Simplest PC/Terminal Serial Interface?

[Jim Miller]

I need to interface a microcontroller based device to a PC or PDA running a
terminal program for occasional control, readout or calibration.

I am limited in pins to do this interface. The data rate can be 300baud if
necessary to minimize overrun issues. Of course 4800 or 9600 feels better
subject to the fact that the device end will be bitbanged.

Do I need to implement handshake lines at all, i.e. DTR, DSR, RTS?

If they need to be implemented can they just be hardwired to loop back to
the PC or PDA?

What's the minimum number of lines that will actually be reliable beyond TxD
and RxD?

Pointers to websites welcome.

thanks

jtm

 

[Jim Miller]

thanks all

i was more concerned with signal lines. of course i'll add a ground
reference.

the pin limitations were on the microcontroller not the cable.

tnx
jtm