Nowadays engineers who are developing these serial devices or applications that interact with them require the ability to test and debug their products before releasing them to the public. This can be problematic with current computers as there may not be serial ports available on the machine. Serial port emulation might be just the answer you are looking for if you in this kind of situation.
The advantages of RS232 Emulation software by Electronic Team:
OS supported:
This Virtual Null-modem Software runs on Windows (32-bit and 64-bit): 7/8/8.1/10, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019
From: Mr. Seely
"Electronic Team drivers are just something else! They are easy to install and operate, and perform consistently well on different Windows versions we work with."
You can download Virtual Serial Port Emulator for a fully-functional 14-day free trial. The standard version of the software costs $139.95.
VSPD PRO offers unique features that enhance the utility of your serial applications and devices:
OS supported:
Like the standard version of Virtual Serial Port Driver, the Pro edition runs on Windows (32-bit and 64-bit): 7/8/8.1/10, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019
From: gregcormickuk
"Extremely useful when I need to hook up several apps to the same serial port, which my GPS receiver is connected to"
The Virtual Serial Port Driver PRO license would cost $199.95.
FabulaTech’s Virtual Serial Port Kit is a software tool that enables you to emulate serial ports. These RS232 virtual ports that are created can be connected with a virtual null-modem cable.
Features list:
OS supported:
Virtual Serial Port Kit is supported by Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1, Windows 10.
From: Alex Muller
"Virtual Serial Port Kit is now fully integrated in our software stack and we are very happy to have found FabulaTech and their excellent software"
You can get a one year license for $129.95.
The solution offered by HHD - Free Virtual Serial Ports is focused on the emulation of custom plug-and-play serial and I/O ports interfaced by 16550 UART.
Features list:
OS supported:
This utility supported by Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10.
From: AK6DN
"...Looks like the 'free' version is just a crippled version of their regular software. Any attempt at configuration drops you into the 'you must purchase the licensed version to do that' dialog."
The next entry in our list of virtual COM port software is Virtual Serial Ports Emulator which is developed by Eterlogic.
Features list:
OS supported:
This program offers support for Windows OS. A free license is available for 32-bit platforms. If you require the 64-bit version you will need to obtain a paid version of the software.
From: Armindo
"Very nice software, that really works. Easy to setup and work with. Has all the possible requirements for cross-port-simulation. Thanks."
The price of the paid version for Virtual Serial Ports Emulator starts from $24.95.
COM Port Data Emulator is a software application that enables users to emulate an entity, such as an Ethernet device or COM port, that transmits data as a serial stream. The program takes the data stream and converts it to data packets using serial protocols like RS232, TCP/IP or UDP. Then it forwards the packets over the network.
This serial port emulator can randomly generate test data or read it from text or binary files. The data can then be sent to test a port as many times as necessary to achieve the desired results. The app can fill the role of a server or client over an IP-based network. It supports full-duplex mode as well as flow control for serial and RS232 ports.
Logging capabilities featured in the COM port emulator make it possible to fully analyze serial data traffic and the ports’ responses to specific data streams. Network administrators can use the tool to identify errors and monitor line status dynamically. COM port simulator provides the ability to control the parameters of serial communication tests by using the baud rates, data bits, parity types, and other options as needed by the programmer.
You can perform serial port emulation with any serial devices that use the RS232/RS485/RS422 protocols. This includes a wide range of industrial controllers and monitoring devices. You can even use z-modem cables and emulate serial data transmission to another computer.
Features list:
OS supported:
This Virtual COM Port freeware tool supports the Windows operating system from Windows 2000 to the current version of Windows 10.
This solution is an open-source kernel-mode virtual serial port driver that enables the emulation of serial communication interfaces.
Features list:
More details of these software solutions are available by visiting the developers’ website. There are definitely differences among the options including the fact that some of them are free while others require a financial investment. In certain cases, you may need to expose your source code in order to use them for application development.
OS supported:
This Virtual COM Port freeware is developed for Windows users. But not all of the solutions support the newest Windows OS version which may pose problems for you.
See a comparison chart of Virtual Serial Port Driver and Null-Modem Emulator
Choosing the handiest and suitable software solution depends on areas and conditions of usage. Here are a few situations where virtual serial ports can be useful.
1. The absence of a serial port.
Many of the computers that manufactured today are not equipped with any serial ports at all. Some machines take it a step further and do not have ports of any type, relying on wireless connectivity to peripheral devices.
The reduction in reliance on COM ports in machines and devices used for general purposes has not eliminated the requirement for serial connectivity. Many special-purpose devices still make use of serial interfaces to communicate with computers. Some examples are industrial automation monitoring devices, medical monitoring equipment, and specialized laboratory equipment.
2. Sharing a serial monitoring device.
If you have a serial monitoring device in an industrial production facility, it may be transmitting data used as input for several different applications. Creating virtual serial ports from a single port lets all of your applications receive their data at the same time.
3. Accessing multiple serial devices.
Network-attached serial devices can be assigned virtual RS232 ports that can then be merged into a single virtual port that can be used by your application.
So on these occasions, the best choice is virtual serial port emulator software. A benefit of a paid solution is that you receive regular program updates and customer support for your money. This can be a determining factor if you are doing serious development and want the most up-to-date null-modem emulator application available.
The preceding comparison of virtual null-modem software tools indicates that Electronic Team’s Virtual Serial Port Driver offers more features than the other solutions. Ease of use, quality customer support, and a focus on data protection are some of the advantages of this product. It also features a user-friendly interface that makes it an easy task to create and delete virtual COM ports.
The extended capabilities of the PRO version make this flexible software application an effective and powerful tool for developers or users who need to work with serial devices.
These are just a few ways that virtual ports can be used. If you work with serial devices or applications, a serial port emulator like Virtual Serial Port Driver can be an essential component of your software toolbox.
Virtual Serial Port Driver
