Basic Operation

This is the fundamental operation we expect out of test equipment we call 'Logic Analyzers.' DigiViews and traditional bench-top devices work this way. Some hobby-grade devices skip some (or even most) of this functionality. We consider this to be the minimum, base-line functionality.

• Target signals are compared to a configurable threshold voltage. Voltages above the threshold are forced to a logic high level; lower voltages are forced to a logic low level.
• The comparator output is sampled at a specific rate
• The data samples are written to a buffer (very high speed memory) in the logic analyzer
• When the buffer fills to the 'prefill' level, it begins looking for a trigger event.
• While waiting for the trigger, the buffer operates in 'ring buffer' mode, meaning that when the buffer hits full, it wraps around and starts writing at the beginning again, replacing the oldest data with the newest. This ensures that it always contains the most recent samples in memory...no matter how long it runs.
• When a trigger is detected, the current buffer write-location is noted (as the trigger point).
• 'Buffer-size - Prefill' additional data samples are stored in the buffer and then the capture is stopped.
• The captured data is displayed for analysis.

DigiView Enhancements

DigiView extends traditional Logic Analyzers with the following enhanced or new functions.

• Compression
  Increases storage duration AND allows us to always run at maximum sample-rate, giving best resolution. Eliminates capture-time vs resolution trade-offs. Always maximizes both!
• Dual Storage Modes
  
  • Store-and-Forward
    Basic operation stores the compressed data in a large, local hi-speed ring buffer, then transfers the buffer to the PC when the capture is complete. This guarantees full bandwidth operation.
  • Streaming
    Uploads data to the PC during capture. Hardware based compression and a very large FIFO enables extended capture time in all but the most demanding situations.
• Hybrid Storage Controller
  Automatically reconfigures the hardware to select the best storage mode without loosing any capture data or missing a trigger... even in mid-capture. Maximizes capture time without compromising performance or reliability. Never over-runs, misses triggers, or suggests you 'reduce sample rate' or 'try again'.
• Leverages your Existing PC
  Uses PC's processing power and versitile I/O for display and analysis. Save costs, enhances portability and increases performance. NOTE: Reliable captures do NOT depend on the PC performance; all real-time capture functions are done in hardware. When streaming, the PC does NOT process the data or write to disk; it just stores it in memory.