Upgrading GPIB Instruments with IoT: A Microcontroller Solution for Local Network Control of the Laboratory Devices

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.