6.2.4. Configuration (Global Settings and Test) The most important part in the chip encoding setup is to test the communication with the encoding
device and to test if the encoder can access, write to and read from the chip. Some encoders
require even global settings like authentication keys or the transfer speed, which is common for
COM ports.
Each plugin can optionally provide a user interface for both, the global settings and the encoding
test. If one of these or both are supported, the corresponding buttons "Settings..." and "Test..." will
be enabled.
If these options are provided by the plugin, clicking on either button will open a configuration or a
test dialog and show the corresponding functions that are necessary to configure the encoder
hardware and to test the encoding of the card.
The extent of the user interface depends on each plugin, i.e. there are no generic options from the
driver.
A sophisticated plugin should provide an easy-to-use user interface for both options and a way to
do encoding tests with real data in the test dialog, preferably with the same format templates that
have been set-up for the real encoding, as it is mandatory for the production that the hardware is
working correctly with the encoder software and the data is encoded properly on the chip.
Since both options are optional, a minimalist plugin does not need to provide these functions. The
absence of these options may also be desired by the security requirements of the application.
Prima 2e Driver Manual
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