Upgrading GPIB instruments with IoT: A microcontroller solution for local network control of the laboratory devices

Abstract

Many laboratory instruments, such as the Keithley 2400 SourceMeter, still rely on the aging GPIB interface for communication. Traditional GPIB-to-USB converters are expensive and often require proprietary software for operation. This paper presents a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative based on an MCU-based solution (ATmega328P) with AR488 firmware, enabling communication between the Keithley 2400 and a PC via USB. A Python-based interface (using Streamlit, Pandas, NumPy, and Cryptography libraries) provides a web-accessible platform for controlling and monitoring the device over a local network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This approach not only facilitates remote access but also allows real-time data acquisition of voltage and current, while enabling full control over the Keithley instrument, which functions as both a power source and a precision multimeter. The proposed solution significantly reduces costs and enhances usability compared to traditional GPIB-to-USB adapters. The feasibility of the developed system was demonstrated during the electrochemical experiments, where Keithley 2400 was used for deposition of GaN thin films.