Logic Analyzer:

Logic analyzers are used for digital measurements involving numerous signals or
trigger requirements. We will first look at the digital oscilloscope and the
resulting evolution of the logic analyzer. There are similarities and differences
between oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. To better understand how the two
instruments address their respective applications, it is useful to take a comparative
look at their individual capabilities.

Figure: CRO (Cathode Ray Oscilloscope)

The Digital Oscilloscope:

The digital oscilloscope is the fundamental tool for general purpose signal
viewing. Its high sample rate and bandwidth enables it to capture many data
points over a span of time, providing measurements of signal transitions (edges),
transient events, and small time increments.
Figure. The oscilloscope reveals the details of signal amplitude, rise time, and
other analog characteristics.
While the oscilloscope is certainly capable of looking at the same digital signals
as a logic analyzer, most oscilloscope users are concerned with analog
measurements such as rise- and fall-times, peak amplitudes, and the elapsed time
between edges.
A look at the waveform in Figure illustrates the oscilloscope’s strengths. The
waveform, though taken from a digital circuit, reveals the analog characteristics
of the signal, all of which can have an effect on the signal’s ability to perform its
function. Here, the oscilloscope has captured details revealing ringing, overshoot,
rolloff in the rising edge, and other aberrations appearing periodically. With the
oscilloscope’s built-in tools such as cursors and automated measurements, it’s
easy to track down the signal integrity problems that can impact your design. In
addition, timing measurements such as propagation delay and setup-and-hold
time are natural candidates for an oscilloscope. And of course, there are many
purely analog signals such as the output of a microphone or digital-to-analog
converter which must be viewed with an instrument that records analog details.
Oscilloscopes generally have up to four input channels. When we need to measure
five digital signals simultaneously or a digital system with a 32-bit data bus and
a 64-bit address bus, this points out the need for a tool with many more inputs
the logic analyzer.
The Logic Analyzer:
The logic analyzer has different capabilities than the oscilloscope. The most
obvious difference between the two instruments is the number of channels
(inputs). Typical digital oscilloscopes have up to four signal inputs. Logic
analyzers typically have between 34 and 136 channels. Each channel inputs one
digital signal. Some complex system designs require thousands of input channels.

Figure . A logic Analyzer determines logic values relative to a threshold voltage

level
A logic analyzer measures and analyzes signals differently than an oscilloscope.
The logic analyzer doesn’t measure analog details. Instead, it detects logic
threshold levels. When you connect a logic analyzer to a digital circuit, you’re
only concerned with the logic state of the signal. A logic analyzer looks for just
two logic levels, as shown in Figure. When the input is above the threshold
voltage (V) the level is said to be “high” or “1;” conversely, the level below Vth
is a “low” or “0.” When a logic analyzer samples input, it stores a “1” or a “0”
depending on the level of the signal relative to the voltage threshold. A logic
analyzer’s waveform timing display is similar to that of a timing diagram found
in a data sheet or produced by a simulator. All of the signals are time-correlated,
so that setup-and-hold time, pulse width, extraneous or missing data can be
viewed. In addition to their high channel count, logic analyzers offer important
features that support digital design verification and debugging. Among these are:
• Sophisticated triggering that lets you specify the conditions under which
the logic analyzer acquires data
• High-density probes and adapters that simplify connection to the system
under test (SUT)
• Analysis capabilities that translate captured data into processor instructions
and correlate it to source code
Logic Analyzer Operation:
The logic analyzer connects to, acquires, and analyzes digital signals. There are
four steps to using a logic analyzer as shown in Figure
1. Connect
2. Setup
3. Acquire
4. Analyze

Figure. Simplified logic analyzer operation.

Connect to the System Under Test:

Probe:
The large number of signals that can be captured at one time by the logic analyzer
is what sets it apart from the oscilloscope. The acquisition probes connect to the
SUT. The probe’s internal comparator is where the input voltage is compared
against the threshold voltage (Vth), and where the decision about the signal’s logic
state (1 or 0) is made. The threshold value is set by the user, ranging from TTL
levels to, CMOS, ECL, and user-definable.
Logic analyzer probes come in many physical forms:
• General purpose probes with “flying lead sets” intended for point-by-point
troubleshooting as shown in Figure.
Figure. General purpose probe

• High-density, multi-channel probes that require dedicated connectors on

the circuit board as shown in Figure. The probes are capable of acquiring
high-quality signals, and have a minimal impact on the SUT.

Figure. High-density, multi-channel logic analyzer probe.

• High-density compression probes that use a connectorless probe attach as

shown in Figure . This type of probe is recommended for those applications
 that require higher signal density or a connector-less probe attach
mechanism for quick and reliable connections to your system under test.

Figure. D-MaxTM connectorless analyzer probe.

Figure. The impedance of the logic analyzer’s probe can affect signal rise times
and measure timing relationships.
The impedance of the logic analyzer’s probes (capacitance, resistance, and
inductance) becomes part of the overall load on the circuit being tested. All probes
exhibit loading characteristics. The logic analyzer probe should introduce
minimal loading on the SUT, and provide an accurate signal to the logic analyzer.
Probe capacitance tends to “roll off” the edges of signal transitions, as shown in
Figure. This roll off slows down the edge transition by an amount of time
represented as “tD” in Figure. This is important because a slower edge crosses
the logic threshold of the circuit later, introducing timing errors in the SUT. This
is a problem that becomes more severe as clock rates increase.
n high-speed systems, excessive probe capacitance can potentially prevent the
SUT from working! It is always critical to choose a probe with the lowest possible
total capacitance. It’s also important to note that probe clips and lead sets increase
capacitive loading on the circuits that they are connected to. Use a properly
compensated adapter whenever possible.

When Should I Use an Oscilloscope:

If you need to measure the “analog” characteristics of a few signals at a time, the
digital oscilloscope is the most effective solution. When you need to know
specific signal amplitudes, power, current, or phase values, or edge measurements
such as rise times, an oscilloscope is the right instrument. Use a Digital
Oscilloscope When You Need to: Characterize signal integrity (such as rise time,
overshoot, and ringing) during verification of analog and digital devices
Characterize signal stability (such as jitter and jitter spectrum) on up to four
signals at once Measure signal edges and voltages to evaluate timing margins
such as setup/hold, propagation delay Detect transient faults such as glitches, runt
pulses, metastable transitions Measure amplitude and timing parameters on a few
signals at a time.

When Should I Use a Logic Analyzer:

A logic analyzer is an excellent tool for verifying and debugging digital designs.
A logic analyzer verifies that the digital circuit is working and helps you
troubleshoot problems that arise. The logic analyzer captures and displays many
signals at once, and analyzes their timing relationships. For debugging elusive,
intermittent problems, some logic analyzers can detect glitches, as well as setup-
and-hold time violations. During software/hardware integration, logic analyzers
trace the execution of the embedded software and analyze the efficiency of the
program's execution. Some logic analyzers correlate the source code with specific
hardware activities in your design. Use a Logic Analyzer When You Need to:
Debug and verify digital system operation Trace and correlate many digital
signals simultaneously Detect and analyze timing violations and transients on
buses Trace embedded software execution