WO2005121814A1

WO2005121814A1 - Logic analyzer and method of analyzing waveform data using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2005121814A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/015583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ming-Kuo Cheng; Chiu-Hao Cheng; Chun-Feng Tseng; Hung-Ye Chang
Original assignee: Zeroplus Technology Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-06-07
Filing date: 2004-06-07
Publication date: 2005-12-22

Abstract

A method of analyzing waveform data using a logic analyzer (10) is provided. The logic analyzer comprises a control circuit (11) and a memory (12). A waveform data is retrieved from a test object (40) and stored into the memory (12) of the logic analyzer (10). Next, the waveform data stored in the memomy (12) is transmitted to a computer (30) and then filled into a buffer (14) of the logic analyzer (10). Next, the waveform data stored in the buffer (14) is transmitted to a display device (13) so that a user can select a display channel in a channel display area (53) in a main waveform display area (51) in a control window (50) of the logic analyzer (10) to select a waveform display mode (102) or a waveform observation mode (103) to display a sector of the waveform data in different display modes and different angles according to different timings in the display device (13).

Description

LOGIC ANALYZER AND METHOD OF ANALYZING WAVEFORM DATA

USING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a logic analyzer and a method of

analyzing waveform data using the same, and more particularly to a logic analyzer

capable of retrieving waveform data from test object and transmitting to a computer so

that a user can select a desired test mode of the waveform, and also the user can select

various combinations of the waveform display modes to display the same waveform data

in various display modes on a display device allowing the user to analyze the waveform

data in different angles, for example, to detect the noise waveform hidden within a

normal wave and also to save the analyzed data in a file and/or to print out analyzed

waveform data as a report.

2. Description of related art

[0002] Conventional logic analyzer is capable of merely displaying the waveform

data retrieved from the tested object via the digital circuit, for example, the integrated

circuit or some other circuit on the display device so that a user manually observes the

displayed waveform data to analyze the waveform data. For further improvement of the

logic analyzer, the manufacturers mainly focus on four general parameters, namely,

memory depth, signal retrieving speed, trigger ability and stability (anti-noise ability), and

therefore it is difficult to properly adjust to obtain desired effect. Obviously, the

functions of the presently available logic analyzer are insufficient for the R & D engineers with the rapid advancement of the technology. High quality display and testing

capability of waveform analyzer are very essential for research and development of

electronic products.

[0003] Therefore, to overcome the above defects is an important issue to the

manufacturer in the field. The correction work for the R & D engineers can be

substantially promoted if the logic analyzer allows the R & D engineers to observe

waveform data in various modes and angles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, in the view of the foregoing, the present inventor makes a

detailed study of related art to evaluate and consider, and uses years of accumulated

experience in this field, and through several experiments, to create a new logic analyzer.

The present invention provides an innovated cost effective logic analyzer that allows the

R & D engineers to observe waveform data in various modes and angles.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a test data of a test object

is retrieved by the control circuit of the logic analyzer and stored in a memory. When the

memory is full, the data is transmitted to a computer via a transmission interface. The

computer fills the above data into the buffer and sends the data from the buffer to the

display device allowing a user to select desired waveform display modes, such as

zooming in and synchronization display mode, and waveform observation modes, such as,

3D display mode, up/down display mode, up-left/down-right display mode, up-

right/down-left display mode and image display modes. Thus, this allows the user to

perform analysis of waveform data in various angles in order to detect noise waveform

hidden within a normal waveform. The user can save the analysis data in the file and/or print out the analysis data as a report.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, the analysis data

stored in the memory is written into a buffer and sent to the display device so that the user

can select the desired waveform display mode, namely, zooming in and synchronization

display mode, and waveform observation modes, such as, 3D display mode, up/down

display mode, up-left/down-right display mode, up-right/down-left display mode and

image display modes. Thus, the user can process waveform analysis in various angles,

for example, to detect the noise waveform hidden within a normal waveform. The user

can save the analysis data into a file or print out the analysis data as a report. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference will

now be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in

conjunction with the following accompanying drawings.

