Just bought a logic analyzer model LA1010 by Kingst Virtual Instrunents. One thing I'm not clear about is Max sampling rate.
It has 16 channels (don't think I'll be using that many), but this model's rate is 100M@3CH, 50M@6CH,32M@9CH, and 16M@16CH.
The next model up (LA2016) is 200M all 16CH. I don't know what I need for Arduino, RPi, and ESP32. I'm also not sure if I need Hardware sampling depth - none on the 1010, 50MSa for the LA2016.
The LA1010 has no Hardware memory (uses computer memory, I have plenty). The LA2016 has 1Gbits (still displays on computer monitor). LA1010 has 20Mhz Measurement bandwidth, LA2015 40Mhz.
Finally, the LA2016 will cost me $90 more. Do I need the better machine?
To measure a 20MHz signal reliable you need to sample at least twice as fast so 40MHz. With the 1010 you can properly measure 3 20MHz signals at the same time, I think that 6 channels will be pushing it.
What is the max. output frequency that your boards can provide. An AVR based board will never get above 8MHz, I do not know about the others.
But I doubt that you need something better than the 1010 for your intended use. Just enjoy it.
For a first try, as long as you don't have really challenging problems and some experience, I'd vote for a cheap model.
If you really encounter speed problems (with spikes,,,) then you are better off with a scope. But for testing serial data transmission or sequences of output signal changes even the slowest logic analyzer will be sufficient with a 16MHz Arduino.
Stand alone analyzer or scope are for quite special cases or field service persons. For now computer memory and display should be sufficient and easy to handle.
I would have done the questioning before purchasing it. In this case I think it is more then adequate.
The specifications 100M@3CH, 50M@6CH, 32M@9CH, and 16M@16CH refer to the sample rate capabilities of a logic analyzer. They indicate the maximum number of samples per second (in megasamples per second, or MS/s) the device can achieve, depending on the number of active channels. For example:
100M@3CH means 100 MS/s when using 3 channels.
50M@6CH means 50 MS/s with 6 channels active, and so on.
The sample rate is critical for accurately capturing high-frequency digital signals. According to the Nyquist theorem, to reasonably reconstruct a digital signal, the sampling rate should be at least twice the signal's frequency. For example, to analyze a 10 MHz signal accurately, you need at least a 20 MS/s sampling rate.
Since you are asking this question I will suggest the one you have is more than adequate. Consider what you will be using it for. I use mine for finding programming problems related to an output. Or PWM output signals, or I2C signals or RS232 signals.
None of these would require anything more than you have.
I will note that the one you have, has no internal memory so you are limited by the USB bus speed. The specs don't state the USB speed so I would assume USB 2.0.
I've have one very similar to this one and have not run into any limit of the analyzer on any of my projects. Probably the more important thing is the software, it can be a breeze or make you hate having to use the analyzer.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
I was beginning to run up against memory limits in my Arduino so in searching for something with more memory I stumbled across the ESP32, wow, what a powerhouse.
I'm beginning to understand now, from everyone's answers. Accordingly, I think even the 2016 would not be sufficient for ESP32 signals as they run at up to 240 Mhz, so I'd need the 5016 which runs at 500 Mhz. if I'm understanding this correctly.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
I think many responses are correct that this 1010 would be sufficient for ARV boards. But I moved to the ESP32.
I'm beginning to understand now, from everyone's answers. Accordingly, I think even the 2016 would not be sufficient for ESP32 signals as they run at up to 240 Mhz, so I'd need the 5016 which runs at 500 Mhz. if I'm understanding this correctly.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
In the ESP32 world there are some very critical timing issues, i.e. one line needs to remain high until another line changes then it can go low. Being able to see those signals and their timing is my reasoning.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
I understand what you're saying now. I think I'm the kind of guy that picks off more than they can chew. But that's how I learn. I do learn best in a classroom but at 86 the internet is my classroom now and I'm picking the brains of my classmates, along with some TA's.
I looked at the link you provided. I have a Master's Degree, but not in advanced math. Thanks.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
I first got one similar to the one you show but I returned it because the connectors would not stay on the pins. Please read my responses to others below.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my ignorance!! Very much appreciated.
Right, I know it uses the computer memory but I didn't think about USB speed. This is USB 2.0.
If you read my comments below, you'll see that It looks like I would need the LA 5016, has internal memory size of 2Gbits and I don't think USB speed would play a factor. ??
It uses English PC Software. I installed it (but not connected to unit) and they have a demo mode for you to get familiar with the GUI and how it works. What software do you use?
Obviously, money can be a stumbling block.
I have a Saleae 16 channel logic analyzer (8 channel is mostly sufficient $800) and an Rigol 4 channel oscilloscope (2 channel usually suffices).
The logic analyzer is fun to use but is an excellent diagnostic tool.
Allows for decoding is Serial/I2C/SPI DATA.
I am partial to the Saleae and their excellent software hardware.
Internally that speed is 240 MHz; it is not said that the external clock source for the processor is 240MHz.
I'm not that much of a hardware person but I have some doubts that you can output a 240 MHz signal on an output pin of the ESP32 or read a 240 MHz input signal, even with low level programming.
The internal clock is (I believe) multiplied to get 250 Mhz. I don't see you measuring 250 Mhz with any of the logic analyzers from this company. Maybe one from HP or similar. You would need special cables and connections to reach these frequencies.
I am retired from EE/Sensor/Mechanical development my whole career. When a design required it, we would use the more sophisticated equipment as required.
However now this is hobby and I don't wish to put too much $$ into test equipment. The reason I picked the one I linked to is, its disposable. If I accidently put too much voltage into the input and fry it I toss it and have a backup to take its place.
Why do you think that?
It all comes down to what you plan to do with your logic analyzer.
You don't need high speed or 16 channels if you are going to look at I2C, SPI, UART, I2S or any of the serial type signals.
Will you be designing PCBs?
