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Logic Analyzer Basics: Features and Vendors

logic analyzer debugging keysight tektronix signal analysis

This article covers the basics of Logic Analyzers and its benefits in test and measurement. It highlights features of Logic Analyzers from Keysight and other vendors in the market.

A Logic Analyzer is useful for:

  • Debugging and validating the activity of multiple buses in an automobile system.
  • Analyzing the timing between signals and displaying packets for critical buses.
  • Analyzing memory bus activity.
  • Performing eye scans for digital signal quality analysis.
  • Debugging FPGA devices with the help of an FPGA probe.
  • Analyzing various automotive network-related protocols (e.g., CAN, SPI, LIN, FlexRay, etc.) using the packet decoder.
  • Generating packets or messages on automotive networks with precise control over bit timings using the packet generator.

Keysight Logic Analyzer

The following table outlines the features of Logic Analyzer models 16800 and 16900 from Keysight Technologies. The 16800 series includes 8 different models with 34/68/102/136/204 channels.

Specifications16800 Series Logic analyzer16900 Series Logic analyzer
Timing Zoom250ps resolution (4 GHz)Up to 4 GHz
Timing Speed1 GHz1.2 GHz
State Speed450 MHz667 MHz
Memory Depth32M256M
Number of channels204612

Logic Analyzer Vendors

Here are some other vendors of Logic Analyzers:

  • Tektronix, Models: TLA6400 series, TLA7000 series
  • Teledyne Lecroy, Model: LogicStudio 16
  • Saleae, Inc.
  • Oscium (Model: LogiScope)
  • BitScope Designs

Benefits of Logic Analyzers

Following are some of the advantages of logic analyzers.

  1. Multi-Channel Signal Analysis : Captures and analyzes multiple digital signals simultaneously for debugging complex circuits.
  2. High Speed Data Acquisition : Provides precise timing measurements, making it ideal for troubleshooting high speed digital systems.
  3. Advanced Triggering Capabilities : Allows users to set specific conditions for capturing data, improving debugging efficiency.
  4. Protocol Decoding : Supports analysis of communication protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN, simplifying embedded system debugging.
  5. Real Time Monitoring : Enables real time visualization of digital signals, helping engineers identify issues instantly.
  6. Data Storage and Export : Stores captured signals for further analysis, enabling post processing and documentation.
  7. Non Intrusive Debugging : Works without interfering with circuit operation, ensuring accurate and reliable signal capture.
  8. Improves Development Efficiency : Reduces debugging time, enhances design validation, and speeds up product development.

Conclusion

A Logic Analyzer is a powerful tool for analyzing and debugging digital circuits, offering multi channel monitoring, high speed data acquisition and protocol decoding capabilities. It plays a crucial role in embedded systems development, ensuring efficient troubleshooting and performance optimization. By providing real time analysis and advanced triggering features, it enhances debugging accuracy and accelerates product development in the electronics industry.