[0008] Fig. 1A is a view of a circuit layout of a logic analyzer according to an

embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. IB is a view of a circuit layout of a logic analyzer according to another

embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer according to an

embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer in a 3D display mode

according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 4 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer in a up/down display

mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] Fig. 5 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer in an up-left/down-right

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 6 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer in an up-right/down-left

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 7 is an operation flowchart of a logic analyzer in an image display

mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a view of a control window of a logic analyzer according to an

embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 9A is a view of a waveform data displayed in a 3D display mode

according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9B is a view of a waveform data displayed in a zoom in and up/down

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9C is a view of a waveform data displayed in a synchronized and

up/down display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 9D is a view of a waveform data displayed in an up-left/down-right

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 9E is a view of a waveform data displayed in an up-right/down-left

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 9F is a view of a waveform data displayed in an automatic image

display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 9G is a view of a waveform data displayed in a manual image display

mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0024] Reference will be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the

invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever

possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer

to the same or like parts.

[0025] Referring to Fig. 1A, a circuit layout of a logic analyzer according to an

embodiment of the present invention is shown. The logic analyzer 10 comprises at least a

control circuit 11 and a memory 12. The control circuit 11 is electrically connected to a

computer 30 via a transmission interface 20. The control circuit 11 is connected to a test

object 40 using suitable tool (not shown) to retrieve the waveform data of the test object

40 and store the waveform data into the memory 12. Thereafter, the waveform data

stored in the memory 12 is transmitted to the computer 30 via the transmission interface

20 by the control circuit 11, and then the waveform data is transmitted to the buffer 14.

And eventually the data stored in the buffer 14 is displayed in the display device 13.

[0026] Furthermore, the control circuit 11 of the logic analyzer 10 is adapted for

retrieving the waveform data from the test object 40 and for storing waveform data into

the memory 12. When the memory 12 is full, the waveform data is transmitted to the

computer 30 via the transmission interface 20, and the computer 30 fills the waveform

data into the buffer 14 and then the waveform data stored in the buffer 14 is transmitted

to the display device 13. As shown in Fig. 9F, the waveform data is displayed by the

display device 13 allowing the user select a desired channel or waveform mode in the

channel display area 53 or the main waveform display area 51 displayed in the control

window 50 of the logic analyzer 10. As shown in Figs. 1A and 2, for example, by

selecting the waveform display mode 102, the waveform data can be zoomed in and synchronizing display mode, and the waveform observation mode 103, 3D display mode,

up/down display mode, up-left/down-right display mode, up-right/down-left display

mode and image display mode. Thus the user can choose various waveform observation

modes 103 to display the waveform data retrieved in different time by same sector in

various waveform display mode 102 in the display device 13 of the computer 30. The

user can process waveform analysis in different angles and save the analyzed data in the

file or print out for the report.

[0027] Referring to Fig. IB, a circuit layout of a logic analyzer according to

another embodiment of the present invention is show. The logic analyzer 10 comprises

the control circuit 11, the memory 12, the display device 13 and the buffer 14. The

control circuit 11 is connected to the test object 40 using a suitable tool (not shown) for

retrieving the waveform data from the test object 40, which is then stored into the

memory 12. The control circuit 11 is adapted for transmitting the data stored in the

memory 12 to the buffer 14, which is then transmitted to the display device 13.

[0028] The control circuit 11 of the logic analyzer 10 retrieves the waveform data

from the test object 40 and stores it into the memory 12, when the memory 12 is full, the

data is transmitted to the buffer 14, and then the data stored in the buffer 14 is transmitted

to the display device 13 where the waveform data is displayed. As shown in Fig. 9F, the

user selects a desired channel or waveform mode in the channel display area 53 or the

main waveform display area 51 displayed in the control window 50 of the logic analyzer

10. As shown in Fig. 1A and 2, for example, by selecting the waveform display mode

102, the waveform data can be zoomed in and synchronizing display mode, and the

waveform observation mode 103, 3D display mode, up/down display mode, up- left/down-right display mode, up-right/down-left display mode and image display mode.

