Serial CLI and Plotter

Serial CLI and Plotter - an all-in-one development tool for microcontroller projects!

This application combines three essential tools:

• A real-time plotting interface that visualizes JSON data from your device
• A command-line interface (CLI) for sending commands and viewing responses
• A raw serial monitor for detailed debugging

Perfect for Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or any other microcontroller project that needs real-time data visualization and interactive command control. Simply send JSON-formatted data from your device to create dynamic plots, while maintaining full CLI functionality for configuration and debugging.

1. Connect to Your Device

• Set your baud rate (default: 115200)
• Click "Select Port" to choose your serial device

2. Send Commands

• Run a simple UART echo on Arduino or any other microcontroller
• Type commands in the command input field
• Use NL (newline) and CR (carriage return) checkboxes as needed
• Press Enter or click Send to execute commands
• Use Up/Down arrows to navigate command history

3. View Output

• CLI Output: Shows formatted commands and responses
• Raw Serial: Shows unformatted serial data (can be collapsed)
• Real-time Plot: Displays JSON data graphically

4. Plot Controls

• Use Pause/Resume to control real-time updates
• Clear button resets the plot
• Points field controls how many data points to display

JSON Data Format

Here are two examples showing how to generate compatible JSON data:

The application will parse multiple key value pairs and plot them

C Example (General Purpose)

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdarg.h>
#include <math.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <stdio.h>

// Ensure the UART is setup for your device via configurator 

void format_json(char *buffer, size_t buffer_size, int num_pairs, ...) {
    va_list args;
    va_start(args, num_pairs);

    size_t offset = snprintf(buffer, buffer_size, "{");

    for (int i = 0; i < num_pairs; i++) {
        const char *key = va_arg(args, const char *);
        double value = va_arg(args, double);

        offset += snprintf(buffer + offset, buffer_size - offset,
                        "\"%s\": %.2f%s", key, value, 
                        (i < num_pairs - 1) ? ", " : "");
    }

    snprintf(buffer + offset, buffer_size - offset, "}\n");
    va_end(args);
}

int main() {
    char buffer[256];
    int num_pairs = 5;
    double sine_value = 0.0;

    // Simulate dynamic data changing over time
    for (int i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
        sine_value = sin(i * 0.1);

        format_json(buffer, sizeof(buffer), num_pairs,
                    "temp", sine_value, 
                    "hum", (sine_value * 2),
                    "press", (sine_value * 2.5),
                    "press2", (sine_value * 4),
                    "press3", (sine_value * 3));

        // Use printf if implemented or HAL_UART_Transmit
        // HAL_UART_Transmit(&huart2, (uint8_t *)buffer, strlen(buffer), HAL_MAX_DELAY);
        
        printf("%s", buffer);
        HAL_Delay(100);
    }

    return 0;
}

Arduino Example

// Arduino example that sends sensor data as JSON
void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
}

void loop() {
    // Simulate sensor readings
    float temp = analogRead(A0) * 0.1;    // Example temp sensor
    float humid = analogRead(A1) * 0.1;   // Example humidity sensor
    
    // Create JSON string
    Serial.print("{");
    Serial.print("\"temperature\":");
    Serial.print(temp);
    Serial.print(",");
    Serial.print("\"humidity\":");
    Serial.print(humid);
    Serial.println("}");

    delay(1000);  // Update every second
}

Both examples will generate JSON data that can be plotted in real-time.

Example output format:

{
    "temperature": 25.4,
    "humidity": 65.2
}