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Serial Programming & Debugging
Serial Comm Library
An effective multiport board must be able to work with different
software packages so that applications such as Remote Access Service,
Winfax, and Terminal Emulation, can be used. There are, however,
other applications using multiport boards to control external
devices that require the development of proprietary software.
In this case, an easy-to-use library and powerful debugging tool
become critical factors as far as development cost and time are
concerned. Different solutions are available, depending on the
operating system.
1. DOS
There are no standard APIs defined under DOS, making it necessary
to use a different solution, such as direct I/O access, Int14,
or proprietary APIs. Since these solutions are incompatible with
each other, finding an easy programming solution is a major problem.
2. Windows 3.x
Windows 3.x provides Win16 Comm SDK that allows programmers to
access a PC's COM ports. Communication objects based on Win16,
such as MsCOMM for VB, may also be used to access COM ports. However,
you can only install a maximum of 9 COM ports on the system due
to the restrictions imposed from within the Windows 3.x OS.
3. Windows 2000/NT/95/98/ME
Windows NT supports 256 COM ports, whereas Windows 95/98/ME supports
a maximum of 128 COM ports. Although Win32 API, which can access
each COM port, is powerful and flexible to use, it's complexity
increases development costs, forcing programmers to look for easier
solutions. Compared to the complex Win32 API, communication objects
are more popular and much more acceptable. In Microsoft Visual
Basic for example, you may use an MsComm object to access your
COM ports. Third party communication objects, such as Inprise
Delphi compiler, are also available. Although communication objects
are easy to use, performance and scalability does not seem to
satisfy all system developers. For example, MsComm supports only
a maximum of 16 COM ports.
Debugging tool
During system development, programmers may need to use certain
instruments to verify that online communication is working properly.
There are two basic solutions available. The hardware solution,
i.e., a Stand-Alone Protocol Analyzer and Data Scope machine,
is powerful, precise, and sophisticated. The only drawback is
its expense. The other alternative is to use a software solution
that turns a PC into a Data Scope. You may lose precision and
auto-detection, but it is relatively affordable and cost-effective.
API-232/DOS for
DOS platform
API-232/DOS is the standard programming library for all Moxa
products running under DOS. Each function is comprehensive and
easy to use. API-232/DOS provides versatile functions that cover
both basic data transfer as well as the advanced XModem, YModem,
and ZModem file transfer functions. Furthermore, polling and interrupt
style control functions are supported simultaneously for every
aspect of programming style, and the library is compatible with
most of the popular compilers, including QBasic, Turbo/Borland
C, Microsoft C, Turbo Pascal, Assembly, and Clipper. The API-232/DOS
driver package contains SCOPE.EXE, which operates similarly to
Data Scope, helping you capture and analyze on-line data communication.
API-232/Win3.x
for Windows 3.x platform
Although Windows 3.x only supports up to 9 COM ports and the
system scale is relatively limited, it is still an economic 16-bit
GUI system. In this case, API-232/Win3.x helps system developers
build systems with fewer than 9 serial ports on a Windows 3.x
system. API-232/Win3.x is compatible with 16-bit Borland C and
Microsoft Visual C++. API-232/Win3.x, like API-232/DOS, is designed
to reduce required maintenance and lower migrating costs.
PComm Library
for Windows 2000/NT/95/98/ME platform
PComm library is the ultimate productivity answer for system
developers. It is easy to use, and provides both basic and advanced
functions, such as file transfer and callback. PComm library operates
in a manner similar to the API-232/DOS/Win3.x library, and in
this way can effectively reduce the time and cost required to
utilize powerful 32-bit platforms. PComm library is available
within PComm Lite and PComm Pro. It works with popular 32-bit
compilers, such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual C++,
Borland C++, and Inprise Delphi. As a debugging tool, PComm Pro
is both economical and powerful. PComm Pro also provides the powerful
and versatile Data Scope utility. With the help of a debugging
cable and Data Scope, your PC is turned into a Windows based Data
Scope to display and capture on-line data. Furthermore, the data
can be conveniently stored for further analysis.
Click on the following link for detailed product information.
PComm Pro
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