Thus the user can choose various waveform observation modes 103 to display the

waveform data retrieved in different time by same sector in various waveform display

mode 102 in the display device 13 of the computer 30. The user can process waveform

analysis in different angles and save the analyzed data in the file or print out for the report.

[0029] The operation procedure of the logic analyzer 10 according to an

embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figs. 1A, 2 and 9F as

follows.

In step 100, the logic analyzer 10 is turned on. In step 101, a channel or a waveform display mode is selected in the channel display

area 53 or main the waveform display area 51 from the control window 50 of the logic

analyzer 10.

In step 102, the display mode, for example, two different display modes, such as a

zoom in display mode or a synchronized display mode, from the waveform display mode

102 is selected.

In step 103, the observation mode, for example, five different display modes, such as

3D display mode, up/down display mode, up-left/down-right display mode, up-

right/down-left display mode and image display mode, from the waveform observation

mode 103 is selected. In step 104, whether any other waveform display mode 102 or waveform observation

mode 103 selection is continued is determined. If yes, the operation proceeds to step 102,

if not, the operation proceeds step 105.

In step 105, the operation procedure ends. [0030] When the 3D display mode in the waveform observation mode 103 of the

logic analyzer 10 is selected, the operation proceeds as follows, which can be described

with reference to Fig. 1A, 3 and 9F.

In step 200, the operation procedure starts.. In step 201, the test signal is input.

In step 202, waveform data plotted along X and Y-axis, is retrieved and stored into

the memory 12 and the time data is plotted along Z-axis. The waveform data along three

axes are analyzed in the 3D display mode.

In step 203, result of the 3D display mode is transmitted to the sub-waveform display

area 54 via the interface.

In step 204, whether or not the result is stored in a file is determined. If yes, the

operation proceeds to step 206, if not, operation proceeds to step 205.

In step 205, whether or not to print the resulting waveform data is determined. If yes,

the operation proceeds to step 207, if not, the operation proceeds to step 208. In step 206, the resulting waveform data is stored in the file.

In step 207, the resulting waveform data is printed.

In step 208, the operation procedure ends.

[0031] When the user chooses the 3D display mode of the waveform observation

mode 103, the resulted waveform is displayed in the sub-waveform display area 54, as

shown in Fig. 9A, the user can rotate the angle of the 3D waveform, or choose to zoom

out or in thereof. [0032] When the up/down display mode from the waveform observation mode 103

of the logic analyzer 10 is selected, the operation procedure proceeds as follows, which

can be described with reference to Figs. 1A, 4, 9F.

In step 300, the operation procedure starts. In step 301, one of the two display modes, down-up display mode or up-down display

mode, is selected.

In step 302, the test signal is input, when the down-up display mode is selected, the

operation proceeds to step 303, and when up-down display mode is selected, the

operation proceeds to step 304. In step 303, the retrieved waveform data is stored to the buffer 14 and the waveform

data is analyzed in the down-up display mode, then the operation proceeds to step 305.

In step 304, the retrieved waveform data is stored to the buffer 14 and the waveform

data is analyzed in the up-down display mode, then the operation proceeds to step 305.

In step 305, the above resulting waveform data analyzed in the up/down display mode

is transmitted to the sub-waveform display area 54 via interface.

In step 306, whether the resulting waveform data is stored in a file is determined. If

yes, the operation proceeds to step 308, if not the operation proceeds to step 307.

In step 307, whether or not to print the resulting waveform data is determined. If yes,

the operation proceeds to step 309, if not, the operation proceeds to step 310. In step 308, the resulting waveform data is stored in the file.

In step 309, the resulting waveform data is printed out.

In step 310, the operation procedure ends. [0033] Accordingly, the waveform data can be analyzed in a up/down display

mode in the sub-waveform display area 54, as shown in Fig. 9B and 9C, a user can select

the waveform display mode 102 to zoom in or synchronize the display, and the waveform

observation mode 103, such as 3D display mode, up/down display mode, up-left/down-

right display mode, up-right/down-left display mode and image display mode.

[0034] When the up-left/down-right display mode is selected from the waveform

observation mode 103 of the logic analyzer 10, the operation proceeds as follows, which

can be described with reference to Figs. 1A, 5, and 9F.

