TST-Center Comprehensive User Guide

Welcome to TST-Center - a powerful, multi-feature application for embedded device communication, real-time monitoring, data visualization, and automation. This comprehensive guide covers all features and functionality to help you make the most of your TST-Center experience.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Installation & Setup
3. Application Overview
4. Getting Started
5. Device Communication
6. Feature Modules
7. Dashboard System
8. Data Visualization & Charts
9. Scripts & Automation
10. AI Assistant (TST-Agent)
11. Advanced Features
12. Settings & Configuration
13. Troubleshooting
14. Best Practices
15. FAQ

Introduction

TST-Center is a comprehensive platform designed for embedded device development and testing with:

• Multi-Protocol Communication: Serial, Bluetooth (BLE), and WebSocket interfaces
• Real-time Monitoring: Live data streaming with customizable watchlists
• Interactive Dashboards: Drag-and-drop widgets (gauges, buttons, switches, LEDs, sliders, line progress bars)
• Advanced Data Visualization: Real-time charts with statistical analysis
• Script-based Automation: Visual drag-and-drop scripting with loops, conditions, and device control
• File System Management: Upload, download, and manage files on connected devices
• Comprehensive Logging: Data logging with advanced statistics and export options
• AI Code Generation: TST-Agent for automated TST-Library implementation generation
• Firmware Updates: Over-the-air firmware update capabilities
• Multi-Feature Views: Run multiple features simultaneously with split-screen support

Key Benefits

• Unified interface supporting multiple communication protocols simultaneously
• Real-time data monitoring with customizable update intervals
• Highly customizable dashboard system with professional-grade widgets
• Advanced data visualization with real-time statistics and export capabilities
• Visual automation scripting requiring no programming knowledge
• Comprehensive file management for embedded device storage systems
• AI-powered code generation reducing development time
• Professional data logging and analysis capabilities

Installation & Setup

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14+, or Linux
• Memory: 8 GB RAM recommended
• Storage: 500 MB free disk space
• Hardware: USB port for serial devices, Bluetooth support for BLE devices

Installation Steps

1. Download & Install (from official website)
2. Launch Application
3. License Activation: On first launch, enter your license key when prompted. License validation requires internet connectivity.

Application Overview

TST-Center provides a comprehensive development and testing environment through an intuitive interface designed for both beginner and professional users.

Interface Layout

• Top Navigation Bar: Contains tabs for Dashboard, Charts, Scripts, Files, Agent, Monitor, Watchlist, Table, and Import/Export
• Feature Panels: Each tab opens a dedicated workspace optimized for specific tasks
• Multi-Feature Views: Support for split-screen functionality allowing simultaneous use of multiple features
• Status Indicators: Real-time connection status and data flow indicators
• Drag-and-Drop Support: Universal drag-and-drop functionality between features for seamless workflow

Core Architecture

• Interface Manager: Simultaneous support for Serial (COM/USB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and WebSocket protocols
• Protocol Manager: TST-Library implementation with automatic memory management and variable caching
• UI Manager: Advanced window management with support for detached panels and multi-monitor setups
• Real-time Engine: High-frequency data updates with configurable intervals (10ms to 10 seconds)
• GridStack Dashboard: Professional widget system with resizable, draggable components
• Visual Scripting Engine: Block-based automation without coding requirements

Getting Started

Initial Setup Workflow

1. Launch TST-Center (opening animation and license prompt for first-time users)
2. Configure Your First Device (navigate to Interface section in sidebar, configure connection parameters)
3. Connect and Test (establish connection, switch between data formats: Dec, Hex, Char)

Device Communication

TST-Center's Interface Manager provides seamless communication across multiple protocols with automatic connection management and real-time data handling.

Multi-Protocol Support

• Serial (COM/USB): Traditional UART communication with full configuration control
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Wireless communication with automatic service discovery
• WebSocket: Network-based communication for remote devices and cloud integration

Serial Communication

1. Port Discovery: Click refresh button to scan for available serial ports
2. Port Selection: Choose your device from the dropdown (e.g., COM3, /dev/ttyUSB0)
3. Baud Rate: Set communication speed (common: 9600, 115200, 230400)
4. Connect: Click connect button to establish communication

• Baud Rate: 1200 to 2000000 bps
• Data Format: Toggle between Decimal, Hexadecimal, and Character display
• Real-time Monitor: Live data stream with timestamp display
• Command Input: Direct command transmission with history

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

1. Device Scanning: Click scan to discover nearby BLE devices
2. Device Selection: Choose from discovered devices with valid advertising names
3. Automatic Pairing: One-click connection with automatic service discovery
4. Data Streaming: Immediate access to BLE characteristics and notifications

• Service Discovery: Automatic GATT service enumeration
• Characteristic Access: Read, write, and notify operations
• Connection Management: Automatic reconnection on disconnects
• Real-time Monitoring: Live BLE packet analysis

WebSocket Communication

1. Server Configuration: Enter WebSocket server URL and port
2. Protocol Selection: Choose standard or custom WebSocket protocols
3. Authentication: Support for token-based authentication
4. Real-time Data: Bidirectional communication with JSON message support

TST-Library Integration

• Automatic Recognition: Protocol detection and initialization
• Variable Caching: Device memory mapped to local cache
• Real-time Updates: Variables synchronized with configurable intervals
• Memory Management: Efficient read/write operations with batching

Feature Modules

TST-Center provides comprehensive functionality through specialized modules accessible via the top navigation tabs. Each module is designed for specific tasks while maintaining seamless integration with other features.

