Abstract: Menu-driven translator software prompts a computer user to create procedures for controlling modules external to the computer. The software prompts a non-programmer to enter familiar terms to create devices having a read or write interface, and to describe device functions for communicating with the external modules. Using created devices, the software conveniently prompts the user to compose sequences for running tests on modules, evaluating module responses, and logging results. Preferred translator software includes a User Module for controlling access rights, a Device Editor for creating devices, a Sequence Editor for creating sequences, a Sequence Execution Module for running sequences, and a Records Module for managing files created by the software and ensuring strict version control. The translator software may be embodied as a computer readable medium storing a series of process steps allowing the user to create the procedures.

Abstract: A universal controller supports multiple different computer protocols to enable endpoint communications between two or more electronic devices according to a desired protocol. Controller firmware modules embedded in an integrated circuit identify a particular protocol in a data communication received from a first external device, select from among multiple protocol drivers embedded in the modules a protocol driver corresponding to the particular protocol identified, and transmit content of the received data to one or more second external devices according to the particular protocol.

Abstract: A universal controller supports multiple different computer protocols to enable endpoint communications between two or more electronic devices according to a desired protocol. Controller firmware modules embedded in an integrated circuit identify a particular protocol in a data communication received from a first external device, select from among multiple protocol drivers embedded in the modules a protocol driver corresponding to the particular protocol identified, and transmit content of the received data to one or more second external devices according to the particular protocol.