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IrDA and embedded system

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
 
P

PeteS

Jan 1, 1970
0
From the simplicity point of view, (in my opinion), using a COTS part
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
 
J

James Meyer

Jan 1, 1970
0
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

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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