Draft:SerialTool

Submission declined on 3 September 2024 by Chaotic Enby (talk).

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Declined by Chaotic Enby 2 months ago. Last edited by Chaotic Enby 2 months ago. Reviewer: Inform author.

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SerialTool is a cross-platform software application designed for managing serial ports, developed by Duolabs Srl. Originally created by Riccardo Alessi in 2015 and publicly released in 2022, SerialTool facilitates communication between personal computers and electronic devices, particularly in embedded systems and microelectronics. The software is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is recognized for its ease of use and comprehensive feature set, making it popular among both individual developers and large corporations.

Overview

SerialTool is designed to manage multiple serial ports concurrently through a user-friendly interface. It is primarily used by developers working in embedded systems, where serial communication is essential for interfacing with microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronic components. The software supports a range of serial communication protocols and offers tools for debugging, data logging, and real-time monitoring.

Features

SerialTool provides a robust set of features that cater to the needs of developers and engineers working with serial communication:

Packet Visualization: Users can view and analyze packets received from serial ports in a detailed packet list. The packet data can be displayed in both ASCII and hexadecimal formats, allowing for easy interpretation of the communication between devices. This list can be filtered, searched, and exported for further analysis or record-keeping.
Multi-port Management: SerialTool supports simultaneous management of multiple serial ports, enabling users to monitor and control several devices at once. This feature is particularly useful in complex systems where multiple components need to be synchronized or observed concurrently.
Advanced File Transmission: The software allows for direct transmission of files over serial connections, supporting various file types and data formats. Users can also redirect serial traffic to network protocols such as TCP, UDP, HTTPS/GET, and HTTPS/POST, facilitating remote monitoring and control of devices.
Kernel Driver Integration: For the Windows version, SerialTool includes a Kernel-level driver that enables deep monitoring of serial port traffic, even when the port is being accessed by third-party applications. This feature is critical for debugging and ensuring that serial communication is functioning correctly without interference or data loss.
Oscilloscope Mode: SerialTool provides an Oscilloscope mode, which visually represents serial port traffic in a waveform format. This feature helps users to visually analyze signal integrity, timing, and other aspects of data transmission, which is especially useful in diagnosing hardware issues or verifying communication protocols.
Python Scripting Integration: The software includes a Python scripting environment that allows users to automate tasks and extend functionality using Python scripts. The integrated library connects Python scripts directly with the software's APIs, enabling automation of serial communication tasks and interaction with the graphical user interface (GUI). This makes SerialTool particularly versatile for custom workflows and complex testing scenarios.
Real-time Data Logging: SerialTool supports real-time logging of serial port data, which can be saved to files for later analysis. This is particularly useful for long-term monitoring and debugging, where continuous data capture is necessary.
Customizable Interface: The software’s interface is modular, allowing users to customize their workspace by adding, removing, or rearranging windows and dialogs. This flexibility enables users to tailor the interface to their specific needs, whether they require a minimalist setup or a comprehensive view of multiple data streams.

Use Cases

SerialTool is widely used in the development and debugging of embedded systems, where serial communication is a fundamental aspect. It is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:

Embedded Systems Development: Developers working on microcontrollers, sensors, and other embedded devices use SerialTool to test and debug communication protocols. The software’s ability to manage multiple serial ports simultaneously is crucial for complex systems with several interconnected components.
Arduino and Maker Projects: Hobbyists and professionals working with Arduino boards frequently use SerialTool for debugging and serial communication. The software’s automatic response feature allows for efficient testing of communication scripts and protocols.
IoT Device Testing: As Internet of Things (IoT) devices often rely on serial communication during development, SerialTool is used to monitor and log data from these devices, ensuring that communication protocols are functioning correctly before deployment.
Educational Use: Several universities and educational institutions incorporate SerialTool into their curriculum to teach students about serial communication, embedded systems, and data analysis. The software's intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set make it an effective teaching tool.

Development and Distribution

SerialTool was initially developed for internal use by Duolabs Srl to assist in their own embedded systems projects. Recognizing its broader potential, the developers decided to release the software publicly in 2022 under a freemium model. This model allows users to access basic functionalities for free, with advanced features available through paid licenses. The freemium approach has facilitated widespread adoption in industrial, professional, and educational settings.

The software is regularly updated, with new features and bug fixes released approximately every two months. These updates ensure that SerialTool remains compatible with the latest operating systems and hardware while also expanding its feature set to meet the evolving needs of its users.

Reception

SerialTool has been well-received by the developer community for its ease of use and powerful feature set. While it is not intended to replace traditional terminal emulators, such as YAT and TeraTerm, SerialTool excels in scenarios where a more modern and versatile tool is required. Its integration with Python scripting and the ability to manage multiple serial ports simultaneously make it particularly valuable for complex debugging and testing tasks.

The shift away from traditional terminal emulation towards more integrated and networked communication methods, such as those used in IoT applications, has also contributed to the software's growing popularity.

There are some favorable reviews of SerialTool from well-known industry sites such as NewScrewDriver and TrishTech, which have reviewed this software.

Availability

SerialTool is available for download from the official SerialTool website and various third-party software portals such as MacUpdate and Softpedia . To help new users get started, a series of video tutorials are available on YouTube, covering the software's basic features and advanced functionalities.

References

NewScrewDriver Review: https://newscrewdriver.com/2024/01/11/window-shopping-serialtool/

TrishTech Review: https://www.trishtech.com/2023/08/serialtool-tool-for-communication-over-serial-ports/

SerialTalks Review: https://www.serialtalks.com/serialtool/