When we are working with electronic devices and digital circuits, it can be difficult to diagnose and interpret intricate signals. However, engineers and hobbyists can depend on logic analyzers to precisely capture, analyze, and decode digital signals. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of logic analyzers, examining their functions, applications, and advantages.
What is a Logic Analyzer?
A logic analyzer is a tool that captures and presents digital signals visually. It helps users to examine the performance of digital systems. Oscilloscope primarily shows analog signals, but logic analyzer concentrates on digital signals, making it an essential device for debugging and testing digital circuits
How it typically works
- Signal Capture: The logic analyzer captures digital signals like high (1) or low (0) voltage levels from various points in the digital circuitry to monitor.
- Signal Analysis: The captured signals are converted to digital data and displayed on a screen or dedicated unit. This data can be analyzed through timing, protocol decoding, and state analysis.
- Timing Analysis: Timing analysis involves measuring the timing relationships between different digital signals. This helps to identify signal delays, glitches, or timing violations.
- Protocol Decoding: Many logic analyzers support decoding of specific communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, etc. This allows you to analyze the communication between different components in a system.
- State Analysis: State analysis involves capturing and analyzing the state of digital signals over time. This can help in understanding the behavior of digital systems and identifying issues related to signal integrity, synchronization, or system operation.
Choosing the Right Logic Analyzer
- Number of Channels: Choose a logic analyzer with an adequate number of channels based on the complexity of your digital system.
- Sampling Rate: Higher sampling rates are crucial for capturing fast digital signals accurately.
- Protocol Support: Ensure that the logic analyzer supports the protocols used in your project for seamless debugging.
- Software Interface: User-friendly software interfaces make it easier to navigate and analyze captured data effectively.
5 Best Logic Analyzer
| Name | BANDWIDTH | NUMBER OF CHANNELS | PURCHASE LINK |
| HiLetgo USB Logic Analyzer | 24MHz | 8 Channel | Amazon.com |
| LA1010 USB Logic Analyzer | 100MHz | 16 channels | Amazon.com |
| LA2016 USB Logic Analyzer | 200MHz | 16 Channels | Amazon.com |
| DSLogic Plus | 400MHz | 16 Channels | Amazon.com |
| Logic 8 – Saleae | 25 MHz | 8 | Amazon.com |
| DSLogic U3Pro32 | 1GHz | 32 Channels | Amazon.com |
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HiLetgo USB Logic Analyzer Device
This logic analyzer has 8 channels. It can sample at different rates, ranging from 25 KHz up to 24 MHz, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It has an input voltage range of -0.5V to 5.25V, and an impedance of 1Mohm || 10pF, which allows for precise signal capture. Its crystal accuracy ensures reliable performance for digital electronics debugging and analysis.
Specification:
| Brand | HiLetgo |
| Connector Type | USB Type A |
| Cable Type | USB |
| Compatible Devices | Modem |
| Sampling Rate | 24 MHz (can be adjusted to 16MHz, 12MHz, 8MHz, 4MHz, 2MHz, 1MHz, 500KHz, 250KHz, 200KHz, 100KHz, 50KHz, 25KHz) |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Input Voltage Range | -0.5V to 5.25V |
| Input Low Voltage | -0.5V to 0.8V |
| Input High Voltage | 2.0V to 5.25V |
| Input Impedance | 1Mohm |
| Crystal Accuracy | +/-20ppm, 24MHz |
HiLetgo USB Logic Analyzer: View on Amazon.com
LA1010 USB Logic Analyzer
The LA1010 logic analyzer offers exceptional value with 16 input channels and a sample rate of up to 100MHz. Its accompanying KingstVIS software enables straightforward conversion of sampled signals into digital waveforms on your PC screen. Compatible with various operating systems, it’s a versatile tool for testing, debugging, and monitoring digital systems.
Specification:
| Brand | innomaker |
| Model | LA1010 |
| Style | Handheld |
| Input Channels | 16 |
| Sample Rate | Up to 100MHz |
| Software | English PC software KingstVIS |
| Supported OS | Windows (32-bit/64-bit), Mac OS, Linux |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 787.4 Inches (likely a typo, possibly referring to screen resolution or interface size) |
| CPU Manufacturer | ARM |
| Wireless Network Tech. | Wi-Fi |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, LAN, HDMI |
LA1010 USB Logic Analyzer: View on Amazon.com
LA2016 USB Logic Analyzer
The LA2016 is a high-performance logic analyzer featuring 16 full channels and a rapid 200MHz sampling rate. Comprising software for personal computers and dedicated hardware, it offers benefits like high sampling depth and user-friendliness. Supporting various standard protocols, it efficiently samples, displays, and decodes digital signals for streamlined analysis across multiple operating systems.
