The Promira Serial Platform is an advanced debugging and development tool that can be configured as an I2C or SPI master or slave and can also perform I2C, SPI, and eSPI protocol analysis. This tool offers flexible connectivity options for your projects, including High-Speed USB and Gigabit Ethernet connections.

The Ethernet port allows users to connect the platform to their LAN to access and control the tool at much greater distances compared to using a standard USB connection. With a VPN connection to the LAN, the tool can be accessed remotely by multiple users in different locations, eliminating the need to be physically present on site. In addition to remote access, Ethernet connectivity reduces latency and enables higher throughput speeds for increased efficiency.

All of these make Ethernet connectivity ideal for various debugging applications that involve remote collaborative work, remote programming, and even task and test automation.

What Can be Done Remotely with the Promira Serial Platform?

There are many scenarios where remote access to the Promira Serial Platform and its capabilities can significantly streamline operations. Some examples of remote debugging/development applications using the Promira platform include:

• Programming of I2C/SPI memory devices: remote testing can be done on multiple devices in various locations, which greatly saves on time. Then, coordinated maintenance updates can be configured from a central, remote location, ensuring consistency and reducing labor costs.  More information can be found in the Memory Programming section of the Total Phase Knowledge Base.
• Automated testing of devices on a production line: automated testing enables real-time detection of bugs, significantly improving quality control. With a remote connection, errors can be identified and fixed much quicker than they would with solely on-site intervention.
• Regression and benchmark testing: remote testing, including regression testing to verify system stability after updates and benchmark testing to evaluate performance against standards, can be conducted at the same time across multiple time zones. Real-time results can then be accessed remotely by multiple people, which optimizes communication and collaboration between team members.
• Firmware updates for remote devices, including field service for IoT and OTA updates: field engineers can remotely perform firmware updates and test devices deployed in the field, reducing the need for on-site visits.
• Automation for mass production of multiple devices: with remote, centralized oversight, consistency and standardization can easily be established across multiple global manufacturing sites.
• Shared use over the same network with a VPN: teams with engineers in different locations, including different countries, can work on the same project with real-time updates. This approach streamlines operations by saving time and reduces costs that would be spent on duplicate debugging and development platforms.

Accessing the Promira Admin Interface

The Promira Serial Platform, running firmware version 2.00 or later, provides access to a web-based interface that allows users to easily view device version and license information, configure network settings, and upgrade system firmware and application licenses, all from one convenient dashboard.

The Promira Admin Interface is accessed using a web browser by connecting to the Promira device's USB IP address with HTTP on port 81:  http://PROMIRA_IPADDR:81/

The Promira device's IP address can be determined by one of these methods:

• From the "Connect" dialog of Control Center, Data Center, or Flash Center software.
• Using the Python or C detect programs from the API package.
• Manually, by checking your computer's network settings.  Find the Promira device's virtual network adapter and locate the IP address assigned for this interface of your computer.  The Promira device's IP address will be the computer's IP address decremented by one.

For example, if the virtual network adapter IP address is 10.1.2.3, the Promira device is at 10.1.2.2 and the Admin Interface address is at this location:  http://10.1.2.2:81/

Configuring Promira Serial Platform Network Settings

The IP Addresses section of the Promira Admin Interface gives users control over how their Promira Serial Platform connects to a network. The Promira offers two available interfaces:

• Ethernet over USB: Uses the USB connection to create a virtual Ethernet interface. This runs at 480 Mbps, offering a convenient plug-and-play option. The USB address is not configurable.
• Physical Gigabit Ethernet Port: Provides a 1 Gbps connection for higher-speed data transfer and lower latency.

Each interface has its own IP address. The USB interface address is fixed and cannot be configured. The physical Ethernet interface can be fully configured within the Admin Interface.

By default, the physical Ethernet connection is set to a Fixed IP address, which is ideal when connecting your Promira directly to a PC. However, you can switch to DHCP mode if you prefer the device to automatically receive an IP address from your network like when connecting to a home, lab, or office network.

Once configured, your Promira will be ready for communication through your chosen network connection.

Remote Control of Promira Serial Platform via Total Phase Software

Once the Ethernet connection is established through the Promira Admin Interface, users can use the Control Center Serial Software, Flash Center Software, Data Center Software, or Promira Software API over Ethernet for remote access. For Promira Serial Platforms with Active I2C or SPI Applications installed, the Control Center Serial Software can be used to send and receive I2C or SPI data as a master or slave device and configure GPIO functionality.The Flash Center Software allows engineers to quickly erase, program, and verify I2C- and SPI-based EEPROM and Flash memory chips that are interfaced through the Promira Serial Platform. Are you unsure of which software is best for your project? Check out this article: Control Center Serial Software Series: Control Center vs Flash Center for Programming.

The Control Center Serial Software and Flash Center Software GUI makes getting started with standard testing and debugging easy. For more complex projects, the Promira Software API simplifies integration with custom applications. The Promira API supports multiple OS (Windows, Linux, and macOS), multiple languages (C/C++, C#, Python, .NET, VB.NET, and VB6), and provides API examples for multiple customizations, including queuing I2C and SPI data. More information on API documentation can be found in Section 5 of the Promira Serial Platform I2C/SPI Active User Manual.

For Promira Serial Platforms with Analysis I2C, SPI, or eSPI Applications installed, the Data Center Software can be used to non-intrusively monitor bus communication in real time. With advanced features like LiveDisplay, LiveSearch, and LiveFilter, users can easily see, filter, and search bus data as it is being captured.

Other High-Speed Benefits Using Ethernet

Use of the Ethernet port allows users to switch from High-Speed USB to Gigabit speeds with increased bandwidth, thus enabling faster data transfers with reduced latency. This increased speed and flexibility is very beneficial when using the Promira Serial Platform remotely. Check out this blog to learn more: The High-Speed Advantages of the Promira Serial Platform Connectivity.