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A logic analyzer displays signals in a Digital Circuit that are too fast to be observed by a human being and presents it to a user so that the user can more easily check correct operation of the digital system. Logic analyzers are typically used for capturing data in systems that have too many channels to be examined with an Oscilloscope .



OPERATION


A logic analyzer can trigger on a complicated sequence of digital events, and then capture a large amount of digital data from the system under test (SUT). The best logic analyzers behave like software Debugger s by showing the flow of the Computer Program and decoding protocols to show messages and violations. Current analyzers are modular frames which are populated with up to 6 cards that can sample up to 136 channels at 2 GHz with up to 128 Mb capture depth. These frames can be used individually or connected together to capture data for larger systems.

When logic analyzers first came into use, it was common to attach several hundred "clips" to a digital system. Later, specialized connectors came into use. The evolution of logic analyzer probes has led to a common footprint that multiple vendors support, which provides added freedom to end users. The probes utilize an industry tested cSpring (cLGA™) attach mechanism that provide a durable, reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the probe and the circuit board.

In modern computer systems various other tools have made logic analyzers obsolete for many uses. For example, many Microprocessor s have hardware support for software debuggers. Many digital designs, including those of IC s, are simulated to detect defects before the unit is constructed. The simulation usually provides logic analysis displays. Often, complex discrete logic is verified by simulating inputs and testing outputs using Boundary Scan . None of these exactly reproduce the high-speed data capture function of a logic analyzer, but they cover many real needs for debugging digital circuits.


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