This book has three parts. The first part discusses the basics of serial communications. Part two discusses asynchronous C programming, helping the reader develop the tools necessary for serial programming tasks. Part three is the appendices, which list assembly language routines, listings for several non-serial functions used but not explained in the text, and other pertinent information.

Thoroughly revised and updated with new material on the 32-bit windows platform, this comprehensive guide delivers everything you need to write robust applications for embedded, data logging, point-of-sale, and other communications systems. You2ll get a complete introduction to serial communications basics, tips on getting the most out of Windows APIs, methods for maximizing data exchange rates over high-speed modems, and the latest techniques for object-oriented programming. Featuring a CD-ROM packed with ready-to-run code modules, this is the one guide you need for successful serial communications development.

Communications will play a central role in the computer applications of the next decade. The core of these applications is asynchronous serial communication. This book includes both theoretical and practical discussions of this topic, allowing programmers and technically advanced users to build their own C programming library of functions for serial communications.

Your personal advisor to advanced serial communications power! Especially for application developers who need to know more about serial communications within the Windows environment. -- Provides in-depth explanations for building a serial communications program for Windows -- Includes an appendix that identifies all related Windows API functions, structures, and messages -- Covers hardware, terminal emulation, error trapping, and more

When PCs and peripherals began showing up with USB ports in the late 1990s, many predicted that legacy serial (COM) ports would soon be obsolete. The predictions were wrong. While most standard peripherals now use USB, serial ports are the interface of choice for devices that require simple programming, long cables, operation in harsh environments, or basic networking capabilities. Serial ports are more versatile then ever due to developments such as USB virtual COM ports, the .NET SerialPort class, enhanced microcontroller USARTs, and new wireless interfaces. Serial Port Complete Second Edition is a completely revised and updated guide to programming and interfacing to COM ports, USB virtual COM ports, and serial ports in embedded systems. Author Jan Axelson shows how to: § Access COM ports using the SerialPort class in Microsoft’s .NET Framework. § Program embedded systems for serial-port communications. § Design and program USB devices accessed as virtual COM ports. § Upgrade RS-232 designs to USB with no changes to host software or device firmware. § Design circuits for electrically harsh environments. § Create serial networks of embedded systems and PCs. § Use serial ports in wireless links. Example code is provided for PCs and embedded systems in both Basic and C/C#. The author maintains a website with articles, program code, and other links of interest to developers of serial-port applications (janaxelson.com).