What would be the next logical piece of test equipment (after a nice = multi-meter) for a still-learning electronics hobbyist? Would it be an = oscilloscope?=20 I've seen both scopes and logic analyzers that interface with the PC -- = they seem to be cheaper cause the PC does all the visual -- and I wasn't = sure the differences. =20 -----Original Message----- From: pic microcontroller discussion list = [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU] On Behalf Of Russell McMahon Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2004 16:52 To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU Subject: Re: ] what is a logic analyzer? >Many users may not get your message because you did not put >[OT:] or [EE:] in the subject. So I did :-) > A logic analyzer is like a scope with 30+ inputs, usulay lots of > memory and with the ability to set some very complex trigger = conditions. EXCEPT that a logic analyser will usually only handle digital (ie logic) levels - ie each channel can be either high or low only. Some analysers allow glitch catching and analog levels to some extent = but these are getting fancier than the average logic analyser. Being purely digital makes it possible to have a much higher channels x bandwidth product than a scope of the same price. Results are stored to a buffer which allows signal analysis and tracing after the event. Also triggering in various signal conditions. Some, eg = HP, make mixed signal scopes which have both analog and logic input parts. RM -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details. --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.663 / Virus Database: 426 - Release Date: 4/20/2004 =20 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.663 / Virus Database: 426 - Release Date: 4/20/2004 =20 -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.