Keywords: Communication, Analyze, Lua, Compiler, Debugger, COM, LPT, USB, Printer, Network, UDP, TCP, IP, TCP/IP, Debug, Test, Firmware, Development, Hardware, Terminal

ComSpy2 is the second generation of a tool developed in 1997. It was originally developed to listen on serial ports and then expanded with LPT, USB Printer interface, File I/O, TCP/IP and UDP. The data can be presented in different view objects as ASCII, HEX, ANSI Terminal, Graph or captured bitmap streams.

This new edition is redefining the concept from a strict communication path to a true object oriented way of handling smaller data flows. This is not an analysing tool for major data flows or low level communication protocols. It is designed for smaller data packets such as sending commands and processing answers to/from external devices. A script object makes it possible to analyze incoming data and to create scripted UIs with Buttons and Edit fields. The scripted UI can fire test cases, for example automate FW tests on external peripherals connected to any supported communication object.

The new Lua script with its integrated Lua development tool and debugger makes it very easy to perform reformatting, regexp search or other modifications to the data stream.

Each type of object can have inputs and/or outputs, known as channels. The data flow is routed through the objects for processing. The data flow is designed by easy drag & drop of objects from the object panel and then routed by dragging the outputs to the inputs. The software becomes more useful if you are a hardware or firmware developer. The intention of the program is to communicate with your hardware before you have any software supporting it. With the scripted GUI you can send down sequences of test data. With the View objects you can present data from your communication port.

Some sample applications that can easily be built with ComSpy2:

* COM port over LAN
* Remote control of lab instruments
* Log file analyser
* Syslog server
* Tunnelling
* Various terminals
* Test suites for your hardware development
* Oscilloscope hardcopy capture
* Text to speech reader (TTS)