Propeller Platform Logic Analyzer

By nmcclana
@ February 10, 2011

• Component category: Propeller

The PPLA is an open source Digital Logic Analyzer (DLA) with 28 channel sampling @ 10ns, specifcally for use with Propeller Platform modules. Through the use of stacking headers it maybe inserted between a Propeller Platform module and its application shield board. It is attached to a host computer that will monitor, record and then display the various digital lines.  It works with Propalyzer, an open source DLA software application, and Viewport;

Features

• compatible with any Propeller Platform board, original, PP-SD, PP_USB
• stacks between processor board and any of its attached shields
• a 3.3 volt Digital Logic Analyzer
• board runs at 100 MHz permitting 10 nanosecond sampling
• does 28 channels (P0 to P27)
• it can actually do 30 channels ... by removing the PPLA EEPROM and loading the PPLA firmware to RAM, the PPLA's P28/P29 is now available to monitor the Unit Under Test (UUT) P28/P29 or P30/P31. set with jumpers
• kit is totally through hole parts. No special tools are needed
• PPLA (Propalyzer) firmware is totally open source (MIT license)
• PPLA (Propalyzer) firmware is ViewPort ready
• Propalyzer software (host computer) is also totally open source (MIT license)
• no power needed. PPLA draws from the UUT's processor board
• jumpers to enable/disable Reset and Write to EEPROM
• A zipfile containg the PPLA firmware and the Propalyzer software is here
• more information and updates about the Propalyzer can be found here
• This Propeller Platform module is a collaboration betweeen Steve Denson (Jazzed) and Brian Riley with some big time kibitzing by Nick, the Gadget Gangster, the godfather of "the Platform".

For those of you with a Basic Stamp background, think Basic Stamp Logic Analyzer (BSLA), except by comparison, the PPLA is running on high octane jet fuel ... and at a price less than BSLA was sold for at its End-of-Life. The PPLA has features and capabilties of DLA's costing 5 to 20 times the price of the PPLA.

This is available at the Shoppe @ Wulfden.  I also did a video preview of it here.