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2017-03-28
2017-03-28
  • Macgman2000

    Macgman2000 - 2017-03-28

    Hello,

    I am trying to listen to an embedded MCU that drives a PLL chip via 3 wire. Data, Clock and LE. I want to make sense of the serial waveforms. Is there an inexpensive PC hardware/software that allows me to look at the waveforms on the 3 wire? My goal is to ultimately write custom code on an arduino Uno that will allow me to control the PLL.

    Thanks,
    Nick

     
  • Anobium

    Anobium - 2017-03-28

    I would recommend the Saleae Logic.

    Check ebay for the real product and the clones.

    I use the v1.1.15 version of the software and it is very simple to use. You create your own protocol.

    Anobium

     

    Last edit: Anobium 2017-03-28
  • mmotte

    mmotte - 2017-03-28

    Anobium,
    was that a misspelled?

    I also use the Saleae Logic 8. Wonderful device, give infomative timing displays, decodes seveal protocols.

    br
    M

     
    • Anobium

      Anobium - 2017-03-28

      Yes..Now Saleae ...

      I just spotted clones on ebay.... very very cheap

       
  • Chris Roper

    Chris Roper - 2017-03-28

    If you have a PICKit 2 or PICKit 3 you can use the Logic Tool.

    It is only 3 channel and a lot slower than the Saleae Logic but is fast enougth to see most serial data or confirm that you have signals and handshaking.

    I have used the PICKit Logic tool far more than I have my Dedicated 16 Channel logic analyzer.

    Best of all it is free if you already have a PICKit.

     
  • William Roth

    William Roth - 2017-03-28

    I use a Saleae Logic (Clone). It has good resolution and is accurate to within ~100 nanoseconds or so depending upon the sample rate. I tried the Pickit Logic Tool but was dissapointed with the low resolution. and rather limited capabilities.

     
  • kent_twt4

    kent_twt4 - 2017-03-28

    I had no idea there were clones of the Saleae, mighty tempting.

     
    • CDRIVE

      CDRIVE - 2017-03-29

      Assuming this is the clone you bought you might like this youtube evaluation...
      https://youtu.be/Laup1sXh5LE

      Chris

       
  • Macgman2000

    Macgman2000 - 2017-03-28

    Thanks all for the suggestions. I just bought a 16 channel clone, dirt cheap IMHO.
    Hope to make sense of the PLL serial control waveforms.

     
  • Anobium

    Anobium - 2017-03-28

    Which one has you gone for? I found some of the software. .. interesting. ....

     
  • Macgman2000

    Macgman2000 - 2017-03-28

    Ebay has one for $49.99, it ships out of the USA.

     
  • CDRIVE

    CDRIVE - 2017-03-28

    Please post the ebay link to it.

    Thanks,
    Chris

     
  • CDRIVE

    CDRIVE - 2017-03-29

    Macgman2000, when your receive your Saleae clone please post your opinion of it and the software. I'm particularly curious about "Trigger" options that's mentioned in this very old Youtube evaluation ....
    https://youtu.be/7OCPWCdg2ys

    Perhaps EEVblog missed something in the triggering options. He's usally very thorough though. BTW, I like this guy's vids because his audio is always clear and distinct. This is something that I can't say about many youtube vids.

    Thanks!
    Chris

     
  • tony golding

    tony golding - 2017-03-29

    the ikalogic scanalogic is good too, and a little cheaper than the official saleae.

    i ended up getting that one instead as at the time their was something the saleae couldnt do but the ikalogic could, even though i wanted the saleae but my budget couldnt stretch any more :(

    good logic analyzer in general, its helped me troubleshoot getting waveforms spot on and capture/decode serial data sent from a pic to wireless module on the spi bus, and you can create custom waveforms and signals too.

    tony

     
  • Paul Haug

    Paul Haug - 2017-03-29

    This is the logic analyzer I use. I think it was $75. 16 channel. One feature I like is all the decodes it supports like RS232. That was particularly usefull as I was able to set the baud rate to any fractunal part of the standard bauds.
    Notice all the protocalls it supports for easy debuging.

     

    Last edit: Paul Haug 2017-03-29
  • Paul Haug

    Paul Haug - 2017-03-29

    Here is a screen shot of the data screen decribed above.

     

    Last edit: Paul Haug 2017-04-01
  • CDRIVE

    CDRIVE - 2017-03-29

    Paul, thank you for posting those images. Your display is strikingly similar to the Saleae.

    Chris

     
  • Macgman2000

    Macgman2000 - 2017-04-01

    This is so strange. I got my $50.00 knock-off.....but it has a plastic top case and the insignia of the Saleae 16 channel. I think the authentic ones have the aluminum top. I had to give the application permission in Ubuntu 14.04LTS to use the hardware but once I did, it worked flawlessly. Sees it as 16 channel, I ran my oscilloscope 1Khz calibration output into the logic analyzer and behold.....1 Khz 50% wave form. I will test it out more this weekend if I get a chance.

     

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