I'll throw in a different perspective.  I'm a software developer who has to
work with the hardware, and I'm not doing any analog except measuring
voltages through an ADC.  I'm using PICs with 4 or 8 MHz crystals, so I'm
never interested in any signal faster than that.  I in the future, I might
at some point want to look at a 40 MHz signal, but I doubt it.

I am regularly interested in square wave timing issues.  I am looking at PWM
outputs, 1-wire protocols, and other digital signalling schemes.  I turn
things on and off, and want to know whether the pin is going on and off like
it should.  As I said, I'm also converting analog voltages to digital.

In my environment, a scope is pretty much useless.  It doesn't have the
memory or channels to look at even simple protocols unless you buy a $10,000
scope.  I have one, but in retrospect, I will probably never use it again
now the I have a PC logic analyzer.

Here's my recommended order of purchase for a software guy:

1) C compiler.  Only use assembler when it really makes sense.  Unless your
time is free, or you sell your product by the thousand at low margins, it
rarely will.  (Yikes, did I say that out loud?)
2) Good meter with beep on short circuit.  True RMS is nice for PWM. It can
also test parts if you want.
3) Bench power supply.  You will waste lots of time fiddling with power
otherwise.
4) PC scope/logic analyzer.


Bruce Partridge
http://www.rebreather.ca

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Lindy Mayfield
> Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2004 8:27 AM
> To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: [EE: ] what is a logic analyzer?
>
>
> Thanks!  A power supply.  I've been getting around that by using
> the +5 from the Pic demo board to drive most things, and
> rechargeable bat trees for motors and things needing more
> current.  But that's a good idea, and not so costly.
>
> I've got also got a PC power supply.  I wonder if I could make my
> own from that...  I'm sure I've run across something describing
> that on the web.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU] On Behalf Of William Chops Westfield
> Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2004 17:21
> To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: [EE: ] what is a logic analyzer?
>
> On Wednesday, Jun 2, 2004, at 08:00 US/Pacific, Lindy Mayfield wrote:
>
> > 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'd vote for a desktop power supply (CCCV, with meters.)  Scope after
> that, if you have the money.  If you're cheap, get at least one
> additional multimeter (need not be a "nice" one.)  assuming you already
> have a collection of solderless breadboards...
>
> BillW
>
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