What is the primary difference between state and timing analysis?

Timing analysis uses the analyzer's internal clock to sample asynchronously, making it ideal for checking physical timing relationships, skew, and glitches. State analysis samples synchronously using the clock of the circuit under test, which is necessary for trace correlation and microprocessor bus execution analysis.

Which operating systems power these systems?

The operating platform depends on the system generation. Older modular mainframes like the Keysight 16702B run on a modified HP-UX platform, whereas mid-to-late generation mainframes and portables like the Keysight 16903A or Tektronix TLA5203B run on standard Windows platforms.

Analyzers Logic

6 subcategories

Logic analyzers are specialized digital diagnostic instruments designed to capture, view, and analyze multiple digital signals simultaneously. Unlike oscilloscopes, which measure continuous voltage variations, logic analyzers focus on digital states, transitions, and timing relationships across buses, processors, and memory interfaces. These tools are essential for digital hardware engineers and system integrators debugging complex circuitry, verifying protocol compliance, and troubleshooting timing issues. When selecting a logic analyzer, key considerations include physical form factor (portable versus modular mainframes), maximum state and timing acquisition speeds, probe channel density, and memory depth. This guide details these core parameters to assist in comparing and configuring the appropriate test setup.

Highest State Clock Rate: 600 MHz (with Keysight 16950A module)
Max Timing Resolution: 125 ps / 8 GHz (with Tektronix TLA5203B)
Max Portable Channel Count: 136 channels (with Tektronix TLA614-1J-)
Max Mainframe Card Slots: 6 slots (with Keysight 16902A)

Subcategories

Agilent

7 models

Agilent modules

2 models

Main Frame

4 models

State Timing Analysis Modules

5 models

Tek

6 models

Tek modules

2 models

Portable vs. Modular Architecture

Logic analyzers are categorized into either integrated portable systems or modular mainframe systems.

Portable Logic Analyzers: These instruments integrate the acquisition hardware, processing engine, and display into a single enclosure. Models like the Tektronix TLA613-1P (102 channels with a 10.4-inch color display), the Tektronix TLA5203B (102 channels with a 10.4-inch display), and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16802A (68 channels with a 15-inch display) provide dedicated, bench-ready platforms. The Tektronix TLA614-1J- offers up to 136 acquisition channels in a portable form factor.
Modular Systems (Mainframes): Designed for high-density, multi-bus testing, these systems consist of a chassis that accepts multiple acquisition and pattern-generation modules. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16903A provides a 3-slot capacity, while the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16902A extends capacity to 6 module slots. Display options vary: the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16702A (9.1-inch screen) and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16702B (12.1-inch screen) have built-in touchscreens, whereas mainframes like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16700A and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16700B require an external monitor for operation.

Understanding Timing and State Capabilities

A logic analyzer operates in two primary modes: asynchronous timing analysis and synchronous state analysis. Selecting the correct performance level for both is critical:

Timing Analysis: Uses the instrument's internal clock to sample signals at fixed intervals. To capture brief glitches and sub-nanosecond transitions, instruments utilize high-speed timing resolution. Tektronix units leverage MagniVu technology to achieve fine resolutions, such as 500 ps (2 GHz) on the Tektronix TLA613-1P and up to 125 ps (8 GHz) on the Tektronix TLA5203B. Keysight modules, such as the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16950A and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16910A, feature Timing Zoom modes capable of 4 GHz (250 ps) sampling with dedicated sample memory.
State Analysis: Uses the clock from the device under test to sample data synchronously. This is essential for bus and memory decoding. The maximum state clock speed determines how fast a system can be clocked while maintaining reliable capture. State clock rates range from 100 MHz on the Tektronix TLA614-1J- up to 600 MHz on the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16950A high-performance module.

Memory Depth and Special Modules

Memory depth dictates how much historical data can be stored before and after a trigger event, which is vital when hunting for intermittent errors over extended timeframes. On modules like the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16910A, selectable memory depths can be scaled from 256K up to 32M samples per channel depending on option configuration.

In addition to logic analysis, some mainframes support physical stimulus creation. For example, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 16522A is a 200 MHz digital pattern generator module designed for compatible modular mainframes. This allows engineers to output complex digital vectors on up to 20 or 40 channels per module to simulate missing system components or drive inputs during functional testing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between state and timing analysis?: Timing analysis uses the analyzer's internal clock to sample asynchronously, making it ideal for checking physical timing relationships, skew, and glitches. State analysis samples synchronously using the clock of the circuit under test, which is necessary for trace correlation and microprocessor bus execution analysis.
Which operating systems power these systems?: The operating platform depends on the system generation. Older modular mainframes like the Keysight 16702B run on a modified HP-UX platform, whereas mid-to-late generation mainframes and portables like the Keysight 16903A or Tektronix TLA5203B run on standard Windows platforms.

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