In the world of industrial automation and data communication, serial ports need to be managed well. Enter the Serial Port Splitter using the TCP COM Bridge software, which allows multiple applications to access a single COM port simultaneously. This technology lets you make two or more virtual COM ports from one physical or virtual COM port. Splitting COM ports is a flexible and cost-effective way to expand your serial communication capabilities. In this article, we will learn why using a device called a serial port splitter can be helpful.
COM and RS232 Port Sharing!
Introduction to Serial Port Splitter
What is a Serial Port Splitter?
The Serial Port Splitter is a utility that allows multiple applications access one serial COM port because the standard COM port permits only one active connection at the time. This solution is particularly useful when you need to divide a data flow into two legacy applications. Below are some key points about serial port splitters that allow simultaneous access to serial devices.
Understanding TCP COM Bridge Software
What is TCP COM Bridge Software?
The TCP COM bridge software lets you convert one or more hardware COM ports into several virtual COM ports.
How Does TCP COM Bridge Software Work?
The program can make a "localhost" TCP connection to any physical or virtual COM port. Due to the fact that a single TCP server connection can accommodate multiple TCP clients, the program integrates traffic internally and divides COM port data.
How To Split Serial Ports
FAQ
Who Uses a Serial Port Splitter?
- Industrial automation professionals: For connecting multiple devices to a single computer in factory settings or control rooms.
- IT technicians: To manage multiple servers or network devices through a single console port.
- Point of Sale (POS) system operators: For connecting receipt printers, barcode scanners, and other peripherals to a single terminal.
- Scientific researchers: Serial port splitter allows collecting data from multiple instruments or sensors connected to a single computer.
- Security system installers: For connecting access control devices to a central monitoring system.
- Marine electronics technicians: For integrating various navigational and communication devices on boats and ships.
Q: Would it be possible to get simultaneous access to a serial device to get serial data?
A: Yes, the splitter makes it possible. Multiple applications can open and use virtual ports that are linked to the same physical COM port, enabling concurrent communication with the serial device.
Q: How do I configure the splitter to work with my applications?
A: You should configure one master connection that acts as a TCP server and connects to a real COM port. Then add two and more TCP client connections with virtual COM ports. These client connections should be pointed to the master TCP server. If you need to split another port on this computer, you can create multiple serial connections.
Q: Can this utility work with RS232 or physical COM ports?
A: It works with any COM port for RS232-compatible devices, like USB-COM, Bluetooth-COM, PCI-E communication boards, and other standard hardware COM ports.
Q: What are the limitations of using a serial port splitter?
A: While serial port splitters are versatile, they may have some limitations. The problem may come up if you need to send data back and forth. Serial port splitters are versatile, but they may not work well for everyone. The problem may come up if you need to do bidirectional data transfer. One of the main problems with bidirectional communication using a serial port splitter is the potential for data collision. When multiple devices are connected to a single serial port through a splitter, there's a risk that two or more devices might try to send data at the same time. This can lead to garbled or corrupted data, as the signals from different devices interfere with each other. Therefore, the program provides the option to make the connection unidirectional for some links.
COM and Serial Port Splitting!
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