Specification:
| Brand | innomaker |
| Model | LA2016 |
| Input Channels | 16 |
| Sample Rate | 200MHz |
| Software | English PC Software Handheld Instrument |
| Supported OS | Windows (32-bit/64-bit), Mac OS, Linux |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 0.13 Inches |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 1 GB |
| Wireless Network Tech. | Wi-Fi |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
LA2016 USB Logic Analyzer: View on Amazon.com
DSLogic Plus
The 16-channel logic analyzer with dual-mode support. Stream mode enables real-time data transfer to PC memory for extended sample duration, while buffer mode stores data temporarily in onboard memory for high sample rates. Featuring USB 2.0 Type-C interface, adjustable threshold, and shielded fly wires for cleaner waveforms. Compatible with DSView software for protocol decoding, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Specification:
| Brand | DreamSourceLab |
| Model | DSLogic Plus |
| Style | USB-Based |
| Sampling Rate | 400MHz |
| Memory | 256Mbits |
| Interface | USB 2.0 Type-C |
| Channels | 16 |
| Dual-mode Support | Yes |
| Stream Mode | Real-time data transfer to PC memory |
| Buffer Mode | Temporary storage in onboard memory |
| Stream Mode Sample Depth | Up to 16G |
| Stream Mode Support | 100MHz @ 3 channels / 50MHz @ 6 channels / 25MHz @ 12 channels / 20MHz @ 16 channels |
| Buffer Mode Support | 400MHz @ 4 channels / 200MHz @ 8 channels / 100MHz @ 16 channels |
| Adjustable Threshold | Yes, with 0.1 Step increments |
| Additional Features | Shielded fly wires, unibody aluminum case |
DSLogic Plus: View on Amazon.com
Logic 8
This -portable USB Logic Analyzer, a tool with 8 digital/analog inputs for multi-use applications. Decode SPI, I2C, and over 23 other protocols effortlessly. With digital sample rates up to 100 MS/s and analog sample rates up to 10 MS/s, it offers extensive data capture capabilities. Utilizing PC memory via USB 2.0, it can handle over 10 billion digital samples and 500 million analog samples. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, it ensures seamless cross-platform functionality for all your analysis needs.
Specifications:
| Brand | Saleae |
| Model | Logic 8 |
| Color | Black (also available in Red) |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Input Channels | 8 (Digital/Analog multi-use) |
| Protocol Decoding | SPI, I2C, and 23+ more analyzers |
| Digital Sample Rate | Up to 100 MS/s |
| Analog Sample Rate | Up to 10 MS/s |
| Digital Sample Capacity | 10 Billion+ samples (uses PC memory, USB 2.0) |
| Analog Sample Capacity | 500 Million+ samples (uses PC memory, USB 2.0) |
| Compatibility | Cross-platform – Mac, Windows, & Linux |
| Item Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
Logic 8 – Saleae: View on Amazon.com
DSLogic U3Pro32
This high-performance 32-channel logic analyzer with dual-mode support, offering unparalleled flexibility. In stream mode, data is captured and transferred to PC memory in real-time, enabling long sample durations, while buffer mode stores data temporarily on-board for high sample rates. Equipped with a USB 3.0 Type-C interface, it boasts up to 16G sample depth in stream mode and supports various stream and buffer modes to accommodate different needs. With adjustable threshold and shielded fly wires, it ensures precise and clean waveform capture. Compatible with DSView software, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offering extensive protocol decoding capabilities.
Specification:
| Brand | DreamSourceLab |
| Model | DSLogic U3Pro32 |
| Sampling Rate | 1GHz |
| Memory | 2Gbits |
| Interface | USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Channels | 32 |
| Dual-mode Support | Yes |
| Stream Mode Sample Depth | Up to 16G |
| Stream Mode Support | 1GHz @ 3 channels / 500MHz @ 6 channels / 250MHz @ 12 channels / 100MHz @ 30 channels / 50MHz @ 32 channels |
| Buffer Mode Support | 1GHz @ 8 channels / 500MHz @ 16 channels / 250MHz @ 32 channels |
| Additional Features | Shielded fly wires, unibody aluminum case |
| Software Compatibility | DSView software compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux |
DSLogic U3Pro32: View On Amazon.com