Virtual Serial Port Driver

As a company specializing in software for large cruise ships, we often face complex operating environments that require meticulous testing and debugging. While our servers primarily rely on real COM ports, there are instances, especially during remote work or small-scale testing, where Virtual Serial Port Driver proves to be an invaluable asset. This tool simplifies the creation of test environments, enhancing our efficiency in testing and development. It’s a highly useful addition to our toolkit.

The Max-Eyth-Schule is located in Germany in the federal state of Hessen. It is a major secondary and VET school serving the wider Frankfurt metropolitan area. It provides general education and vocational training in a variety of areas from automotive to administration, IT, and biotechnology. In high school, the Max-Eyth-Schule offers several subject areas.

One subject is computer science. One part of the curriculum is called “Data Communication” and requires communication with the serial port. The students have to implement protocols for communication with external hardware like RFID-reader and -scanner, weather station, or a digital scale.

The school is not able to buy different hardware for every student and we searched for another solution. We found the software with a Google search and used the trial version. The Virtual Serial Port Driver helps to simulate the connection of any hardware. The Virtual Serial Port Driver is easy to use and works without any problem.

With the software, the students define two serial ports which are connected by a null modem cable. They can test the pins of the serial port and learn why it is necessary that both sides use the same parameters. The students learn to use a hardware or a software handshake and make the experience to generate a data package and separate a package into different parts.

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As far as our usage scenario is concerned, we are developing a simulator for a display. We are targeting a TI microcontroller and will conditionally compile the binary for Windows or the microcontroller. However, several serial connections must be made between our GUI and the binary when we target windows. We are using the virtual serial port driver to bridge this gap; otherwise, we would have numerous cables being used to loop back into the PC. It also lets us utilize the target interfaces (serial) and not have to add a layer like UDP for communication on the windows platform.

Even if a machine doesn’t have COM ports, the handy and reliable software tool with an intuitive user interface will link you to virtual serial ports and capture all the traffic data you may need.

I use multiple Software Defined Radios (SDR) in the course of my hobby (ham radio). Each one requires a control program in order to work. I define a set of com ports in this program to communicate with other programs such as data decoders, contact logging, frequency listings, etc. I have several definitions set up within the control software, each definition has multiple sets of com port pairs, I can have 2, 3 or more SDRs running concurrently, each tuned to a specific set of frequencies and modes and each one driving any number of other software packages. I have to say that I have experienced very little trouble with the Com Port driver, and when there has been an issue, the support team have sorted it very quickly and professionally. I currently have virtual com port pairs starting at 4-5 and going through to pair 44-45. For the moment this is enough, however, as requirements change I know I can add more as necessary without causing a problem. I received a free license for the com port driver in exchange for details of how I could/would implement the software in my radio station. I did this in the form of a block diagram of the physical equipment and the software I used with them. I indicated how the virtual com port pair would communicate with the individual programs/equipment. I was surprised at the initial complexity and, subsequently, how often I changed from one facet of my hobby to another and back again! I would recommend this software if you need to create com port pairs and need extra functionality within those ports. It is expensive, but it is a quality product and you tend to get what you pay for in this world. I have no connection to Electronic Team, other than being offered the license in exchange for the details mentioned. Although I can’t attach a file to this review, I do have the diagram available should anyone be interested (e-mail me: sean@hfradio.org.uk)