Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

[Spork Schivago]

Re: Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

Thanks Stj. What are the disadvantages, if any, to using a USB one vs a benchtop model with a built-in screen? I'd like something that I could continue to use for other tasks when I learn more about electronics. You know, something I'm not going to have to replace within a year or so because I've outgrown it's capabilities. I've looked into the USB ones before, mainly because of the price. I've seen with some models, people had trouble with the probes or whatever you want to call them. For example, the one you showed me only has 8 channels. That's probably fine for now, but in a year, I might need 32 or 64. With USB, what would be the maximum speed I could capture at? Would I be able to sample more data with one channel vs all 8? If the chips running at something like 20MHz, would I successfully be able to capture from all 8 channels our would USB be too slow?

On another forum, someone suggested a Tektronix TLA715. I guess right now, I should probably be trying to decide on whether I want one of the less expensive USB ones or one of the mainframe benchtop units or what.

[stj]

Re: Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

then you can get away with something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141694353386

[Spork Schivago]

Re: Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

Sorry, I should have said more stuff. I wanted to sniff i2C and SPI buses. I want to be able to hook a logic analyzer up to something like my DP832 and see what happens when I power on the unit. I want to see how the different chips talk to each other, stuff like that.

[japlytic]

Re: Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

What sort of bus or digital signals do you want to analyse? This can be helpful in choosing a logic analyser.

[stj]

Re: Considering purchasing a Logic Analyzer

what do you need it for?
always the first question with tools.

[Spork Schivago]

Hello,

I was thinking of purchasing a logic analyzer and wanted to know what you guys thought of the Agilent 1673G 34 CH Port Logic Analyzer? What would be a good price to pay for one? I've seen these portable USB ones as well but I'm not quite sure I want to go that route. Does anyone have any experience with the USB ones and are there any general drawbacks to using the USB logic analyzers vs a benchtop model? Thanks!