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I have a portable diagnostics tool which communicates with an electronic appliance using which I believe is Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI).

I'm looking for a way that I can extend the range of this tool over LAN so that a the appliance can be connected to PC1, and the tool to PC2, and software running on both PCs bridge the SSI over LAN.

This is a circuit diagram showing the tool connection to the appliance board with inputs labelled SCK, CLK, RXD, TXD, VCC, GND: (I have already established that the tool can be powered directly by applying 5V between VCC and GND).

Circuit Diagram

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Can the tool and other thing use an external clock for the serial? \$\endgroup\$
    – Alexander M
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:42
  • \$\begingroup\$ @AlexanderM I wouldn't know. How would I test this? \$\endgroup\$
    – user93108
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:44
  • \$\begingroup\$ I don't know. I'll post an answer that assumes yes \$\endgroup\$
    – Alexander M
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ This probably will not work via simple translation/encapsulation, as the master is going to expect the data read back to be synchronized to its clock, which is not something you will have sufficient time to achieve when Internet delays are inserted. Rather, you would have to understand the protocol enough to emulate one device - basically, you very nearly approach the point where you should just design your own system. Or co-locate the PC with the instrument and use screen sharing type software to run it remotely. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Stratton
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ChrisStratton that's an answer \$\endgroup\$
    – Alexander M
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:52

1 Answer 1

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Assuming both devices can use an external clock

Use a Arduino Leonardo or a teensy or something similar to generate an external clock for both devices to clock in and out the serial. Now it is a matter of writing software. Inspired by connecting two gameboys over the net for Pokemon trades in red and blue; the game boy can go at a link speed of 1bit/mo on an external clock.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Why the downvote? \$\endgroup\$
    – Alexander M
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 3:51
  • \$\begingroup\$ I can see the merit in this as there are bound to be games adapted to work this was as you have mentioned. I was hoping there would be a straightforward off the shelf way to achieve this using some sort of RS422 adapters.. \$\endgroup\$
    – user93108
    Commented Nov 30, 2015 at 4:40

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