Logic Analyzers

Logic analyzers have come a long way in the last few years. The basic premise for logic analyzers is that they allow designers and engineers and others to test electronic circuits to see if they are working properly. As you might imagine, the data and signals that go through a circuit board travel far too quickly for the human eye to pick up and are often too complex for an oscilloscope to pick up correctly. This is where logic analyzers come into play.

The better models of logic analyzers can convert the data that they receive during the testing process into various types of readable data that can be used by humans. Some examples of this include protocol decodes, timing diagrams, assembly language, state machine traces and other media that can be used to determine if the circuits and channels are working properly.

Most of the modern logic analyzers use some form of software to do the work. This requires that the collected data be routed through the software and the computer that contains the software. There are some hand-held logic analyzers available as well which are used for on the spot testing of specific issues related to the tested system.

There are two main types of logic analyzers: The mainframe type and the stand alone type. Both have their pros and cons, and each is more useful than the other in particular applications.

In the early days of logic analyzers hundreds of clips had to be used to get the data routed correctly from the tested circuit to the testing application. That has all changed. The use of logic probes is just one modern way of doing this work quicker and easier than ever before.

Today's logic analyzers can actually trigger (or initiate) the program that is to be tested and then follow along with it as it works. These logic analyzers can detect bugs or problems that may occur and print out a report that the testing personnel can use to locate and correct the problems.

One of the most important uses for logic analyzers is during the pre-construction phase. The device can be hooked up and used to simulate various inputs that the originating system will undergo in daily use. These inputs can detect problems early on in the construction phase and solutions can be determined and incorporated into the system. This work can save both money and time.