MUXA: Multiplexed I/O over a single physical Link

In embedded systems running PikeOS, physical I/O interfaces like Ethernet or RS‑232 are often limited. However, development workflows typically require multiple data links—for console access, tracing, debugging, or command interfaces.

MUXA (Multiplexer for Applications) solves this by enabling multiple virtual bidirectional communication channels over a single physical link. It acts as a lightweight multiplexer between a PikeOS target and a development host, allowing several tools and services to operate concurrently on the same connection. The graphic shows a the MUXA host and server utility.

MUXA is ideal for virtualized systems, where multiple partitions or guest OSs need parallel communication paths without adding physical hardware.

➡️ On the Target Side (PikeOS)

• MUXA runs in the service partition
• Registers itself as a file provider in the PikeOS file system
• Applications access MUXA as if interacting with a standard device file (e.g., /dev/muxa0)

➡️ On the Host Side

• MUXA listens on the physical interface (e.g., serial or Ethernet)
• Exposes TCP/IP ports or command interfaces to external development tools
• Acts as a bridge between host-side tools and virtual channels on the target

➡️ Typical Use Cases

• Application console input/output
• Real-time debugging and monitoring
• Accessing the PikeOS command shell
• Logging and trace data capture