro-D25 to GPIB applications | Confirm equipment model or original reference before ordering. |
Keysight Y1260A, PX0110A and PX0114A GPIB Cables
Keysight Y1260A for M9037A, M9537A and M9024A
The Keysight Y1260A is a 1 m cable that connects a Micro-D25 GPIB interface to a standard GPIB connection. Keysight lists it for the M9037A PXIe embedded controller, M9537A AXIe embedded controller and M9024A PXIe system module.
Compatibility warning: Keysight specifically states that the Y1260A is not compatible with the M9036A. This demonstrates why the exact controller model must be checked instead of selecting a cable only by connector appearance.
Keysight PX0110A
PX0110A is a short 0.25 m Micro-D25 GPIB to standard GPIB cable adapter for the Keysight PZ2100A high-density precision source/measure unit mainframe.
Keysight PX0114A
PX0114A performs the same general Micro-D25-to-standard-GPIB connection for the PZ2100A but provides a 1 m cable length for installations requiring more routing distance.
Keysight Reference Application Map
NI 183285 X13 Cables and ADLINK ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A
NI 183285-0R2, 183285-01 and 183285-02
NI identifies these products as X13 GPIB cables for equipment that uses a 25-pin Micro-DSub GPIB interface instead of a standard 24-pin IEEE-488 connector. The main published difference between the three references is cable length.
| NI Part Number | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 183285-0R2 | 0.2 m | Short Micro-GPIB adapter cable |
| 183285-01 | 1 m | Standard-length X13 GPIB cable |
| 183285-02 | 2 m | Longer X13 GPIB cable |
ADLINK ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A
ADLINK lists the ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A as a 1 m 25-pin Micro-D to GPIB cable accessory for specified PXI and PXIe controllers equipped with a Micro-D GPIB front-panel connection.
Because ADLINK controller configurations can be offered with different I/O options, confirm that the selected controller includes the GPIB port and that the original documentation specifies this cable or the corresponding reference.
PCM-S-0664 Micro-D25 to GPIB Cable Specifications
Premier Cable PCM-S-0664 is a shielded Micro-D25 to standard IEEE-488 GPIB cable assembly offered in a standard 2 m configuration. The product is intended for embedded-controller, PXI/PXIe system-module and test-instrument applications corresponding to the listed cable references.
Custom cable length, labeling, packaging and equipment-specific configurations can be discussed for OEM or bulk requirements. The target equipment model or original cable reference should be supplied before final confirmation.
| Specification | PCM-S-0664 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Micro-D25 to IEEE-488 GPIB cable assembly |
| Premier Cable Part Number | PCM-S-0664 |
| Connector A | 25-position Micro-D connector |
| Connector B | Standard 24-pin IEEE-488 GPIB connector |
| Standard Length | 2 m |
| Custom Length | Available for OEM and bulk orders |
| Wire Gauge | 28 AWG |
| Cable Diameter | 10.0 mm |
| Micro-D Hardware | #2-56 UNC locking screw hardware |
| GPIB Hardware | 8.15 × 33.0 mm screw hardware |
| Cable Construction | Shielded cable assembly |
| Listed Reference Applications | Keysight Y1260A, PX0110A, PX0114A; NI 183285-01 and 183285-02; ADLINK ACL-IEEE488-MD1 |
PCM-S-0664 Overall View
Connector Detail View
Ordering note: The standard PCM-S-0664 listing is 2 m. A requested 0.2 m, 0.25 m, 1 m or other length should be quoted as a customized configuration rather than assumed to be the same stocked item.
View PCM-S-0664 Product Details View Micro-D Cable Assemblies
How to Select the Correct Micro-D25 to GPIB Cable
Use the following six-step process before purchasing a replacement or requesting a custom cable assembly.
Confirm the Manufacturer
Identify whether the equipment is from Keysight, NI, ADLINK or another manufacturer.
Confirm the Equipment Model
Record the full controller, system-module or instrument model, including any GPIB option suffix.
