Instrument Basics: Logic Analyzer - Workbench Wednesdays

Logic analyzers capture digital signals and then display a waveform or list. Serial busses like I2C, SPI, or UART (Serial) can be decoded or triggered on when there are problems in your circuit. In this video, learn the basic controls you need to use (almost) any logic analyzer. You’ll learn how to setup a simple trigger, make measurements, and set things like sample rate or memory depth: bit.ly/2PIuNmx
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[@markday3145]

I really liked the pacing and level of detail in this video.

[@georgetroulis]

Using a lower clock frequency for I2C when the pull-ups are weak wouldn't have occured to me as a source of error. That's good to know about, great video :)

[@DaveMcAnulty]

Ironically highlighting the thing that logic analyzer are terrible at compared to an oscilloscope.

[@richardphillips2405]

What do you mean that the pull-ups are weak? Does that mean that the pull-up resistor values are too high?

[@danieljimenez1989]

Yes

[@DevSrijit]

This is the most amazing video for logic analyzers I found !! I'm a high school student just trying to meddle around with my new logic analyzer and this is really helpful ❤❤

[@abdullaalmosalami]

This was a great quick intro to logic analyzers!! Thank you very much.

[@georgekerwood9100]

Really fantastic video! Great level of depth and at a great pace, thank you.

[@richardphillips2405]

What is memory depth and how does it effect the display?

[@MAYERMAKES]

omg I gave up on an analyzer..I i had knwo n to slow down the clock...MIND = blown!

[@mechadroit]

I am trying to reverse engineer a Programming Card for an Electronic Speed control. I'm a Software guy and less so Electrical. I don't know what communication protocol it's using or anything. It does have a typical PWM type of setup so it seems like you would see on a servo. Is this the tool I need to start trying to figure out how this thing works? I understand this will be a long learning process, but I'd really like to try it.

[@firstmkb]

A diy learner myself, rather than an expert, but this is what I’d look at.
I’d expect the PWM signal to roughly represent desired motor speed related to % length of some maximum pulse. I’ve said this poorly, but top speed might be at a 10ms pulse, or 100ms pulse. I’d point a cheap tachometer at the spindle and experiment with pulse width from an Arduino.
Voltage on that PWM line might give you an idea of % ON time, especially with an analog panel meter. I wouldn’t bother with a logic analyzer for PWM, because it doesn’t carry a lot of information.
Internally, the ESC might (?) have something for I2C or SPI from one IC to another, but my guess is not. If it does, that line will be documented the IC data sheet. If so, that would be the place you might want to have a logic analyzer.
I hope this helps someone…. One of my favorite things is taking stuff apart to figure out how it works. Sometimes, I put them back together, and on occasion even fix them!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

I've been having a heck of a time deciding on one. Siglent want the price of my new scope for the add on so I'm thinking of getting a rigol 5000 series mdo. 32 chan analyzer and the scope is 8gsa haha

[@dheydeck56]

Excellent- thank you for this introduction to Logic Analyzers!

[@nate_d376]

Always connect ground.... got it 👍

[@richardgray8593]

Never say always.

[@Bergerons_Review]

Hi, which one would you recommend for the most bang for my bucks? LA2016 or LA5016?

[@mohammedzainaldin7813]

Could it be used to make cyclic voltammetry experiment?
If not, is there any simple device with usb pc connection, to do cyclic voltammetry?

[@martinedelius]

I'm probably missing something but exactly how did the logic analyzer help you troubleshoot the problem with the EEPROM? Yes, it showed that the Arduino requested data and that it didn't get a response but in my opinion we could infer that from the results. As far as I can tell, the only reason you solved this was because you knew that the pull up resistors are problematic, and that you had to lower the clock frequency of the bus because of this.
Again, I'm probably missing where the logic analyzer assisted so feel free to correct me. :)

[@jameslewis4126]

It proved the EEPROM wasn't responding.

[@NiHaoMike64]

A FX2 based logic analyzer combined with sigrok makes a great budget logic analyzer. I would like to see development with using a FX3 board for faster operation.

[@ergunguler3981]

Merhaba. Bu cihaz ile CAN iletişimini görebilir miyiz?

[@ryanmckenna2047]

Great work, thank you!

[@teo8028]

Can I analyze SPI (MOSI and SCK) without connecting slave to master?

[@CharlieTechie]

Very informative, thanks for the video.

[@kamals4905]

Can i decode custom protocol?
I mean by Ws2811
Please check that

[@mortenlund1418]

Really good video - thanks and cool style.

[@michsmi8297]

The old unit can be configured in many different ways but more specifically it can be both an analyser and a generator and can be programmed to logically interact with a complex pcb, and they are still used in industry.

[@gheorghemoraru634]

GREAT JOB!!!

[@RixtronixLAB]

Nice info, thanks :)

[@DNomer]

Good presenter.

[@jeremyjohansson3445]

Thank you!

[@krzysztofbednarek979]

I like it , thank You

[@andrel.4065]

Thanks!

[@zoozolplexOne]

Cool !!!

[@NewAgeDIY]

The LA2017 appears to be sold everywhere for $80 to $400 Canadian.
It’s a bit of a scam product. I really would like to by on at a reasonable price making sure the it comes with real (not demo) software
Would it be possible for you to provide a link for one that’s sold in Canada that has support & software. I’m sure others are also looking. Your channel is providing a great service to the Maker community. Thanks in advance 👍

[@georgetroulis]

I bought myself a super cheap logic analyzer from eBay for $8. It only has 8 pins plus a ground and looks like a scammy small box but it actually works amazing for I2C and UART. I wouldn't use it for high frequency signals but for basic projects, it's incredible. It works using the same Salae Logic software seen in this video

[@bald_engineer]

@@georgetroulis The software is not Salae's. While clearly modeled after Logic, it is not the same code.

[@NewAgeDIY]

James Lewis / hi James. Did you have a chance to review my post? I’m still looking at buying a LA but what’s the best place to buy and what is a good price for it. As I said the market is flooded with what looks like the same model you used in your demo. Steed studio sells them in Canada for $200. That’s a lot for something that costs a lot less. Love your show ( yes I’m buttering you up of course) but I really need some advice and your the go to guy!

[@bald_engineer]

Dale Marcell The specific one I used came from Newark. (element14 community’s owner.) If you follow the link in the description, it takes you to a page with a link to your region.

[@NewAgeDIY]

James Lewis / thanks I will check that out👍🏼

[@sasha.djordjevic3071]

“Always connect ground” and you should really do it before everything

[@qzorn4440]

in the old days the logic analyzer could test busses... Mmmm, now they can check electric cars....:) ha ha nice video info... thanks

[@madhusudhanark4338]

bald engineer was here😂😂

[@ME1D]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dwudcuqoyl1465]

dont forget the ground or your analysis will be half waved or just wont work

[@konradschaubert5520]

annoying background music WTYf ??

[@MechDickel]

Not a bad video... but we want more DIY stuff! Robots, robots, robots!

[@ergunguler3981]

Merhaba. Bu cihaz ile CAN iletişimini görebilir miyiz?