Watchlist

• Variable Selection: Drag-and-drop variables from device memory into watchlist
• Real-time Updates: Configurable update intervals from 10ms to 10 seconds
• Data Formatting: Toggle between Decimal, Hexadecimal, and Character display formats
• Hierarchical Organization: Variables organized by device and data structure
• Selective Monitoring: Enable/disable individual variables without removal
• Multi-device Support: Monitor variables from multiple connected devices simultaneously
• Update Control: Global start/stop controls for all variable monitoring
• Export Functionality: Save current variable values to CSV files
• Memory Efficiency: Optimized polling with intelligent caching
• Drag-and-Drop Integration: Seamless variable sharing with other features

Monitor

• Universal Protocol Support: Monitor Serial, Bluetooth, and WebSocket communications
• Real-time Display: Live data stream with timestamp information
• Message Filtering: Search and filter communication data
• Data Format Options: View data in multiple formats (Dec, Hex, Char)
• Historical View: Scroll through communication history
• Message Search: Find specific messages or patterns in communication data
• Protocol Analysis: Identify communication patterns and timing
• Error Detection: Highlight communication errors and anomalies
• Performance Metrics: Monitor communication frequency and data rates

Logging

• Multi-format Export: CSV, JSON, and custom format support
• Variable Selection: Choose specific variables for logging operations
• Interval Control: Configurable logging intervals with precise timing
• File Management: Organized file naming with timestamp integration
• Batch Operations: Efficient bulk data logging with minimal performance impact
• Comprehensive Statistics: Mean, median, standard deviation, variance calculations
• Change Rate Analysis: Track data change rates and acceleration
• Distribution Analysis: Statistical distribution of logged values
• Export Integration: Include statistics in exported data files
• Real-time Calculation: Live statistical updates during logging sessions

File Manager

• File Upload: Transfer files to device storage with progress tracking
• File Download: Retrieve files from device with integrity verification
• File Deletion: Remove files from device storage with confirmation
• Directory Management: Navigate device file system structure
• Batch Operations: Multiple file operations with progress monitoring
• File Type Detection: Automatic file type recognition and handling
• Transfer Verification: Checksum verification for file integrity
• Progress Monitoring: Real-time progress bars for file operations
• Error Recovery: Automatic retry and error handling for failed transfers
• Size Management: File size optimization and compression support

Table

• Dynamic Table Creation: Create custom tables with configurable rows and columns
• Variable Assignment: Drag variables directly into table cells
• Real-time Updates: Live data updates in table format
• Export Capabilities: Save table data as CSV files
• Flexible Layout: Resizable tables with customizable dimensions
• Type Handling: Automatic formatting for different data types
• Update Control: Individual cell update controls
• Clear Operations: Reset table data with preservation of structure
• Visual Organization: Professional table styling with clear data separation

Import/Export

• CSV Data Import: Load variable values from external CSV files
• Configuration Import: Restore device and application configurations
• Batch Data Loading: Efficient import of large datasets
• Format Validation: Automatic validation of imported data formats
• Error Handling: Detailed error reporting for import failures
• Real-time Data Export: Export current variable states to CSV format
• Configuration Export: Save complete application configurations
• Batch Export: Export data from multiple sources simultaneously
• Timestamp Integration: Include precise timestamps in exported data
• Format Flexibility: Multiple export formats for different use cases

Dashboard System

TST-Center's dashboard provides a professional-grade, GridStack-powered interface for real-time monitoring and device control with complete drag-and-drop customization.

