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Hardware Flow Control in UART Systems Whitepaper

The document discusses the importance of flow control in UART systems for reliable data transfer, detailing both software and hardware flow control mechanisms. It outlines the implementation, advantages, and disadvantages of each method, emphasizing that hardware flow control offers higher reliability and lower latency, while software flow control is more flexible and cost-effective. The conclusion highlights Lanner's integration of hardware UART flow control in their EAI-I131 device to enhance performance and minimize data loss.

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9 views

Hardware Flow Control in UART Systems Whitepaper

The document discusses the importance of flow control in UART systems for reliable data transfer, detailing both software and hardware flow control mechanisms. It outlines the implementation, advantages, and disadvantages of each method, emphasizing that hardware flow control offers higher reliability and lower latency, while software flow control is more flexible and cost-effective. The conclusion highlights Lanner's integration of hardware UART flow control in their EAI-I131 device to enhance performance and minimize data loss.

Uploaded by

justin.swartz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reliable Data Transfer: The Role of Hardware Flow Control in UART Systems

Abstract
Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) is a widely-used serial
communication protocol. It facilitates full-duplex communication between devices,
enabling data transmission and reception without requiring a clock signal. However, to
ensure reliable data transfer, especially in environments with variable data rates or
processing speeds, flow control mechanisms are crucial. This document discusses
UART flow control, detailing its types and implementation strategies for both hardware
and software flow control, as well as the advantages of each approach.

UART Flow Control Overview


UART is a fundamental component in serial communication, facilitating data exchange
between devices. Given its asynchronous nature, managing data flow is crucial to
prevent data loss or overflow, especially in high-speed communication scenarios. Flow
control mechanisms ensure that the transmitter does not overwhelm the receiver with
data it cannot process in time.

There are two primary types of flow control:


Software Flow Control: Uses special characters within the data stream to control the
flow of data.
Hardware Flow Control: Uses dedicated hardware lines to signal the sender to pause
or resume data transmission.

Software Flow Control


Software flow control uses in-band signaling with special characters (XON/XOFF)
within the data stream to manage data flow.

Implementation
To implement UART software flow control, start by defining the XON and XOFF
characters and ensuring both the transmitter and receiver are programmed to
recognize and respond to these characters appropriately. Next, implement buffer
monitoring to track available space and trigger XON/XOFF transmission based on
buffer thresholds. Finally, configure the UART driver or library to handle the XON/XOFF
characters effectively, ensuring seamless communication within the protocol.

XON (Transmit On): Typically represented by the ASCII character 0x11 (DC1), signals
the transmitter to resume data transmission.
XOFF (Transmit Off): Typically represented by the ASCII character 0x13 (DC3), signals
the transmitter to pause data transmission.

Advantages
Simplicity: No additional hardware or wiring is required.
Flexibility: Easy to implement and modify within the software, adaptable to different
communication needs.
Cost-Effective: Reduces hardware costs by relying solely on software mechanisms.

Disadvantages
CPU Overhead: Managing flow control in software increases CPU load.
Potential Latency: The response time to XON/XOFF characters can introduce latency.
Character Interference: Special characters may interfere with data if not properly
managed, which can further slow down system communication.

Figure 1.1. Software Flow Control

Hardware Flow Control


Hardware UART flow control uses additional physical lines in the UART connection,
typically RTS (Request to Send) and CTS (Clear to Send), to manage the data flow
between devices. These additional lines help regulate the transmission and reception
of data by signaling when a device is ready to send or receive data. By using these
dedicated wires, hardware flow control can efficiently manage data flow, reducing the
risk of data loss or overflow, and ensuring smoother and more reliable communication
between devices.

Implementation
To implement hardware flow control, first ensure the UART peripheral supports
RTS/CTS flow control and that the necessary pins are available on the microcontroller
or UART module. Next, design the circuit by connecting the RTS pin of the transmitter
to the CTS pin of the receiver and vice versa. Finally, configure the software by enabling
hardware flow control in the UART configuration settings of the microcontroller and
adjusting the UART driver or library to manage RTS/CTS signals.

RTS (Request to Send): An output signal from the transmitter indicating it is ready to
send data.
CTS (Clear to Send): An input signal to the transmitter indicating the receiver is ready
to receive data.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready): Indicates the terminal is ready to communicate.
DSR (Data Set Ready): Indicates the data set is ready to communicate.

Advantages
Reliable Communication: Provides a robust mechanism for preventing data overflow
without affecting the data stream, while minimizing data loss and buffer overflow.
Automatic Flow Control: Offloads flow control management from the software,
reducing CPU load.
Low Latency: Immediate hardware response to flow control signals ensures timely
data management. Suitable for high-speed communication since it does not introduce
additional characters into the data stream.

Disadvantages
Increased Complexity: Requires additional wiring and careful handling of control
signals.
Limited Flexibility: Hardware flow control is less adaptable to changes compared to
software solutions.

Figure 1.2. Hardware Flow Control


Comparative Analysis: Hardware vs Software Flow Control

Feature Hardware Flow Control Software Flow Control


Reliability High Moderate
CPU Load Low High
Implementation
Higher (additional hardware) Lower (software-based)
Cost
Flexibility Low High
Latency Low Potentially higher
Complexity Higher (additional wiring) Lower (simpler to implement)

Conclusion
UART flow control is critical for ensuring reliable data transmission between devices,
especially in scenarios with varying data rates or processing speeds. Both hardware
and software flow control mechanisms offer distinct advantages. Hardware flow
control provides robust and high-speed communication, while software flow control
offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Implementing the appropriate flow control
strategy depends on the specific requirements and constraints of the application.

Lanner’s Hardware UART Flow Control


In the field of UART communication, hardware flow control offers significant
advantages over software flow control, particularly in terms of reliability, low latency,
and reduced CPU overhead. Recognizing these benefits, Lanner has integrated
hardware UART flow control into their EAI-I131, enhancing the device's performance
and ensuring robust data transmission. By adding a dedicated chip for hardware UART
flow control, Lanner's EAI-I131 minimizes data loss and buffer overflow, making it an
ideal choice for applications requiring high-speed and dependable serial
communication. This strategic enhancement highlights Lanner's commitment to
delivering high-quality, reliable communication solutions that meet the demanding
needs of modern technology environments.

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