Cheap Logic Sniffer logic analyzer

[Armageddon]

Open Bench Logic Sniffer is an open source logic analyzer. It's designed to support the SUMP logic analyzer software at the lowest possible cost.
I get one for $50 at seedstudio, use a PIC (PIC18F24J50) and a FPGA (Spartan3E XC3S250E).

Features:
  Capture 50MHz+ waveforms on 32 channels
  200Msps captures up to 100MHz (BW) waveforms on 16 channels
  100Msps captures up to 50MHz (BW) waveforms on 32 channels
  16 buffered channels, 5volt tolerant
  M74LCX16245DTR2G transceiver tolerates voltages from -0.5V to +7V.
  216K Block RAM supports following memory configurations:
    8 channels with 24K sample depth
    16 channels with 12K sample depth
    32 channels with 6K sample depth
  External clock and trigger input
  Allows interfacing with external test equipment and daisy chaining OLS's for additional channels.
  Internal clock and trigger output
  16bit wing expansion header
  USB interface, USB powered
  USB upgradable everything
  Designed for the SUMP logic analyzer client
  Open source

What do you think?  

[forter]

I have this one.
I think it has not enough memory,
and you must use only the latest version of software.
Because there is some trouble with RxTx-library.

[kreutz]

I also have one of those. It all depends on what your expectations from the product are. From my point of view it works fine with the latest software, if you use the advanced trigger setup it is pretty useful. Just look at the price tag, there is nothing comparable $$ vs performance.

Remember, it also lacks the proper probes and cables, you must be aware of the limitations...

[Gallymimu]

Saleae logic and logic 16 are nice and have very deep memory depths.  They of course cost a little more.  There are plenty of clones on ebay for the Saleae logic which work with there software.

[Old_but_Alive]

just checked on ebay, and couldnt locate any clones.

can you give 3 or 4 links please, especially the higher spec one.

[Gallymimu]

Here's some documentation.

On ebay you have to search by the cypress SOC rather than for Saleae.  Here are some links discussing the clones and some gotchas.

Also, there is only a clone for the lesser 8 channel one to my knowledge.  It's still a great deal though I would always suggest supporting Saleae since they have an AWESOME product with good software.

http://www.jwandrews.co.uk/2011/12/saleae-logic-analyser-clone-teardown-and-reprogramming/
http://sunbizhosting.co.uk/~spiral/blog/?p=117

[sarah90]

Direct Saleae clones are not accepted on ebay, you need other channels for that.

This is the generic ebay module: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200792390653

The eeprom on these boards is bigger than on a saleae board. This is detected by the saleae software. Just change the eeprom or use an external one.

There is open source software as well: http://sigrok.org/wiki/Main_Page

But indeed support Saleae if you can. They rock.

[Armageddon]

But for $ 50 I believe that there is nothing like that.
If it had more memory would be similar to other which a cost on the order of 10 times or more, and Honestly I would never pay $ 500 for one of those, I would feel cheated.

[kreutz]

Although Saelae has a beautiful software with useful protocol analyzers (I2C, Async Serial, SPI, 1-Wire, CAN, I2S, PCM, UNI/O, Manchester, and MP Mode)  it is limited to <10 Mhz signals (max sample rate is 24 Mhz). Sampling memory is only limited by the PC running it (advantage).

Open bench logic sniffer has more "usefulness potential" when applied to a real life modern microcontroller circuit troubleshooting/debugging, but lacks on the software and protocol analyzers' part (so far). The fact that it is open source (hardware and software) could make it even a better contender in the future.
 

[Gallymimu]

But for $ 50 I believe that there is nothing like that.
If it had more memory would be similar to other which a cost on the order of 10 times or more, and Honestly I would never pay $ 500 for one of those, I would feel cheated.

If you followed our conversation you would see that the saleae clones cost less than your proposed tool.

Posted on: December 18, 2012, 03:41:37 03:41 - Automerged

Although Saelae has a beautiful software with useful protocol analyzers (I2C, Async Serial, SPI, 1-Wire, CAN, I2S, PCM, UNI/O, Manchester, and MP Mode)  it is limited to <10 Mhz signals (max sample rate is 24 Mhz). Sampling memory is only limited by the PC running it (advantage).

Open bench logic sniffer has more "usefulness potential" when applied to a real life modern microcontroller circuit troubleshooting/debugging, but lacks on the software and protocol analyzers' part (so far). The fact that it is open source (hardware and software) could make it even a better contender in the future.
 

Depends what you are doing I guess.  I wouldn't find a 24k sample depth to be very useful in almost any logic situation.

90% of situations can be slowed down to become sampleable by either of the discussed tools.  If you are speed sensitive (or have speed/timing issues to debug) you typically need much more expensive tools that can look at precise edge timing, rise times, jitter etc.

Saleae is a great tool and I am sure SUMP is nice too.  I have a Lecroy 500MHz logicstudio and I certainly feel "cheated" for what it does.

[Armageddon]

I have a Lecroy 500MHz logicstudio and I certainly feel "cheated" for what it does.

Are these the Lecroy 500MHz logicstudio specifications?