Professional Widget Library

• Gauges: Analog and digital meter displays with customizable ranges and color zones
• Buttons: Interactive control buttons with programmable actions and visual feedback
• Switches: Toggle switches for binary control with immediate device response
• LEDs: Multi-color status indicators with blinking and brightness control
• Sliders: Variable control sliders with real-time value transmission
• Value Displays: Numeric and text displays with formatting options
• Line Progress Bars: Horizontal progress indicators with percentage and custom scales

Widget Configuration System

• Gauge Configuration: Range settings, color zones, display format, animation, size options
• Control Widget Setup: Action binding, visual states, confirmation, feedback
• Indicator Configuration: Multi-state LEDs, conditional logic, animation effects, group controls

GridStack Layout System

• Drag-and-Drop: Intuitive widget positioning with snap-to-grid
• Resizable Widgets: Dynamic widget sizing with preserved aspect ratios
• Auto-Layout: Automatic widget arrangement and collision detection
• Responsive Grid: Adaptive layout for different screen sizes and orientations
• Grid Configuration: Customizable grid size (12x12 default) with flexible spacing
• Widget Stacking: Z-order management for overlapping elements
• Alignment Tools: Precision alignment with grid guides and snap points
• Layout Lock: Prevent accidental movement during operation

Real-time Data Integration

• Variable Binding System: Drag-and-drop binding, real-time updates, automatic caching, type conversion
• Data Flow Management: Bidirectional communication, error handling, performance optimization, historical data
• Data Binding: Automatic updates, data filtering, data transformation, update rates
• Performance Optimization: Efficient updates, memory management, connection pooling, caching

Data Visualization & Charts

TST-Center includes a powerful Chart.js-based charting engine for real-time data visualization with advanced statistical analysis capabilities.

Real-time Line Charts

• Real-time Plotting: Live data visualization with configurable update intervals (10ms to 10 seconds)
• Multi-variable Display: Plot multiple device variables simultaneously with automatic color coding
• Hierarchical Variable Selection: Choose variables organized by device and data structure
• Time-series Visualization: X-axis automatically displays time progression (HH:MM:SS format)
• Professional Styling: Smooth line rendering with customizable colors and minimal point indicators

Chart Configuration System

• Variable Selection: Device-organized interface, checkbox selection, real-time preview, dynamic addition
• Axis Configuration: Y-Axis (auto-scaling, fixed range, value display), X-Axis (time-based, fixed points, scrolling window)
• Statistics Integration: Real-time statistics, statistical display, performance optimized

Chart Controls and Operations

• Start: Begin real-time data plotting with selected variables
• Stop: Pause data collection while preserving current chart data
• Clean: Clear all chart data and reset displays
• Export: Save chart as image file (PNG format)
• Update Interval: Configurable refresh rate from 10ms to 10 seconds
• Data Management: Automatic memory management with configurable history limits
• Error Handling: Graceful handling of disconnected devices and missing data
• Performance Optimization: Efficient rendering for smooth real-time updates

Data Integration

• Variable Source Management: Direct device access, automatic caching, type conversion, multi-device support
• Data Processing: Real-time parsing, type handling, null handling, precision control

Export and Analysis

• Export Capabilities: Image export, chart preservation, timestamp integration
• Statistical Analysis: Real-time statistics, min/max tracking, average calculation, performance metrics

Scripts & Automation

TST-Center features a powerful visual scripting engine that enables automation without requiring programming knowledge. The system uses drag-and-drop blocks to create sophisticated test sequences and device control workflows.

Visual Block System

• Get Variable: Read values from device memory with automatic type conversion
• Set Variable: Write values to device variables with validation
• Delay: Pause execution for specified milliseconds (configurable timing)
• Wait: Conditional waiting based on variable values or states
• Loop: Repeat block sequences with iteration control
• Condition: If/else logic for conditional execution paths

Block Configuration

• Get Variable Blocks: Variable selection, storage location, type handling, error handling
• Set Variable Blocks: Target selection, value sources, validation, confirmation
• Control Flow Blocks: Delay timing, loop conditions, wait logic, conditional logic

Script Workspace

• Visual Development Environment: Drag-and-drop interface, drop zone management, block arrangement, execution order
• Workspace Features: Grid layout, block grouping, visual connections, zoom and pan

Script Execution Engine

• Runtime Management: Execution control, real-time status, variable tracking, error handling
• Performance Features: Efficient execution, background processing, memory management, timeout protection

Advanced Scripting Features

• Variable Management: Script variables, type system, scope management, persistence
• Integration Capabilities: (see documentation for more)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many variables can I monitor simultaneously?
A: TST-Center supports hundreds of variables, limited primarily by device capabilities and update frequency.

Q: What file formats are supported for firmware updates?
A: Binary (.bin) and hexadecimal (.hex) files are supported.

Q: Can I connect to multiple devices at once?
A: Yes, TST-Center supports multiple device connections using different interfaces.

Q: How do I save my workspace configuration?
A: TST-Center automatically saves your current configuration when exiting. You can also export specific configurations using the Import/Export feature.

Q: Is there a limit to script complexity?
A: Scripts can contain hundreds of steps, though very complex scripts may impact performance.

Q: How can I contribute feedback or report issues?
A: Use the Help menu to access the feedback form or issue reporting tool.

Q: Can I use TST-Center with custom hardware?
A: Yes, as long as your device communicates using supported protocols and can be described with a compatible header file.

Changelog

Enjoy using TST-Center and managing your devices with ease!