Communication protocols for networking devices

Computers and networking devices have become all the more important in day to day life today. With internet being the most important medium of communication and data transfer, computers have become all the more valuable. Not just computers there are plenty of devices right from the simplest micro controllers to handheld programmers, to serial ports to USB cables, serial device servers, terminal servers etc that help in storing, transferring data across different machines, storage devices and also external storage mediums. Some of these protocols that are used to program basic electronic circuits that help in data communication are discussed here:

Serial communication

Serial communication protocols enable devices to consume serial data from a nine pin port, encapsulate the data in a TCP packet and transmit it through an Ethernet network via an configurable IP address and port number. The biggest advantage in this mode of communication is the reduction in the number of wires used to connect portable memory devices like flash drives. Also these serial file transfer protocols are secured and does not attribute to any data loss.

Parallel communication

The communication protocol is used in connecting devices like modems, printers, data collection terminals and other automatic equipment to PC's where data transfer does not happen in a serial fashion and data is transmitted to numerous receivers in parallel. These protocols are also secured with numerous points of reception so that even if at one receiver point the data pocket gets lost, it can be retrieved from other centers.

In either of these protocols, the data transfer could be synchronous or asynchronous in nature. Programmable software can use either of these protocols to initiate data transfer between the PC and devices in a secured fashion keeping information secured and intact. Both this approach are employed based on requirement.

Why Should You Use Handheld Programmer For Production?

Generally standard programmers such as AVRISP MKII, PIC kit 2 and IDC 3 that are apt for development are apparently very weak while you try to expand your production, develop your product or update any firmware that you utilize for production process. This can be a grave situation as your production team might have to put up with the software that is complex to use like the AVR Studio or MPLAB or use a GUI standard programmer.

 

Easy to use

Such a situation might even demand you to offer extensive training for your staff while being open to various other issues which would need your supervisor to intervene and sort out those issues. However if you wish to stay away from such bothering issues which can even interfere with your production process then the best way is to use a handheld programmer. This device is bestowed with the right code and features data EEPROM, program settings, configuration bytes etc. Once it is loaded, your staff just needs to plus in and hit the big button for the LED light in green to blink. Some versions of this programmer can also store 8 programs which can e chosen easily with a simple switch of rotary type. 

Why is it useful?

If you have an offsite production area then this programmer is an effective choice. You just have to load it and send it to the factory at another location as it is free from all hassles and issues. The hand held universal programmer is ideal for production engineer as it has a simple operation and is updated based on the area of its operation. This device can simplify the process as it enables you to pass it to agents and distributors or to the site engineer as it helps them to stay abreast of all production activities.

Tips of buying a USB Flash Drive

All people who make a use of the computers in their day to day basis, very well understand how important a can USB or a USB Flash Drive is. They have replaced the CDs and floppies with remarkable development in the technical field. 

With the increasing times, the use of technical gadgets like a pen drive or a flash drive seems to have gradually become mandatory. It is a very crucial step that technology has taken and until and unless we do not be a part of the revolution, there are full chances that we remain behind.

In fact, many flash drives can also be used for rebooting the entire operating system. If you are planning to buy a new serial to USB cable or an USB flash drive for the market, here is a list of some handy tips to guide you:

• Always choose the can USB flash drive with the highest capacity. Although when the flash drives were very fresh in the market, they came in a very limited memory. But today, they are available in a variety of memory capacities. Moreover, there is no point in buying something which has very little memory capacity. There will always be something useful to store in it. If you want something to be given to your clients, there can be no better option than a handheld programmer or a flash drive.

• Whatever type of serial to USB or a flash drive you choose to buy, just be sure that it is sturdy and quite a strong one. You will be using this for storing of some o f the most important data, so you cannot afford the flash drive to be a fragile one. The ones with hard caps are a better option as compared to the cap less drives.

• Choose the type of flash drive that has the facility of password protection to keep your access of the flash drive safe.

• Because these things are very handy, and quite portable, there are very high chances that you can easily misplace them. The last thing that you would want is to lose is all your important data and files that you had stored in a USB drive. This can be evaded by having a lanyard or a key ring attached to your handheld programmer or the flash drive.