WTB: USB protocol analyzer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brumbarchris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 08:42:42 pm
content: Hi all,Just wondering if you all know a reasonable source where I could get an USB protocol analyzer from. I would be particularly interested in getting one which can decode also some higher layers, like HID and others, not just the raw packages.But wherever I look, the cheapest one is a 400+ EUR Beagle.I know other manufacturers like Ellisys (USB Explorer or Tracker), but I have difficulties finding any second hand units.Any suggestions?Regards,Cristian

author: John_ITIC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 11:42:29 pm
content: Brand new USB 2.0 LS/FS/HS protocol analyzers range from $695 to approximately $1200 (USD). Most on Ebay is second-hand junk but you may be able to pick up one that is working. If you are interested in buying one from me, send me a PM. I could give some "EEVBLOG" discount. Note: The ITIC 1480A does not do class decoding.http://www.internationaltestinstruments.com/products/97-1480a-usb-20-protocol-analyzer.aspx

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:14:49 am
content: Is there any way the traffic can be intercepted/sniffed by software running in the host processor?I realise that isn't the same as a conventional logic/protocol analyser, but it would be very valuable sanity check.

author: gslick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:02:49 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on December 15, 2015, 12:14:49 amFor Windows hosts there are several software sniffers. I think the one I used in the past on one or two occasions when working on USB was my full time job was USBTrace from SysNucleus. It's not free, but they have a limited trial version. They don't currently list support beyond Windows 8.1 so I don't know how up to date their product it now.Almost all of the time I exclusively used CATC / LeCroy hardware USB protocol analyzers. They were pretty much the standard at the time. I mostly used a LeCroy USB Tracer with high-speed, full-speed, and low-speed support. I still have one of those now.I have one or maybe two CATC USB Chief analyzers that only do full-speed and low-speed that I should try to sell for whatever value they have these days.

author: gmb42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 10:24:55 am
content: Wireshark 2.0now includesUSBPcapthat allows capture of USB traffic on the local Windows host, along with the Wireshark dissectors for USB.Edit: Added note that USBPcap is for Windows

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 10:26:36 am
content: Quote from: gmb42 on December 15, 2015, 10:24:55 amGood to know, thanks!

author: brumbarchris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 08:08:22 pm
content: Sorry John_ITIC, but those prices are prohibitive for me. I will not be making any money out of these things (i.e., I will not write any professional USB software or stacks), but rather use it to enhance my USB related knowledge. Despite holding an unspoken fear in my heart that I sat too late at the USB table, maybe it will die out in the next 5 years or so...And I also have the "wife" factor to consider. She understands things, but only so much!No, I was thinking more of something like this:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LeCroy-US006MA-CATC-USBTracer-High-Speed-USB-Protocol-Analyzer-480mbps-/271985704444?hash=item3f539c7dfc:g:BVsAAOSwuTxV9mKQThis would be in price reach, to say so, but for the life of me, I was not able (not even close) of getting some relevant information on this US006MA thing. No datasheet, no user manual... nothing! Don't even know what the GUI looks like!As far as wireshark or other PC running USB sniffers... well, I used a couple of them occasionally (I had two serious attempts in the past to get deeper in USB) and the result is that I am now looking for a hardware stand alone analyzer.Regards,Cristian

author: gslick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 09:15:55 pm
content: Quote from: brumbarchris on December 15, 2015, 08:08:22 pmI believe this US006MA module only contains the front end bus receivers and will do nothing on its own. I have opened one up in the past but forget exactly what is inside:http://www.ebay.com/itm/271985704444All of the analyzer brains is contained in the Model 2500H mainframe, like this one:http://www.ebay.com/itm/111690111638The Model 2500H USBTracerhardware is capable of high-speed, full-speed, and low-speed bus analysis although not all units are licensed for high-speed analysis. The only way to be sure is to run the analyzer application and connect to the analyzer. If the high-speed analysis license was not installed an upgrade license could be purchased, but cost too much if you had to ask. No idea if anyone has ever figured out how to hack the license upgrade.You can find a manual covering the USBTracerhere:http://cdn.teledynelecroy.com/files/manuals/usbprotocolsuiteusermanual.pdf

author: brumbarchris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:44:27 am
content: Thanks for the clarification. I guess I'll go for a Salae Logic Analyzer, which does basic USB frame decode. At least I can use that one at more than just USB analysis. A dedicated analyzer will have to wait, for the moment.Regards,Cristian

author: brumbarchris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 07:11:35 am
content: QuoteI was looking at the user manual for these these days. Do they actually work on Win7?Cristian

author: gslick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 07:23:35 pm
content: Quote from: brumbarchris on December 17, 2015, 07:11:35 amI must have been using the application and USB driver to control the CATC / LeCroy USBTracerall the way up through Windows 8. I haven't tried it on a Windows 10 machine yet.I think I mostly stopped using a CATC USB Chief analyzer around the Windows XP timeframe. There might have been an occasional issue with the driver for it on Windows 7 machines. I'll have to take a look at trying it out again.-Glen