Probing, Hosting Add Depth To Logic-Analyzer Capabilities

March 1, 2004

Three technological advances from Agilent Technologies bring logic analyzers to a new plateau of functionality: modular logic analyzers with hosted capabilities; connector-less probes that are claimed to be the industry's smallest; and an FPGA dynamic...

Roger Allan

The 16900 series multithreading architecture takes full advantage of gigabit-per-second local-area networks (LANs) as well as the latest microprocessor and large-memory technologies to achieve extremely high performance levels. They all feature 4-GHz timing (250-ps sampling) with state measurements. The 68-channel 16950A offers 600-MHz state speed, while the 102-channel 16910A and 68-channel 16911A have 450-MHz state speeds.

The series includes the six-slot modular 16900A, the six-slot 16902A module with an integrated touch display, the three-slot modular 16903A with an integrated touch display, the 102-channel 4-GHz module with 450-MHz state acquisition, the 68-channel 16911A 4-GHz module with 450-MHz state acquisition, and the 68-channel 16950A 4-GHz module with 600-MHz state acquisition. They all feature hosted-mode capabilities and can operate in standalone or multiframe configurations.

The E5396A/98A single-ended connectorless 17-channel Soft Touch logic probes feature a footprint of just 7 by 22 mm. The E5396A/98A are compatible with all Agilent logic analyzers that use a 40-pin/90-pin connector interface.

FPGA debug is where the B4655A dynamic probe logic-analysis application steps in. It features up to 64 internal probe points, a 2× data-compression option, state and timing analysis, and automatic mapping of internal signal names from FPGA design tools to the analyzer setup.

The 16900A/902A/903A modules cost $15,000/$16,500/$12,000. The 16910A/911A/950A modules go for $12,000/$9000/$18,500. The E5396A/98A Soft Touch probes are priced at $19,000. Availability for these is some time next month. The B4655A FPGA probe can be ordered now at a special introductory price of $995 through December 2004. It will be available in July.

Agilent Technologieswww.agilent.com (800) 452-4844, ext. 7877 (modules); ext. 7875 (Soft Touch probes); ext. 7876 (FPGA probe)

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.