Can Logic Analyzer Function in All-in-One Oscilloscope Replace Real Logic Analyzer?

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A real MSO generally adds an additional 16 digital channels on top of the basic oscilloscope, providing a sampling and storage system relatively independent of the analog channels. Therefore, most MSO oscilloscopes in the industry do not occupy or sacrifice analog channels when using digital channels.

For example, in the MXR series mid-range oscilloscopes, the entire series supports the option of adding 16 additional digital channels, allowing them to work together with 4 or 8 analog channels, providing the capability to observe and analyze a maximum of 20 or 24 channels simultaneously.

Digitalization inevitably involves sampling issues, whether for analog channels or digital logic channels. Oscilloscopes typically use asynchronous sampling, which samples based on an external clock (provided internally by the oscilloscope) relative to the system and signal being measured, making the external clock asynchronous to the measured signal and system. There is also a method of connecting an external clock to the sampling system as a sampling reference, known as synchronous sampling.

Usually, only a real logic analyzer will have both asynchronous and synchronous sampling simultaneously. The digital channels of an MSO can only support asynchronous sampling, which is why no matter how powerful an MSO is, it can never replace a logic analyzer, as synchronous sampling provides a true view of the measured system and signal.

On the logic channels of Keysight MSO oscilloscopes, although synchronous sampling is not supported, it allows the connection of an external clock signal to the channel as the reference edge for signal analysis display.

This article mainly introduces some knowledge about MSO, including key indicator parameters and related usage, as well as several typical application scenarios of MSO and its digital channels. Additionally, MSO currently cannot replace logic analyzers in many situations.

The MXR series MSO function can be configured with option MXR000-MSO when purchasing new equipment or upgraded in the future with option MXR2MSO. The MSO probe model N2756A is included in the MSO option and does not require separate purchase.

Of course, as an important tool for observing analog signals and debugging multi-channel digital buses, although referred to as a mixed signal oscilloscope, it ultimately works in the time domain. Its application limitations are also very obvious in the 2020s, as today’s mixed signals have advanced to a mix and intersection of time and frequency domains, and how Keysight will strive to meet this emerging market demand!

Reference reading: Debugging digital logic buses from simple to complex—MSO? LA? All available!

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