Serial Comm Library

An effective multiport serial 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 comes with the 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 2000/NT supports 256 COM ports, whereas Windows 95/98/ME supports a maximum of 128 COM ports. Although the Win32 API, which can access each COM port, is powerful and versatile, the complexity of the API 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 only supports 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 platforms

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 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 platforms

Although Windows 3.x only supports up to 9 COM ports and the system scale is relatively limited, it is still an economical 16-bit GUI system. API-232/Win3.x helps system developers build systems with fewer than 9 serial ports on a Windows 3.x system. The API is compatible with 16-bit Borland C and Microsoft Visual C++, and as with API-232/DOS, API-232/Win3.x is designed to reduce the amount of maintenance required and helps 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 with PComm Lite, and works with all popular 32-bit compilers, such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual C++, Borland C++, and Inprise Delphi. Moxa's Data Scope utility provides users with another powerful and versatile tool. Simply attach a debugging cable to your PC, install Data Scope to turn your PC into a Windows based Data Scope to display and capture on-line data. Data can also be conveniently stored for further analysis.