Design

The MicroGate Serial API provides a serial communications Application Program Interface for Microsoft Windows using the SyncLink GT, SyncLink GT4, SyncLink GT PC/104+, and SyncLink PCMCIA Adapters. The API supports multiple serial protocols (when supported by specific adapter model), including SDLC, HDLC, BISYNC, MONOSYNC, asynchronous, and raw bit-synchronous. These protocols are used to build applications for networking, X.25, frame relay, IBM SDLC (SNA), satellite, radio and other serial communications. The API allows direct control of the serial hardware (Base API), or high level control of the link layer protocol (Link Layer API). 

Supported Windows Versions

  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP (32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64)
  • Windows Server 2003 (32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64)
  • Windows Vista (32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64)

The API is accessed through a standard Windows DLL, and can be used by any programming language that allows calling functions in a standard Windows DLL. Sample programs with source are supplied for the C/C++ and C# languages. 

Supported Development Tools

  • Microsoft Visual C/C++ 6 (32-bit x86)
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 (C, C++, C#, 32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64)
  • Windows Server 2003 DDK Tools (C, C++, 64-bit AMD64)
  • Borland C/C++ 5.5 (32-bit x86)

The API can be used in two ways: the base API and the link layer extensions.

An application uses the base API to send and receive data where the application controls the exact contents and timing of data transfer.

An application uses the extended API to send and receive data where the API implements the details of a higher level protocol like LAPB. The extended API handles frame sequencing, retries, and timeouts. A sample C application is included demonstrating LAPB communications.

HARDWARE SUPPORT

Hardware support for API features depends on the specific model. For example, the PCMCIA adapter only supports HDLC and asynchronous modes of operation. For a complete list of adapter specific support of each API feature, click here.

Base API Options

  • SDLC, HDLC, BISYNC, MONOSYNC, ASYNC, raw bit-synchronous protocols
  • Selectable hardware CRC: CRC-16, CRC-32, None
  • DPLL clock recovery
  • Separate, selectable transmit and receive data clock inputs
  • Baud Rate Generator for sourcing data clocks
  • Variety of transmit preamble and idle patterns
  • Encoding: NRZ,NRZB,NRZ-L,NRZI,NRZ-M,NRZ-S,BIPHASE,FM0,FM1,Manchester,differential biphase level
  • Full control and monitoring of DTR,RTS,DSR,DCD,CTS,RI
  • Loopback mode for diagnostics
The link layer extensions implement the general procedures of ISO4335 for HDLC. The application configures the API to implement specific protocols such as LAPB, LAPD and SDLC. 

Link Layer Options

  • Normal Response Mode (NRM) for SDLC (half and full duplex)
  • Asynchronous Balanced Mode (ABM) for LAPB and related protocols
  • Multiple links on a single physical interface (Multidrop/LAPD)
  • Initialization Mode (SIM/RIM)
  • XID support.
  • Modulus 8 and 128 operation.
  • Selective and multi-selective reject (SREJ) support.
  • Address fields up to 16 bytes in length.

The MicroGate Serial API is packaged as a Software Development Kit (SDK) and a Run Time Kit (RTK).

Software Development Kit

The MicroGate Serial SDK contains documentation, development support files, sample C and C# programs, and the Run Time Kit.

Run Time Kit

The MicroGate Serial RTK contains the redistributable software components necessary to support deployment of a serial applicaiton.

Optional General Purpose I/O Signals

The SyncLink GT family of serial adapters can be ordered with an optional header that provides general purpose digital (TTL) input/output signals. These signals can be configured (direction), controlled, and monitored through the serial API. Contact our sales department for ordering details.

Hardware Branding

The MicroGate Serial API SDK offers developers seamless application integration.  With individually assigned PCI hardware IDs, the SyncLink adapters may be recognized and installed as distinctive cards, carrying your own company name or model classification.

Documentation

Serial API DOWNLOADS

HDLCSDK.EXE Complete SDK, documentation, and sample program source.
HDLCRTK.EXE Run-Time-Kit and documentation 

Download data sheet

PRODUCT CONFIGURATIONS

Single Port Adapters
Product Code 
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PCI/V.35
191173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PCI/RS-232
192173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PCI/RS-422/X.21
193173
SyncLink GT Low Profile Bracket
LBP000
PCMCIA Adapters
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink/PCMCIA
P10173
4-port Adapters
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT4/PCI/V.35/4p
491173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT4/PCI/RS-232/4p
492173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT4/PCI/RS-422/X.21/4p
493173
PC/104+ Adapters
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PC104+/V.35
1P1173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PC104+/RS-232
1P2173
MicroGate Serial API RTK SyncLink GT/PC104+/RS-422/X.21
1P3173
 
Cables
V.35 cable
2534GT
RS-232 cable
CMF000
RS-449 cable
2537FM
RS-530 cable
CMF000
X.21 cable
2515FM

SPECIFICATIONS  (SyncLink GT)

