Communications for Experiments

Whenever we gather data or exert control, information must be transmitted -- across the bench or across the world.

There are tools for each case:

• USB;
• Asynchronous serial (Comm) port (RS-232, RS-485, Lin bus);
• Synchronous serial (i2c, SPI);
• Wirelessly by Ethernet, Zigbee, Bluetooth or other local wireless protocols;
• Over the internet by raw TCP and web protocols.

The IDL Instrument Web Interface is an example that can be used almost anywhere. 

When data comes from disparate sources, an aggregator such as the ARA Power and Communications Unit can route date in an organized fashion.