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What Is the Maximum Timeout for GPIB Operation?

Updated Dec 18, 2025

Reported In

Hardware

  • GPIB Instrument Control Device

Driver

  • NI-488.2

Issue Details

When I try to set a long timeout when using GPIB and VISA, my timeout is limited.  What is the maximum timeout for GPIB communications using VISA?

Solution

VISA is an abstraction layer over the NI-488.2 drivers.  When setting the timeout using a VISA property node, the call uses ibtmo which has a maximum value of 1000 seconds. 

 

Additional Information

If a longer timeout is needed, perform multiple operations and clear the timeout error between each call.

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