RS232 serial port fake

Question

I am developing a project with several hardware sensors connecting to a deployment machine through RS232 serial ports.

But ... I am developing on a machine without physical RS232 serial ports, but I would like to create fake serial ports with which I can connect and output data in order to fake input from hardware sensors.

Does anyone know how to create a fake serial port and manage it in Windows XP?

Answer 1

If you are developing for Windows, the com0com project may be what you are looking for.

It provides pairs of virtual COM ports that are connected through a nullmodem connection. Then you can use your favorite terminal application or whatever you want to send data to one COM port and receive from another.

EDIT:

As Thomas noted, the project does not have a signed driver, which is especially problematic for some versions of Windows (for example, Windows 7 x64).

There are several unofficial versions of com0com that contain a signed driver. One new option (3.0.0.0) can be downloaded, for example. from here .

Answer 2

I know this is an old post, but in case someone else happens on this issue, one good option is the Virtual Serial Port Emulator (VSPE) from Eterlogic. It provides an API for creating corporate kernel mode virtual devices, i.e. connectors, cartographers, splitters, etc.
However , some of the features announced were really not features at all.

EDIT
Far better choice , Eltima . This product is fully baked. Good technical support from developers. The product does everything it claims.

None of these products are open source or free. However, as other posts have pointed out, there are other options. Here is a list of different serial utilities:

com0com (current)
com0com - with a signed driver (old version)
and another place for com0com with a signed driver (Pete Blog)
Tactical software
Termite
Serial COM Port Emulator
Kermit (deprecated but still downloadable)
HWVSP3
HHD Software (Free Version)

Answer 3

I am using com0com - using the Signed Driver , on Windows 7 x64 to emulate COM3 and COM4 as a pair.

Then I use COM Dataport Emulator to get from COM4.

Then I open COM3 using the im developping application (C #) and send the data to COM3.

Data sent through COM3 is received by COM4 and shown as “COM Dataport Emulator”, which can also send a response (not automated).

Thus, with these two excellent programs, I was able to emulate a serial RS-232 connection.

Hope this helps.

Both programs are free !!!!!

Answer 4

Another alternative, although the OP did not ask for this:

There are usb-to-serial adapters. Depending on the type of adapter, you may also need a cable with a null modem.

They are extremely easy to use under Linux, work under windows if you have working drivers installed.

Thus, you can work directly with sensors, and you do not need to try to emulate data. Thus, you may even get rid of the creation of an anemic system. (Due to your emulated data inputs, which do not cover all cases, lead you to a fragile system.)

Its often best to work with real things.

Answer 5

There is always a hardware route. Purchase two USB-to-serial converters and connect them via a NULL modem.

Professional Tips: 1) Windows can assign new COM ports to adapters after hibernation or rebooting the device. 2) The leaders in the chip market for USB devices are Prolific and FTDI. Both companies are fighting against fakes and may be blocked in future official Windows drivers. However, Linux drivers work fine with clones.