multiple channel logic generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: conducteur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 09:37:05 pm
content: We all know what a logic analyzer is, but does the opposite exist? A generator that can generate certain test patterns (serial/parallel) on TTL, LVTTL, ...There are some boards that may be able to do this to some extent (dangerous prototype bus pirate, red pitaya, or just a simple arduino like board with a mcu) and Ebay only shows a few 1000$+ second hand devices.More and more things use digital electronics, or are even implemented digital with dsp in a digital way rather than analog, so I wonder why this is such a niche product?

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2020, 11:43:21 pm
content: For surehttps://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/d/digilent/digital-discovery?utm_adgroup=General&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PT_RLSA_Cart%20Abandoner_Dynamic%20Search&utm_term=&utm_content=General&gclid=CjwKCAjw9vn4BRBaEiwAh0muDB9Gr3KnGXpqcuA3lHH_1cejFszp3MBcMt2bFLoN1FeYQPuS2bnJ7hoCL30QAvD_BwE

author: conducteur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 01:48:46 pm
content: But that's similar to the examples I already mentioned and not a standalone device.

author: Henrik_V
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 02:25:28 pm
content: Since you need more configuration, all solutions I know work together with external PC/Software ...I could use the 16 bit LVDS output of 'my' NI-PXI-5422 200MHz AWG and I'm shure some other AWGs have digital outputs too .. even as standalone..

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 03:58:38 pm
content: Maybe a Keysight 81134A Pulse Pattern Generator suit your needs?

author: guenthert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 04:24:40 pm
content: Quote from: conducteur on July 27, 2020, 09:37:05 pmI also would have mentioned Digient's Analogue Discovery (2) (not cheap, but much less than $1000). When working with digital systems, not having a computer around seems rather silly.Of course there are companies which cater to every desire and are happy to sell you pattern generators. If it doesn't have to be all that fast, then those old, clunky LA from HP can be acquired for little money and some (a specific model from the series, but others might be upgraded) offer a pattern generator option.Quote from: conducteur on July 27, 2020, 09:37:05 pmWhere have you been the last 40 years? I rather think that parallel buses are an exception today (and have been for at least 20 years). Communication between MCUs or between MCU and ADC will more likely be serial (and then you'd rig one of the MCUs to prototype/debug, rather then introducing yet another component, wouldn't you?), for faster buses it will be FPGA instead of a MCU. I can't see much use for a patter generator there, I'd rather would want a protocol simulator then.

author: conducteur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 06:03:48 pm
content: Busses are serial indeed, but systems can have many inputs...

author: RomDump
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 07:10:14 pm
content: Quote from: conducteur on July 27, 2020, 09:37:05 pmThe Technical name is Digital Pattern Generator. Many companies make them as was mention previously.You asked for one under $1000http://www.saelig.com/WGP/LA034.htm

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2020, 07:11:50 pm
content: such a thing is called a pattern generator.has been in existence for a long time.HP 16720 board for the logic analyzers.

author: doktor pyta
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2020, 07:37:38 pm
content: @conducteurI wonder what was Your way of thinking that pushed You to ask this in Metrology section.BR

author: conducteur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2020, 03:14:15 pm
content: This is indeed not the best category, it may be moved to Test Equipment section...

author: srb1954
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2020, 09:08:55 am
content: Look for an HP 8175A.It does 24 channels parallel data or 2 channels serial data with options for TTL/CMOS/ECL output levels.