In step 400, the operation procedure starts. In step 401, one of the two display modes, down-right to up-left display mode or

from up-left to down-right display mode, can be selected.

In step 402, the test signal is input, when the down-right to up-left display mode is

selected, the operation proceeds to step 403, and when the up-left to down-right display

mode is selected, the operation proceeds to step 404. In step 403, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the buffer 14 and the

waveform data is analyzed in the down-right to up-left display mode, then the operation

proceeds to step 405.

In step 404, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the buffer 14 and the

waveform data is analyzed in the up-left to down-right' display mode, then the operation

proceeds to step 405.

In step 405, the above resulting waveform data analyzed in the up-left/down-right

display mode is transmitted to the sub-waveform display area 54 via interface.

In step 406, whether or not the resulting waveform data is stored in a file is determined. If yes, the operation proceeds to step 408, if not, the operation proceeds to

step 407.

In step 407, whether or not to print the resulting waveform data is determined. If

yes, the operation proceeds to step 409, if not, the operation proceeds to step 410. In step 408, the resulting waveform data is stored in the file.

In step 409, the resulting waveform is printed out. In step 410, the operation procedure ends.

[0035] Accordingly, the waveform data can be analyzed in the above up-left/down-

right display mode and displayed in the sub-waveform display area 54 as shown in Fig.

9D, a user can select the waveform display mode 102 to zoom in or synchronize the

display, and the waveform observation mode 103, such as 3D display mode, up/down

image display mode.

[0036] When the down-left/up-right display mode is selected from the waveform

can be described with reference to Fig. 6.

In step 500, the operation procedure starts.

In step 501, one of the two display modes, down-left to up-right display mode or up¬

right to down-left display mode can be selected. In step 502, the test signal is input, when the down-left to up-right display mode is

selected, the operation proceeds to step 503, and when up-right to down-left display

mode is selected, the operation proceeds to step 504.

In step 503, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the buffer 14 and the waveform data is analyzed in the down-left to up-right display mode, then the operation

proceeds to step 505.

In step 504, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the buffer 14 and the

waveform data is analyzed in the up-right to down-left display mode, then the operation

proceeds to step 505.

In step 505, the waveform data analyzed in the up-right/down-left display mode is

transmitted to the sub-waveform display area 54 via interface.

In step 506, whether or not the analyzed waveform data is stored in a file is

determined. If yes, the operation proceeds to step 508, if not, the operation proceeds to

step 507.

In step 507, whether or not to print out the analyzed waveform data is determined. If

yes, the operation proceeds to step 509, if not the operation proceeds to step 510.

In step 508, the analyzed waveform data is saved in the file.

In step 509, the analyzed waveform data is printed out. In step 510, the operation procedure ends.

[0037] Accordingly, the waveform data can be displayed in the above up-

right/down-left display mode in the sub-waveform display area 54, as shown in Fig. 9E, a

user can select the waveform display mode 102 to zoom in or synchronize display, and

the waveform observation mode 103, such as 3D, up/down, up-left/down-right, up-

right/down-left and image display mode.

[0038] When the image display mode from the waveform observation mode 103 of

the logic analyzer 10 is selected, the operation proceeds as follows, which can be

described with reference to Fig. 7. In step 600, the operation procedure starts.

In step 601, the automatic display mode or the manual display mode is selected.

In step 602, the test signal is input, when the automatic display mode is selected, the

operation proceeds to step 603, and when the manual display mode is selected, the

operation proceeds to step 604.

In step 603, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the memory 12 and the

waveform data is analyzed in the automatic display mode, then the operation proceeds to

step 605.

In step 604, the waveform data is retrieved and stored to the memory 12 and the

waveform data is analyzed in the manual display mode, then the operation proceeds to

step 605.

In step 605, the waveform data analyzed in the image display mode is transmitted to

the sub-waveform display area 54 via interface.

In step 606, whether or not the result is stored in a file is determined. If yes, the

operation proceeds to step 607, and if not, the operation proceeds to step 608.

In step 607, the analyzed waveform data is stored in the file.