Controller: MicroGate FPGA
Serial Ports: One
Serial Interface: Jumper select: V.35, RS-232, RS-422/485 (RS-530 & RS-449, X.21)
Serial Format: SDLC, HDLC, raw bit synchronous, BISYNC, MONOSYNC, asynchronous
Data Rates: Up to 10 Mbps synchronous; 921600 bps asynchronous
Clocking: internal, external, DPLL
Plug and Play configurable, Bus Master DMA data transfer
Environmental: Temperature 0C to 60C standard, -40C to +85C optional; humidity 0 to 95% non-condensing;  alt. - 200 to +10,000 ft
Mechanical: Low-Profile PCI MD1; length 4.7 ", height 2.5 ", Weight 2.7 Oz
PCI 3.0 compliant, 32-bit, 33mhz (5v, 3.3v and PCI-X compatible), Low-profile compatible w/optional bracket.
Power usage:  0.2A +5V, 23 mA +12V, 23mA -12V
Regulatory: FCC Class B, CE, ANSI C63.4 Class B, VCCI Class B, EN55022 Class B, EN55024, RoHS
Connector: DB-25 (male)
Cable Options: DB-25 (female) to DB-25 (male); DB-25 (female) to 34-pin V.35 (male); DB-25 (female) to 37-pin RS-449 (male); DB-25 (female) to 15-pin X.21 (male)

SPECIFICATIONS (SyncLink GT4)

Controller(s): MicroGate FPGA
Serial Ports: Two (2) or four (4); custom designs offer more ports-per-adapter
Serial Interface: Jumper select: V.35, RS-232, RS-422/485 (RS-530,RS-449, X.21)
Serial Format: SDLC, HDLC, raw bit synchronous, BISYNC, MONOSYNC, asynchronous
Data Rates: Up to 10 Mbps per port synchronous; 921600 bps asynchronous
Clocking: internal, external, DPLL
Plug and Play configurable, Bus Master DMA data transfer
Environmental: Temperature 0C to 60C standard, -40C to +85C optional; humidity 0 to 95% non- condensing; alt. - 200 to +10,000 ft.,
Mechanical: Standard PCI short card; length 6.875", height 4.2",  Weight 5.5 Oz
PCI 3.0 compliant, 32-bit, 33mhz (5v, 3.3v, and PCI-X compatible)
Power usage: 300mA 5V, 80mA +12V, 80mA -12V
Regulatory: FCC Class B, CE, ANSI C63.4 Class B, VCCI Class B, EN55022 Class B, EN55024, RoHS
Connectors: LFH-60
Supplied Adapter Cable: LFH-60 to dual DB-25 (male)
Cable Options: DB-25 (female) to DB-25 (male); DB-25 (female) to  34-pin V.35 (male); DB-25 (female) to 37-pin RS-449 (male); DB-25   (female) to 15-pin X.21 (male)

SPECIFICATIONS (SyncLink GT PC/104+)

Controller: MicroGate FPGA
Serial Ports: One
Serial Interface: Jumper select: V.35, RS-232, RS-422/485 (RS-530 & RS-449, X.21)
Serial Format: SDLC, HDLC, raw bit synchronous, BISYNC, MONOSYNC, asynchronous
Data Rates: Up to 10 Mbps synchronous; 921600 bps asynchronous
Clocking: internal, external, DPLL
Plug and Play configurable, Bus Master DMA data transfer
Rotary switch selects 1 of 4 PC/104+ stack positions
Environmental: Temperature -40C to +85C; humidity 0 to 95% non-condensing; alt. - 200 to +10,000 ft;
Mechanical: Standard PC/104+ dimensions, Stack-through connectors, Weight 3.1 Oz
PCI 3.0 compliant, 32-bit, 33mhz (Universal, 3.3v and 5v)
Power: 200mA +5V, 100mA 3.3V
Connector: 26 Pin Header with Ejector/Latches, 26-pin Header to DB-25 adapter cable
Cable Options: DB-25 (female) to DB-25 (male); DB-25 (female) to 34-pin V.35 (male); DB-25 (female)
to 37-pin RS-449 (male); DB-25 (female) to 15-pin X.21 (male)

SPECIFICATIONS (SyncLink PCMCIA)

Controller(s): SAB82532
Serial Ports: One
Serial Interface: Software-selectable as V.35, RS-232, RS-422 (RS-530,RS-449, X.21)
Serial Format: HDLC, SDLC, asynchronous
Data Rates: Up to 512 Kbps synchronous, 115200bps asynchronous
Clocking: internal, external, DPLL
Plug and Play configurable, PIO data transfer
Environmental: Temperature 0C to 60C; humidity 0 to 95% non- condensing; alt. - 200 to +10,000 ft.
Mechanical: Standard Type II PCMCIA card; length 3.37 inches, width 2.126 inches, weight 1.0 Oz
Power usage: 200 mA +5V
Regulatory: FCC Class B; EN55022 Class B, EN55024
Supplied Adapter Cable: PC card I/O connector to DB-25 (male)
Cable Options: DB-25 (female) to DB-25 (male) DB-25 (female) to 34-pin V.35 (male); DB-25 (female) to 37-pin RS-449 (male); DB-25   (female) to 15-pin X.21 (male)