Advantech AIMB-U233, User Manual

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AIMB-U233 User Manual 50
4.1 Introduction
The mission of Advantech Embedded Software Services is to “enhance user quality
of life with Advantech platforms and Microsoft® Windows® embedded technology.”
We equip Advantech platforms with Windows® embedded software products to more
effectively support the embedded computing community. This eliminates the hassle
of dealing with multiple vendors (hardware suppliers, system integrators, and embed -
ded OS distributors) for specific projects. Our aim is to make Windows® embedded
software solutions widely available to the embedded computing community.
4.2 Value-Added Software Services
Software API: An interface that defines the ways in which an application program
may request services from libraries and/or operating systems. This software provides
not only the underlying drivers required, but also a rich set of user-friendly, intelligent,
and integrated interfaces that speed development, enhance security, and offer add-
on value for Advantech platforms. Furthermore, this software serves as a catalyst
between developers and solutions, making Advantech embedded platforms easier
and simpler to adopt and operate with customer applications.
4.2.1 Software API
4.2.1.1 Control
GPIO
General purpose input/output is a flexible parallel interface
that allows various custom connections. This interface also
enables users to monitor the level of signal input or set the
output status to switch the device on or off. Our API also pro -
vides programmable GPIO, enabling developers to dynami -
cally set the GPIO input or output status.
SMBus
SMBus is a system management bus defined by Intel Corpo -
ration in 1995. This interface is used in personal computers
and servers for low-speed system management communica -
tions. The SMBus API allows developers to interface with an
embedded system environment and transfer serial mes -
sages using SMBus protocols, facilitating multiple simultane -
ous device control.