IrDA and embedded system

May 13, 2005 2 Replies
J

We have an embedded microprocessor that uses an SPI bus to connect to a MAX3100 UART which then connects to a MAX3120 IrDA transceiver/driver.



Eventually, there will be a similar (but different, not yet developed) microprocessor, UART. and driver on the other end of the IR link.



We're hoping to create a simple optical replacement for a two-wire RS-232 link. There will be no need for network protocols since only 1 Tx/Rx will ever be able to see more than 1 other Tx/Rx.



Since only one end of the link presently exists, we'd like to use an ordinary laptop with its IrDA capability to allow a program like Hyperterminal to substitute an IrDA port for the regular COM:x hardware port that it already knows how to use.



Alternatively, would it make things simpler to get a serial-to-IrDA adapter like the ACTiSYS ACT-IR220L?



Jim


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P

that does the serial - IrDA transfer would be better - you are not dealing with any real unknowns at the serial port end, although compatibility may raise it's head.

My primary rule in testing is that the only unknown should be the hardware getting tested. In your case, replacing the serial port hardware introduces 2 unknowns, whereas using a COTS part reduces that.

My suggestion would be to buy two of them, and test them from two PCs to make sure the link operates, then test your new stuff against that known working link.

Cheers

PeteS

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J

On 13 May 2005 07:07:43 -0700, snipped-for-privacy@nektonresearch.com wroth:

Follow-up to my original message... Just in case you were waiting breathlessly for more. By the number of responses so far, one (thanks PeteS), my guess is that anyone waiting has already turned blue.

We ordered and received an ACTiSYS adapter that (I hope) will do raw IR to serial. I haven't played with it yet.

In the meantime, I found a program from Plushworks called Pocketerm that runs on any V3.0 or better Palm device. It reads my TV remote control and prints gibberish on the screen so it looks like it may do the job as well.

Jim

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