Tag: Logic Analyzer

Active-Pro The Most Powerful Firmware Debug Tool | Voltlog #451

Are you a hardware or firmware developer struggling with debugging complex systems? Look no further than the Active-Pro, a powerful real-time firmware and hardware debugger that promises to revolutionize your debugging experience. In this Voltlog review, I take a deep dive into the capabilities of the Active-Pro, and I must say, I was truly impressed.

This little tool packs a punch, offering a level of debug capability that is unmatched in the market. One of the standout features of the Active-Pro is its Active Debug interface, which allows you to integrate a snippet of code into your firmware. This code enables you to output any data you want via a standard printf, which is then captured and analyzed in the provided software.

Imagine being able to visualize digital inputs, analog inputs, various triggers, current waveforms, debug messages, and internal variables all within the same interface, all time-synced. It’s a game-changer! But that’s not all. The Active-Pro also functions as a logic analyzer, allowing you to capture and analyze digital inputs, digital outputs, and analog inputs in a familiar logic analyzer style.

Additionally, it supports hardware decoding for various protocols, including I2C, SPI, CAN, and LIN, with future support promised for USB and more. During my review, I put together a simple test setup involving an ESP32 reading an accelerometer over I2C. I was able to monitor the I2C traffic, debug messages, and internal variables simultaneously, all while leveraging the software’s powerful Packet Presenter feature, which decoded the raw data into meaningful information.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Active-Pro is its ability to monitor multiple devices simultaneously. You can have different processors, programmed with different IDEs, communicating with each other and other peripherals, and monitor the data flow between them on a single interface. It’s a level of integration that I haven’t seen in any other product.

InTheMail | Voltlog #437

Welcome to a new edition of InTheMail, where we unbox and explore the latest additions to my ever-growing collection of electronics gadgets and tools. This time around, we’ve got a diverse array of items, from smart home devices to specialized tools for electronics enthusiasts. First up, we have the Aqara Magic Cube, a nifty little Zigbee switch that can be programmed to trigger various actions in your home automation setup.

With its built-in accelerometer, you can simply flip, rotate, or shake the cube to adjust things like lighting or appliances. I’m excited to integrate this into my smart home system and ditch those pesky wall switches. Next, we’ve got a fingerprint lock that I plan to install on a cabinet or drawer. While not meant for high-security applications, it’s a convenient way to keep certain items private without the need for a physical key.

The build quality seems decent, and the external power port is a handy feature. For my electronics workbench, I’ve acquired a silicone mat, clean room wipes, and various cleaning brushes. The mat will provide a nice, non-slip surface for my new digital microscope, while the wipes and brushes will help keep my workspace spotless.

Speaking of microscopes, I’ve also picked up a set of AWG32 stranded wires in various colors. These ultra-thin wires will come in handy for intricate repairs, modifications, and bodges on PCBs. One item that caught my eye is an ingenious Apple AirTag mount designed to fit seamlessly into a bicycle’s water bottle cage.

This clever hiding spot should deter thieves from spotting the AirTag, making it an effective anti-theft solution for my bike. For my electronics tinkering needs, I’ve acquired a set of RFM95W LoRa modules and a DSLogic Plus logic analyzer. The LoRa modules will be useful for wireless projects, while the logic analyzer will allow me to analyze and debug complex digital circuits with its impressive 400MHz sampling rate and 16-channel capability.

Last but not least, I’ve got a unique ESP32-based WiFi display unit that pulls data like weather and time from the internet. While primarily a demo unit, it’s a cool hardware platform that could be repurposed for various smart sensor network applications.