In step 608, operation procedure ends.

[0039] Accordingly, when the user selects the automatic display mode from the

image display mode of the waveform display mode 103, the waveform is shown in the

sub-waveform display area 54 of the main waveform display area 51. Further, as shown

in Fig. 9F, the user can adjust the size of the sub-waveform display area 54, and the

displayed waveform can be altered according to the size of the sub-waveform display

area 54, for example, the waveform will be displayed from the beginning stage of the waveform data. Alternatively, the user can use a main waveform display area control bar

52 to control the displayed waveform in the sub-waveform display area 54. Furthermore,

when the user selects the manual display mode, the waveform is shown in the sub-

waveform display area 54 of the main waveform display area 51. As shown in Fig. 9G,

the user can select a particular sector of the main waveform display area 51 to observe,

and the user can also adjust the size of the sub-waveform display area 54 to display the

waveform from the selected sector. Alternatively, the user can use a sub-waveform

display area control bar 55 for displaying the waveform in the sub-waveform display area

54.

[0040] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best

mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be

apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is

intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations in which fall

within the spirit and scope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown in

the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS

1. A method of analyzing waveform data using a logic analyzer comprising at

least a control circuit, a transmission interface and a memory, the method comprising: retrieving waveform data from a test object, wherein said control circuit is adapted

for retrieving said waveform data from said test object; storing said waveform data into said memory; transmitting said waveform data via transmission interface to a computer when

said memory is full, and filling said waveform data into a buffer of said logic analyzer; transmitting said waveform data stored in the buffer to a display device where a

user can select a display channel in a channel display area in a main waveform display

area in a control window of said logic analyzer to select a waveform display mode or a

waveform observation mode to display a sector of said waveform data in different display

modes and different angles according to different timings in said display device.

2. A method of analyzing waveform data using a logic analyzer, said logic

analyzer at least comprising a control circuit and a memory, said method comprising: retrieving a waveform data from a test object and storing into said memory; transmitting said waveform data stored in said memory into a buffer of said logic

analyzer, and displaying said waveform data stored in said buffer in a display device so

that a user can select a display channel in a channel display area in a main waveform

display area in a control window of said logic analyzer to select a waveform display mode

or a waveform observation mode allowing the to display a sector of said waveform data

in different display modes and different angles according to different timings in said

display device.

3. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform display mode is a zoom-in display mode.

4. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform display mode is a synchronized display mode.

5. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform observation mode is a 3D display mode.

6. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform observation mode is an up/down display mode.

7. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform observation mode is an up-left/down-right display

mode.

8. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform observation mode is an up-right/down-left display

mode.

9. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said waveform observation mode is an image display mode.

10. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said displayed waveform data can be saved in a file.

11. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 1 or 2, wherein said displayed waveform data can be printed out as a report.

12. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 4, wherein a user can rotate, zoom out and zoom in the 3D waveform in said 3D

display mode.

13. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 5, wherein said up/down display mode can display said waveform from top to

bottom.

14. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 5, wherein said up/down display mode can display said waveform in the down-up

display mode.

15. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 6, wherein said up-left/down-right display mode can display said waveform from

up-left to down-right.

16. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

down-right to up-left.

17. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 7, wherein said up-right/down-left display mode can display said waveform from

up-right to down-left.

18. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

down-left to up-right.

19. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 8, wherein said image display mode can be displayed automatically.

20. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to

claim 8, wherein said image display mode can be displayed manually.

21. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to claim 19, wherein said waveform data displayed in a sub-waveform display area in a main waveform display area can be adjusted according to said sub-waveform display area, said waveform can be displayed automatically from a beginning, or said waveform displayed in said sub-waveform display area can be controlled using a main waveform display control bar.

22. The method of analyzing a waveform data using a logic analyzer according to claim 20, wherein a sector of said waveform or the whole waveform data can be manually selected and displayed from a beginning in a sub-waveform display area in a main waveform display area and a size of said displayed waveform data adjusted according to said sub-waveform display area, or said waveform displayed in said sub-

^" waveform display area can be controlled using a sub-waveform display control bar.