Check the Original Part Number
Look for Y1260A, PX0110A, PX0114A, 183285-01, 183285-02, 183285-0R2 or ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A.
Choose the Required Length
Select a short adapter or a 1 m, 2 m or custom cable based on rack layout and service clearance.
Verify the Interface Details
Confirm connector gender, orientation, locking hardware, pin assignment and shield connection.
Approve the Drawing or Sample
Review the drawing, label, tolerance and continuity requirements before production.
When the original part number is unavailable: provide clear front and side photographs of both connector ends, a photograph of the controller port, the equipment manual, required length, quantity and-where possible-an original cable sample for continuity comparison.
Typical Applications and Engineering Checks
Micro-D25 to GPIB cable assemblies are used in modular instrumentation and automated test systems where front-panel space is limited but connection to established IEEE-488 instruments is still required.
Typical Applications
- PXI and PXIe embedded controllers
- AXIe embedded controllers and system modules
- Precision SMU mainframes
- Automated test equipment
- Semiconductor production test systems
- Laboratory instrument-control systems
- Legacy IEEE-488 instrument integration
- Data acquisition and validation stations
Mechanical Checks
- Micro-D25 gender and mating orientation
- Locking-screw thread and length
- Front-panel clearance
- Cable bend radius near the controller
- Rack depth and instrument spacing
- Strain relief and cable-exit direction
- Label placement and identification
Electrical Checks
- Equipment-specific pin assignment
- Signal and ground continuity
- Shield-to-shell connection
- Insulation resistance where required
- Short-circuit and miswire testing
- Finished-cable functional verification
- Applicable IEEE-488 system requirements
Engineering takeaway: The correct cable is defined by the complete interface-not only the two connector families. A controlled production drawing should include the equipment reference, contact mapping, shield connection, hardware, cable length, jacket, labeling and test requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Micro-D25 to GPIB cable?
It is a cable assembly that connects a compact 25-position Micro-D GPIB port on selected controllers or system modules to a standard 24-pin IEEE-488 GPIB interface.
Is Micro-D25 the same as DB25?
No. Both may have 25 contacts, but Micro-D25 is a much smaller connector family with different contact spacing, shell dimensions and locking hardware. The two connectors cannot mate directly.
How many contacts does a standard GPIB connector have?
A standard IEEE-488 GPIB connector has 24 contacts. The "25" in Micro-D25 refers to the compact connector at the controller end, not the standard GPIB connector.
What is the difference between PX0110A and PX0114A?
Both are listed for the Keysight PZ2100A. PX0110A is a short 0.25 m adapter cable, while PX0114A is a 1 m cable.
What is the difference between NI 183285-01 and 183285-02?
The principal published difference is length: 183285-01 is 1 m and 183285-02 is 2 m. NI also lists the short 183285-0R2 at 0.2 m.
Is Keysight Y1260A compatible with M9036A?
No. Keysight lists Y1260A for M9037A, M9537A and M9024A and states that it is not compatible with M9036A.
Can one cable replace Y1260A, PX0110A, PX0114A and NI 183285?
Not on connector appearance alone. These references use a similar Micro-D25-to-GPIB form factor, but the target equipment model, required length and equipment-side wiring must be confirmed. A supplier may offer one product family for multiple listed applications, but the final configuration should still be checked before shipment.
Can the cable length be customized?
Yes. PCM-S-0664 is listed in a standard 2 m version, and custom lengths can be manufactured for OEM or bulk requirements after the interface and application have been confirmed.
What information is required for a custom replacement?
Provide the equipment manufacturer, exact model, original cable part number, required length, quantity and clear connector photographs. For non-standard projects, also provide the pin assignment, drawing or original cable sample.
Need a Micro-D25 to GPIB Replacement Cable?
Send the equipment manufacturer, controller model, original cable part number, required length and quantity. If the original reference is unavailable, include clear connector photos, the equipment manual, pin assignment or an original cable sample.
Premier Cable can provide Micro-D25 to IEEE-488 cable assemblies with custom length, equipment-specific wiring, molded connector housings, labels, packaging and finished-cable testing.
