Abstract
Are you still calculating repeatedly to locate errors, struggling to choose triggers, and worrying about reducing sampling accuracy? When debugging signals, we always hope that the storage time of the logic analyzer can be as long as possible. So, how can we maximize the storage time of the logic analyzer?
1. Increase Memory Space
Hardware module interaction generally includes hardware identification timing, initialization timing, communication timing, state transition timing, reset timing, etc. Any abnormality in these timings can cause varying degrees of abnormal performance. Therefore, when a logic error occurs in the hardware, it is necessary to collect and visually display some or all of the timing during the interaction process to facilitate error diagnosis.
If the storage depth of the logic analyzer is below 1Mbps, and if a sampling frequency of 100MHz is used, it can only collect about 10ms. A sampling time of 10ms can generally only capture part of the effective timing. If the entire initialization or communication process timing needs to be captured, it generally requires a sampling time of 1s or even more than 10s. A logic analyzer with a small storage depth cannot meet this demand.
The LA2832A Plus supports a maximum storage depth of 64Mbps in traditional mode, which is more than 64 times that of traditional logic analyzers.
Figure 1: Storage Space Comparison
2. Improve Storage Space Utilization
Due to limitations such as motherboard area, technology, and cost, the storage space of the logic analyzer cannot be infinitely expanded. More methods focus on rationally utilizing storage space and improving space utilization.
1. Compression Storage.
During communication, most protocols have varying lengths of idle signals between each data transmission, and these signals also occupy a sampling point storage unit. Don’t you think this is a waste? To solve this waste and improve storage space utilization.
Figure 2: Compression Storage Comparison
2. Channel Multiplexing.
Most protocols and communication modules only use 1 to 4 channels for communication, while logic analyzers generally support 32 channels, and most channels are not utilized, leading to wasted space. If 16-channel or 8-channel modes are supported, the memory space of unused channels can be reused to increase storage depth, effectively extending storage time.
Figure 3: Channel Multiplexing Comparison
3. Real-time Storage.
Due to its high sampling frequency, the logic analyzer cannot store data in real-time on storage spaces like hard drives. Its storage space is limited by hardware storage space. The Guangzhou Zhiyuan LA2532A Plus, LA2832A, and LA2832A Plus logic analyzers fully utilize compression storage, lower machine storage space, and USB high-speed transmission to achieve real-time storage of logic analyzer data to hard drives. For low-speed protocols and protocols with more idle times, data can be collected and stored on the PC hard drive without dead zones at high sampling frequencies, truly achieving massive storage.
Figure 4: Recording Mode Comparison
4. Intelligent Filtering
Many communication protocols have enable signal lines or do not require signal processing when the bus is in a certain state. Collecting ineffective signals is also a waste. If the logic analyzer provides intelligent filtering capabilities, it can filter out specified ineffective timing, thereby maximizing the collection of effective data and improving the storage depth of a single collection.
Figure 5: Intelligent Filtering Effect Comparison
3. Advantages of Deep Storage
1. View All Data, Comprehensive Analysis in One Collection
The same error performance may be caused by multiple timing issues. A logic analyzer with deep storage can capture all timings at once, view all abnormal points and details, and accelerate development speed.
2. Complete Context, Convenient Problem Diagnosis
Deep storage devices can record complete contextual relationships, allowing for rapid identification of the causes of problems and the emergence of new errors. Simple and convenient.
3. High-Fidelity Sampling, Not Missing Any Details
Deep storage logic analyzers do not need to lower the sampling frequency to achieve long-term storage; they can complete long-term storage using high sampling frequencies without missing any details.
Conclusion:
Deep storage is an inevitable trend for logic analyzers. With its arrival, it will change the way we use logic analyzers, making research and development simpler and faster. The Zhiyuan Electronics deep storage series logic analyzers are ready for you. Are you ready?
Contact Information
-
Sales Phone: 400-888-4005 ext. 1
-
Technical Support Phone: 400-888-4005 ext. 2
Zhiyuan Electronics (ID: ZLG_zhiyuan)
Haven’t followed Zhiyuan Electronics yet? You will miss out on daily valuable content! You will miss a history that subverts foreign brands!! Sometimes you want to prove something to ten thousand people, but in the end, you find that you only got one understanding person, and that’s enough. Are you the porridge we have been waiting for? Our WeChat ID: ZLG_zhiyuan.
