An oscilloscope is a better choice than a logic analyzer.


-----Original Message-----
From: pic microcontroller discussion list
[mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Lindy Mayfield
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2004 11:01 AM
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: Re: [EE: ] what is a logic analyzer?


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?

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.



-----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


---
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


--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.