A Tool for PLC, Serial, and Network Communication Debugging

Introduction

In industrial sites or during embedded development debugging, communication interface debugging often becomes a “headache” for developers. A simple data transmission issue can take half a day, and the lack of handy tools can exacerbate the debugging process. Today, I discovered a comprehensive and user-friendly cross-platform communication debugging tool—OKDebug, which can significantly enhance debugging efficiency and become a reliable assistant in your development journey. A Tool for PLC, Serial, and Network Communication Debugging

Project Overview

OKDebug not only supportsHTTP, WebSocket, TCP/UDP, RS232/485 serial communication, but also coversmainstream PLC protocol debugging such as Mitsubishi and Siemens. Its design philosophy of “lightweight” and “modular” integrates various communication methods through a unified interface, allowing you to say goodbye to the hassle of frequently switching software and easily handle complex debugging scenarios. A Tool for PLC, Serial, and Network Communication Debugging

Feature Highlights

1. Network Communication Debugging

TCP/UDP Debugging: Supports local and remote connections, allowing custom local ports (e.g., 5003, 5004) and remote IPs (e.g., 127.0.0.1).Custom Messages: Can send custom messages like Barcode:Pn123 and view received data in real-time.Parameter Configuration: Supports configuration of parameters such as check bits and stop bits to meet different communication needs.WebSocket Extension: Suitable for real-time communication scenarios such as IoT device monitoring.

2. Serial Debugging

Module Integration: Integrates RS232/485 serial communication modules, supporting COM port selection (e.g., COM1).Parameter Adjustment: Can set baud rate (default 9600), data bits/stop bits for quick device response testing.Applicable Scenarios: Particularly suitable for debugging hardware such as sensors and controllers.

3. PLC Protocol Support

Mainstream Protocol Coverage: Includes mainstream PLC protocols such as Mitsubishi PUC and Siemens MODBUS.Simulated PLC Functionality: Provides a simulated PLC to verify logical correctness, reducing dependence on hardware environments.Operation Modes: Communicate with real devices through the “Connect” button or use the “Simulated PLC” mode for offline development.

4. Advanced Features

POST Requests and WebService Calls: Convenient for interfacing with web service APIs.Clear and Prestore: Provides a “Clear” button to quickly reset the debugging window, and the “Select Message” function allows pre-storing commonly used commands to enhance efficiency.

Project Features

Modular Design

Each communication module is independently packaged, allowing users to flexibly enable or disable functions based on their needs. For example, when debugging only the serial port, the network communication-related interface can be hidden to simplify the operation process.

Real-time Data Visualization

• Dual-mode display: Received data is displayed in both text and hexadecimal formats, supporting timestamp recording.
• Data Comparison: The UDP/TCP debugging window can simultaneously display sent and received content, facilitating data consistency verification.

Technical Implementation

Frontend Technology Stack

WebSocket Communication: Uses the Socket.IO library to ensure the stability of real-time data transmission.

Backend Architecture

TCP/UDP Communication: Implemented through native net and dgram modules.Serial Debugging: Relies on the serialport library.PLC Protocol Parsing: Adopts a modular plugin design.

Performance Optimization

High-frequency Data Processing: For high-frequency data scenarios such as serial communication, employs Web Worker multi-threading technology to avoid interface lag.Concurrent Processing: Enhances concurrent processing capabilities through asynchronous IO models (e.g., Promise).

Code Example

private void StartWebsocketServer()
{
    if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(this.txtWebsocketPort.Text.Trim()))
    {
        MessageBox.Show("Port number cannot be empty!");
        return;
    }

    int port = Convert.ToInt32(this.txtWebsocketPort.Text.Trim());
    _WebSocketServer.NewSessionConnected += WebSocketServer_NewSessionConnected;
    _WebSocketServer.NewMessageReceived += WebSocketServer_NewMessageReceived;
    _WebSocketServer.SessionClosed += WebSocketServer_SessionClosed;
    
    ServerConfig serverConfig = new ServerConfig
    {
        Ip = "127.0.0.1",
        Port = port
    };
    
    if (!_WebSocketServer.Setup(serverConfig) || !_WebSocketServer.Start())
    {
        MessageBox.Show("Service listening failed to start!");
        return;
    }

    this.btnStartWss.Text = "Started";
    this.btnStartWss.ForeColor = Color.White;
    this.btnStartWss.BackColor = Color.Green;
}

Conclusion

OKDebug, with its comprehensive feature coverage, lightweight design philosophy, and open-source collaboration model, redefines the standards for communication debugging tools. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started quickly or a developer seeking deep customization, OKDebug can provide reliable support. Give it a try and make your debugging work more efficient and easier!

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A Tool for PLC, Serial, and Network Communication Debugging

Introduction

Project Overview