Digital Electronics

This section covers key aspects of clock generators, storage qualifiers, user interfaces, and specifications of logic analyzers.

Clock Generator

This section discusses clock generators, focusing on two common timing modes: continuous storage mode and transitional timing mode, both of which are crucial for analyzing digital circuits.

Clock Generator

This section covers the types of clock generators used in digital electronics, focusing on internal and external clocks, and the two common approaches: continuous storage mode and transitional timing mode.

Storage Qualifier

The storage qualifier determines which data samples are stored in memory based on a defined criterion, particularly useful in troubleshooting microprocessor architectures.

User Interface

This section covers the user interface components of benchtop logic analyzers, including input methods and connectivity options.

Key Specifications

This section outlines the key specifications of logic analyzers, including sample rate, set-up and hold times, probe loading, memory depth, and channel count.

Sample Rate

The sample rate in timing mode defines the smallest measurable time interval, impacting the accuracy of measured signal transitions.

Set-Up And Hold Times

Set-up and hold times are crucial specifications for logic analysers, determining how long data must be stable before and after a clock signal's transition.

Probe Loading

Probe loading refers to the impact of a logic analyzer's probe on the target system's performance, vital for preserving signal integrity.

Memory Depth

Memory depth in logic analyzers defines the maximum time or data that can be recorded in different operational modes.

Channel Count

The channel count refers to the number of available input channels in logic analyzers, which, when combined with the maximum sample rate, significantly influences the cost of the instrument.

Computer–instrument Interface Standards

This section discusses the necessity of standards for interfacing computers with instruments in automated measurement setups, focusing on different interface standards, particularly IEEE-488.

Ieee-488 Interface

The IEEE-488 interface, formerly known as HP-IB or GP-IB, is the standard communication interface for connecting programmable instruments in automated measurement systems.

Virtual Instrumentation

Virtual instrumentation has transformed traditional measurement systems by leveraging PCs and software to perform instrumentation tasks.

Use Of Virtual Instruments

This section discusses various types of virtual instrumentation setups, emphasizing their advantages in complex measurement environments.

Set Of Instruments As A Virtual Instrument

This section discusses how multiple instruments can be integrated to function as a single virtual instrument, particularly in complex measurement scenarios.

Software Graphical Panel As A Virtual Instrument

The software graphical panel concept represents a method where instrumentation hardware is controlled via a PC interface, enhancing measurement data visualization and interaction.

Graphical Programming Technique As A Virtual Instrument

This section discusses the shift from textual programming to graphical programming for creating virtual instruments, highlighting the efficiency gains and ease of use.

Reconfigurable Building Blocks As A Virtual Instrument

Reconfigurable building blocks enable the emulation of various instrument functions, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.

Components Of A Virtual Instrument

This section outlines the fundamental components that make up a virtual instrument, including the computer and display, software, interface bus structure, and instrument hardware.

Computer And Display

This section discusses the importance of the computer and display components in virtual instrumentation systems.

Interface Bus Structure

This section describes the fundamental structures of interface buses used in virtual instrumentation, specifically highlighting the PC-bus and VXI-bus functionalities.

Instrument Hardware

This section focuses on the components of virtual instruments, particularly the role of instrument hardware in data acquisition and processing.

Review Questions

This section presents a variety of review questions aimed at assessing understanding of digital electronics concepts.

Problems

This section presents problems related to digital electronics concepts focusing on troubleshooting and operational challenges in flip-flops and counters.

Further Reading

This section provides a list of recommended readings and resources for further exploration of digital electronics.