Chapter 1 xtc/3 communications library (dll), 1 introduction, 2 communications functions – INFICON XTC/3 Thin Film Deposition Controller Communications Library Operating Manual User Manual

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XTC/3 Communications Library Operating Manual

Chapter 1

XTC/3 Communications Library (DLL)

1.1 Introduction

The XTC/3 Communications Library contains functions that allow creation of a
program, for a remote PC, to control an XTC/3M or an XTC/3S instrument via an
RS232 or TCP/IP connection.

The library contains two types of functions - Communications and Command.
This document briefly describes each function, providing a prototype, arguments
and structure definitions. An example is provided for each function, with one
example shown where many functions have common prototypes.

The library consists of four files:

XTC3LibConn.h, which contains the declaration of the TCP/IP and RS232
communication functions.

XTC3Lib.h, which contains the declarations of the Data Acquisition functions
(e.g. data send and query), Status functions and Remote functions.

NOTE: These two .h files must be included in the user’s project.

XTCComLib.dll and XTC3ComLib.lib must be copied into the directory
containing the .exe file. The user’s project must be configured to link to
XTC3ComLib.lib .

This manual contains many variables (e.g. NUM_OF_LAYERS) that are defined in
the files listed above. Always refer to the files for the current definition of each
variable.

1.2 Communications Functions

There are two groups of Communications Functions - Serial and Ethernet - and
each group must be used to successfully establish the respective connection.

1.2.1 Setting the Serial Port

The following functions must be called sequentially — in the order of SetXTC3Port,
SetBaud, SetTimeOut and XTC3Open — to open a serial connection with an
XTC/3 instrument. The port must be closed prior to exiting the application by using
the XTC3Close function.