After 53 years, the Linux kernel is set to include a stable driver for Hewlett-Packard's General Purpose Interface Bus, a standard introduced in 1972. This update arrives in the upcoming kernel version 6.19. The interface offers a bandwidth of 8 MB/s.
Hewlett-Packard launched the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) in 1972 as a versatile standard for connecting instruments and computers. Known for its role in test and measurement equipment, GPIB provided reliable data transfer at speeds up to 8 MB/s, which was impressive for the era.
For decades, Linux users working with legacy hardware have relied on experimental drivers for GPIB support. That changes with the Linux kernel 6.19 release, which incorporates a stable driver for the interface. This development ensures better compatibility and reliability for engineers and researchers using older HP systems alongside modern Linux environments.
The driver integration marks a significant milestone, bridging a half-century gap in open-source support for this foundational technology. While GPIB has been largely superseded by faster standards like USB and Ethernet, it remains relevant in specialized fields such as scientific instrumentation and industrial automation. The kernel update, expected in late 2025, will allow seamless operation without the risks associated with unstable code.
This addition underscores the Linux kernel's commitment to maintaining backward compatibility, even for hardware predating the operating system's origins.