SerialLink

SerialLink is a Python library designed to simplify serial communication with microcontrollers. It enables efficient and seamless data exchange without blocking code execution. By using configurable start and end markers, SerialLink ensures reliable message framing, making it an ideal tool for developers working with embedded systems or serial communication.

Notes: Need the arduino companion library

Key Features:

• Non-blocking Reads: No need for methods like readUntil("\n") that can hinder code flow.
• Marker-Based Communication: Automatically detects the start and end of data packets, reducing parsing complexity.
• Ease of Use: Simplified API for quick integration into projects.

SerialLink is perfect for anyone needing robust, non-blocking serial communication for real-time applications.

Installation

Installing SerialLink is straightforward. It’s available via pip for easy installation.

Using pip

Run the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

pip install seriallink

Manual Installation

If you prefer to install manually:

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/your-username/seriallink.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

cd seriallink

3. Install the library using setup.py:

python setup.py install

Getting Started

Using SerialLink to communicate with a microcontroller is simple and intuitive. This quick guide will help you set up and send your first message.

Note: Needs the companion arduino library at Arduino SerialLink

Step 1: Import SerialLink

Begin by importing the library in your Python script:

from seriallink import SerialLink

Step 2: Initialize the Serial Connection

Create a SerialLink object by specifying the port and baud rate:

serial = SerialLink("/dev/ttyUSB0", 115200)

serial = SerialLink("/dev/ttyUSB0")

the default buadrate is 115200 and the startMarker is < and the endMarker is >.

Step 3: Send Data

Send a message to your microcontroller:

serial.send("on")

Step 4: Read Data

Receive data from the microcontroller without blocking:

serial.poll()
if serial.new_data:
    data = serial.get_data()
    print(f"Received {data})

Step 5: Close the Connection

Always close the connection when done:

serial.close()

Get serial ports

from seriallink import get_ports

ports = get_ports("USB") # Gets ports with usb devices connected in a list
print(ports[0])

API Reference

The SerialLink library provides a straightforward API for serial communication. Below is a detailed reference to its primary methods and attributes.

SerialLink Class

Initialization

SerialLink(port: str, baudrate: int = 115200, start_marker: str = "<", end_marker: str = ">")

Parameters:

• port (str): The serial port (e.g., "COM3", "/dev/ttyUSB0").
• baudrate (int): Communication speed (default: 9600).
• start_marker (str): Character marking the start of a message (default: <).
• end_marker (str): Character marking the end of a message (default: >).

Methods

1. send(data: str)

   Sends a message through the serial port.

   • Parameters:
     • data (str): The string message to send.
   • Example:

   serial.send("on")
   

2. poll()

   Polls the serial port buffer for new data and buffers the data to be read.

   serial.poll()
   

3. get_data()

   Get new data from the buffer

   if serial.new_data:
       data = serial.get_data()
       print(data)
   

4. flush_port()

   Read and clear all data from the serial port buffer

   serial.flush_port()
   

5. close()

   close the serial port

   serial.close()
   

Attributes

• port: The port used for communication.
• baudrate: The baud rate of the connection.
• start_marker: The character marking the start of a message.
• end_marker: The character marking the end of a message.

Examples

1. Basic Communication

   Send a message to a microcontroller and read its response:

   from seriallink import SerialLink  
   
   # Initialize SerialLink  
   serial = SerialLink(port="/dev/ttyUSB0", baudrate=115200)  
   
   # Send a message  
   serial.send("Hello, Microcontroller!")  
   
   # Poll for a response
   serial.poll()
   if serial.new_data:
       response = serial.get_data()    
       print(f"Received: {response}")  
   
   # Close the connection  
   serial.close()  
   

2. Custom Start and End Markers

   Use custom markers to frame messages:

   from seriallink import SerialLink  
   
   # Initialize with custom markers  
   serial = SerialLink(port="/dev/ttyUSB0", baudrate=115200, start_marker="{", end_marker="}")  
   
   # Send a message  
   serial.send("temp")  
   
   # Poll for the response 
   serial.poll()
   if serial.new_data:
       data = serial.get_data()    
       print(f"Sensor Data: {data}")  
   
   # Close the connection  
   serial.close()  
   

3. Continuous Reading

   Read messages in a loop without blocking the main program:

   from seriallink import SerialLink  
   import time  
   
   # Initialize SerialLink  
   serial = SerialLink(port="/dev/ttyUSB", baudrate=9600)  
   
   try:  
       while True:  
           # Check for incoming data
           serial.poll()  
             
           if serial.new_data:
               data = serial.get_data()  
               print(f"Received: {data}")  
           time.sleep(0.1)  # Avoid tight looping  
   except KeyboardInterrupt:  
       print("Stopping communication.")  
   finally:  
       serial.close()