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Monoprice 2m IEEE-488 Cable

A 2-meter IEEE-488 (GPIB) cable for reliable instrument-to-controller data connections in test environments.

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Overview

The Monoprice 2-meter IEEE-488 cable is a simple, purpose-built cable designed for connecting GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) instruments to controllers, computers, or other devices in test and measurement environments. IEEE-488, also referred to as GPIB or HP-IB, remains widely used in laboratories, manufacturing floors, and calibration facilities where legacy instruments are still in active service. This cable provides the standard 24-pin micro-ribbon connectors that stack together, allowing multiple instruments to be daisy-chained on a single bus — a hallmark of the IEEE-488 interface design.

At two meters in length, the cable is well-suited for benchtop setups where instruments and controllers sit in close proximity. It handles the data transfer needs of the GPIB protocol, which supports transfer rates up to approximately 1 MB/s in standard mode. Monoprice has built its reputation on providing affordable, functional cables, and this IEEE-488 offering follows that pattern — delivering reliable connectivity for GPIB systems without the premium pricing often associated with test equipment accessories from specialized manufacturers.

Specifications

Type
IEEE-488 (GPIB)
Length
2 meters
Connector
IEEE-488 24-Pin Micro-Ribbon (Stackable)
Brand
Monoprice

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Standard IEEE-488 connectors ensure universal compatibility with all GPIB-equipped instruments
  • 2-meter length suits most benchtop and short-rack test setups
  • Stackable connectors allow easy daisy-chaining of multiple instruments
  • Monoprice pricing typically undercuts name-brand GPIB cables significantly

👎 Cons

  • 2-meter length may be too short for setups where instruments are in separate racks or rooms
  • No shielding specifications are listed, which matters in electrically noisy test environments
  • Limited to the older IEEE-488 parallel interface — not a replacement for faster modern interfaces like USB-TMC or LXI

Frequently Asked Questions

IEEE-488, also known as GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus), is a standard interface for connecting test and measurement instruments — such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators — to a controller or computer.
Yes, the IEEE-488 standard is universal across GPIB-equipped instruments, so this cable works with any device that has a standard IEEE-488 connector regardless of manufacturer.
IEEE-488 connectors are stackable by design, featuring both a plug and receptacle on each end, so you can daisy-chain multiple devices on a single GPIB bus.
Two meters is generally sufficient for connecting instruments on the same bench or in adjacent rack positions. The IEEE-488 standard allows a maximum total bus length of 20 meters, so additional cables can extend the reach if needed.

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