Specifications (LogicStudio 16):
  Input Channels 16
  Sample Rate 1 GS/s on 8 Ch, 500 MS/s on 16 Ch
  Minimum Detectable Pulse Width 3.75 ns
  Memory 40 kpts on 8 Ch, 20 kpts on 16 Ch
  Trigger Types Edge, pattern, pulse width, pattern width. I2C, SPI, UART
  Threshold Selections TTL, CMOS (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V), user defined
  User-defined Threshold Range 0–7 V
  Maximum Survivable Input Voltage ±40 VDC
  Threshold Accuracy ±150 mV + 5% of threshold
  Maximum Input Dynamic Range 40 Vp-p
  Minimum Voltage Swing 500 mVp-p
  Input Impedance 150 kΩ parallel 12 pF
  Channel-to-Channel Skew 1 ns typical
  Trigger Resolution 500 MS/s
  Host Port USB 2.0, bus-powered peripheral

The LogicStudio 16 have a pricing of $1,476.30. Truly affordable, LOL...

If you followed our conversation you would see that the saleae clones cost less than your proposed tool.

I do not propose anything, everyone is free to do whatever he wants.

[Gallymimu]

yeah those are the specs for the Lecroy logicstudio.  It's fast, but not that versatile with the short memory depth.  I certainly wouldn't have gotten it if my customer hadn't asked for it and paid for it.

[Armageddon]

LWLA1016 Logic Analyzer:
  - 250Msps @ 8 Ch, 100Msps @ 16Ch.
  - 256K/Ch @ 8 Ch, 128K/Ch @ 16Ch.
  - Others sample-rates: 50, 20, 10, 5 Msps and 100sps
  - VMax @ in -1V/6V.
  - SW: GTKWAVE.
  - Support SPI, UART, I2C, PWM.
  - Support OS windows.

Its price is between 52 and 80 $.

[motox]

It's around 32€.

Use the Google Chrome to automatically translate the page.

[ppa88]

I found a  $50 device which can be used as a clone for Saleae or USBee by jumper selection.

http://store.iteadstudio.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=221



Comes with the required cables and grabbers.

Cheers.

[Old_but_Alive]

great, but everything in their store seems to be "sold out"

[ppa88]

Found the same model for sale for $28 at
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/free-shipping-Ax-Saleae-USB-Blaster-3-in-1-Q7-Mini-Logic-analyzer-MiniLogic/535753410.html

[Armageddon]

* LWLA2034 logic analyzer 34 channel @ 200 MSP.

  -Threshold adjustable: 10.0 V ~ + 10.0 V (accuracy: 0.1 V).
  -Input impedance: 100 KO / 20 pf.
  -Support input level standard: TTL, LVTTL, CMOS, LVCOMS, ECL, PECL, EIA, direct measurement CAN RS232 RS485 bus.
  -Support external clock.
  -Memory depth 512 k X 36 BIT.
  -Limit signal input range: v ~ + 30 v, and ESD electrostatic protection: 15 Kv.
  -External clock up to 250 MSP.
  -Support system: WINDOW XP, WIN 7 32/64 bit.

Its price is ~115€, good relation quality/price.

Posted on: January 06, 2013, 06:31:13 18:31 - Automerged
* OMEGA is a very powerful and fast, flexible, expandable, user-friendly and cost effective logic analyzer with extraordinary large event memory, efficient real-time hardware compression and complex trigger logic. OMEGA operates on a High-Speed USB port and requires no external power supply.

Features:

  -Extremely large event memory (512 megabit)
  -Real-time hardware data compression
  -Up to 400 MHz sample speed
  -Up to 16 inputs
  -Flexible trigger options
  -"Logic probe" mode
  -Controlled and powered by USB (High-Speed, 480 Mbps)
  -Advanced software (for Windows and Linux)

More info: http://www.asix.net/tools/dbg_omega.htm  

Its price is ~300€.

[cicos]

 2 in 1, Dx / Saleae Logic Analyze, 16Channels

New  DX,  supports all  DX function, support Suite PRO software,  DX is double integrated oscilloscope, which is integrated with the  AX single dual-channel oscilloscopes, you can also test the two analog signals, this version the DX is also compatible with Saleae Logic function, simply slide the front of a toggle switch to Saleae here, that you can use Saleae Logic functions.

16-channel logic channel, providing SPI Bus, I2C Bus, USB Bus, PS / 2 Bus, SM Bus Bus, Async Bus, Serial Bus, Parallel Bus, CAN Bus ,1-Wire Bus, I2S Bus bus analysis, etc., equipment compact, easy to use

In addition,  can switch to a compatible Saleae mode, you can use the latest Saleae1.1.9 software, now updated to 1.1.15, and can be used normally.

AD input solution:ADI AD9288 chip


http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/free-shipping-2-in-1-Dx-Saleae-Logic-Analyze-16Channels/410270_530473585.html

Poz
JaMi

[sarah90]

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/free-shipping-2-in-1-Dx-Saleae-Logic-Analyze-16Channels/410270_530473585.html

No offence, but you are aware that the aliexpress items are (relatively cheap) knock offs and not the real deal?