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Applications
Multiple Sound Cards-In-One for Playing and Recording Audio DataFrom the operating system perspective, the PC Interfaces behave like a standard sound card. Therefore, standard applications like WinAmp can be used to play music over a MOST Network. Since MOST has the capacity to transport multiple full stereo audio signals, PC Interfaces can support this as well. To enable this MOST related feature, each quadlet (group of four byte-wide channels that is capable of transporting a full stereo audio signal) is presented to the operating system (and tools) as an individual sound card.
An example of this capability is the playing of mp3 files over a MOST Network. If desired, several players can enable audio to the MOST Network at the same time. In doing so, it is not relevant whether the mp3 data comes from a local file on hard disk, or the World Wide Web.
For recording applications, a similar approach is available. Gathering audio data from the MOST Network and storing it on a hard disk can be done at the same time while playing audio data on the MOST Network. Several audio recorders can be handled as well.
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Playing Video Data
Similar to audio data, PC Interfaces are integrated into the operating system for video applications as well. The DirectShow® driver allows for MPEG2, MPEG1 or VideoCD_2.0 encoded data coming from the MOST Network to be displayed or processed using standard software tools. If required, the data streams from the MOST Network can be stored on hard disk and processed off-line.
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Linking PCs the Ethernet Like Way
A well founded integration is the major key for working smoothly with hardware and software. With respect to PC-networking-related features, PC Interfaces accept all TCP/IP and NDIS-based protocols including NetBEUI. Therefore, a MOST PC Interface works quite like a standard network card. It can be used to link PCs including file and printer sharing capabilities supporting even network based gaming.
Internet Connection Sharing through MOST
When building a PC network today, a link to the World Wide Web is a must. One approach uses a single PC to handle Internet access. This PC is equipped to establish a connection to the preferred Internet service provider. Other PCs in the network have access to the World Wide Web through Internet connection sharing via a specially equipped PC. Using techniques like NAT (Network Address Translation) or proxy servers is also possible, enabling a more secure Internet access.
The system shown below has Internet access through a cellular phone and a proxy. Data is transported by means of TCP/IP to a web browser.
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Audio Analysis and Signal Generation
There are various analysis tools on the market which use sound cards as an input, making for a simple FFT analysis of an audio data stream on the MOST bus.
If an audio output device needs to be tested by applying a defined audio signal, signal generators are available to provide this through the PC Interfaces.
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Concept Simulation and Testing for MOST Devices
Do you need to test system or concept feasibility, but don’t have the hardware? PC Interfaces can help. A simple application can be written, that easily works with the MOST NetServices DLL. It is now possible to test the application in which way it ever might be required.
During development, the same approach helps to simulate the application before the target hardware is available. Applications can be tested under conditions close to “real world”, thus shortening development time. When the target hardware finally exists, the firmware has already achieved a higher level of maturity. Transferring the application from a simulation environment to target hardware is then only a minor step.
MOST Networking and Control
On the highest abstraction layer, ActiveX® components easy allow access of control messaging and data transfer services through PC Interfaces.
If direct access to all features is required, MOST NetServices DLL will support this as well.
Tool Collection and Supported Operating Systems
Incorporating a new technology to your application is not difficult if you have the right tools and support at hand. Therefore, SMSC provides several applications that cover a variety of MOST related areas. PC Interfaces can be used for Windows CE/NT/2000/XP environments. Further support, e.g., for VxWorks, Linux and QNX, is available by third party suppliers.
MOST Interface Control
This tool provides access to the registers of MOST protocol chips in PC Interfaces. The MOST Interface Control can be downloaded at: http://www.smsc-ais.com
Transceiver
This component helps to send and receive control and packet data as well as debug, or gather information about MOST devices in a MOST Network.
Example Applications (Stream Data)
All available examples are MS Windows applications built with the Borland C++ Builder 6. They can be downloaded from the Internet: http://www.smsc-ais.com
WinPlayer
WinPlayer is an example application which builds a MOST device based on MOST NetServices Layer I. It simulates a MOST CD Player and connects a signal source to the MOST Network via a MOST PC Interface. Instead of playing CDs, the player provides sound files (*.wav and *.mp3) directly from a drive. The chosen directory corresponds to the CD while the files represent the tracks on the CD. WinPlayer is controlled via the MOST Network.
MOST Video Viewer
MOST Video Viewer is a video player which allows the playback of MPEG1 files from Video CD or CDI directly through the PC Interfaces and then displays them on a MOST Video module.