Tektronix intros new logic analyzers

Tektronix announced today its new TLA7012 portable mainframe and TLA7016 benchtop mainframe logic analyzers. The mainframes are compatible with all TLA modules and provide throughput that is at least three times faster than previous mainframe models enabling faster data analysis and more rapid zooming, searching, filtering and scrolling, Tektronix said.

Logic analyzers are typically used to monitor behavior and signals of integrated circuits and assists system designers to locate failures in circuit designs. For example, such analyzers are used by developers of microprocessors in evaluation and debugging processes.

According to Tektronix, upcoming technologies such as high speed serial buses, especially multi-lane serial buses including second generation PCI Express and SATA III as well as double data rate (DDR II) memories, place new requirements on designers for accurately sampling at high speed and at the correct time. The new analyzers answer that need, the manufacturer said.

The TLA7012 is a portable mainframe that can contain two modules allowing up to 272 channels of logic analysis capability. It integrates a 2 GHz Pentium M processor and 15" TFT display. Short-cut keys on the front-panel provide instant access to commonly used menus and an optional touch screen allows access to all TLA functionality making it suitable for space-constrained or rack-mounted environments.

The TLA7016 benchtop mainframe is able to support up to six modules, up from five modules in previous models. This allows designers of the latest technology, such as FB-DIMM, to use a single TLA7016 mainframe rather than the multiple mainframes commonly used today. The TLA7016 uses a customer-supplied PC or an optional 3 GHz Pentium 4 controller. (THG)