Serial Bandwidth Monitor 3.4 [SAFE · 2024]

Version 3.4 allows you to log bandwidth samples directly to a CSV file. Go to File > Export > Bandwidth Log. Open in Excel or Python (pandas) to generate histograms or autocorrelation plots.

The hallmark of the software is its graphical user interface. Version 3.4 introduces a more responsive rendering engine for its throughput graphs. Users can now toggle between Bytes per Second (B/s) and Bits per Second (bps) on the fly, a crucial distinction given that serial equipment specifications often switch between the two units. The scaling algorithms have also been improved, allowing the Y-axis to dynamically adjust to sudden spikes in data, preventing the "flat-lining" effect seen in older versions during high-throughput transfers. Serial bandwidth monitor 3.4

When developing firmware for microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, Arduino, PIC), developers often implement debug prints. A "Serial Bandwidth Monitor" helps developers answer the question: "Is my debug output slowing down the main application loop?" By measuring the bandwidth of the debug stream, developers can quantify the overhead of their logging system and optimize string lengths or baud rates accordingly. Version 3

  • Driver Installation: Accept the prompt to install the "Serial Filter Driver". This is the non-intrusive kernel driver that enables passive monitoring.
  • Reboot: A system reboot is typically required to load the filter driver at a low level.

    • Industrial Automation Technicians When a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is communicating with a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) via RS-485, intermittent lag can be a nightmare. Serial Bandwidth Monitor 3.4 allows technicians to visualize the handshake and data stream, identifying if the lag is caused by data overflow or a physical layer issue. Driver Installation: Accept the prompt to install the

    Legacy Network Administrators Many routers and switches still utilize serial console ports for out-of-band management. When pushing a firmware update over a serial connection, knowing the transfer rate helps estimate completion times and ensures the connection hasn't stalled.

    Embedded Systems Developers For developers writing firmware for microcontrollers, debugging the UART output is essential. Seeing the actual bandwidth usage helps optimize code to ensure the microcontroller isn't flooding the buffer faster than the PC can read it.

    As a bonus, the software includes a virtual null-modem pair generator, allowing you to test bandwidth monitoring on simulated links—perfect for training or pre-deployment lab setups.