The age of proprietary user interfaces (UIs) on logic analyzers may be coming to an end with Agilent Technologies 1680 and 1690 series. These Windows-based analyzers link PCs to Agilent's latest instrumentation. The same interface is available on the self-host and external PC versions. A mouse and keyboard augment the devices' controls.
There are significant advantages to using a Windows platform. First, the UI is already familiar to engineers. Second, the same platform provides access to other Windows applications that can be used in the diagnostic process. Finally, Windows network connectivity offers access to network resources and possibly network-based diagnostic tools.
Agilent has simplified the analyzers' configuration in addition to moving to a Windows-based UI. The software has three triggering modes: quick, simple, and advanced. The quick mode lets users set the trigger condition for the next measurement by drawing a box around an event in the current display. The simple mode uses a pop-up menu on transitions, such as a rising edge. With the advanced mode, users can combine trigger events and gain access to events not available in the other two modes.
The 1680 and 1690 specs include 200-MHz state analysis, 800-MHz timing analysis, and 200-MHz transitional timing. Also, the analyzers feature offline analysis of captured data, advanced filtering and analysis, and a code disassembler for many standard processors. The 1680 includes a 12.1-in. display and CD-ROM.
Shipping now, the 1680 benchtops range in price from $10,500 to $27,000, and the 1690 PC-hosted models range from $4995 to $20,000.
Agilent Technologies, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, CA 95052; (800) 452-4844; fax (949) 837-5355; www.agilent.com.
