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TLA714 - Tektronix Logic Analyser

 

 

My TLA714

I was gifted my analyser by a friend on Facebook through the Memotech MTX500 Facebook Group. Inaki Castillo generously donated it to me for the cost of shipping from Spain and even included a couple of logic probes - thanks a lot Inaki! It was only when I started to research the analyser that I realised what a powerful and expensive piece of kit this is.

The Logic Analyser module fitted in my TLA714 is a 7N4 - giving 136 available channels. Each group of 17 channels (16 data plus 1 clock/data) has an IDC socket on the logic module which connects to a 17 channel probe, a fully configured 7N4 would therefore require 8 probes to allow connection to each of the 136 channels. This is rather more than I need, at least for now, but Inaki has suggested that I would need at least 32 channels to properly analyze an 8 bit micro like my Memotech MTX - 16 Address lines, 8 Data lines and 8 Control lines so two probes will be necessary to cover these requirements.

Overview

A generic description of Logic Analysers can be found on Wikipedia.

The Tektronix TLA714 is available as a bench mounted or a portable unit, the model that I have is described as a "Portable Analyser Mainframe" and has the following features :-

  • Holds 4 single-wide or 2 double-wide modules

  • Instrument modules include logic analyzers, pattern generators and digitizing oscilloscopes

  • Up to 800 MHz state acquisition with 1.2 GB/s data rate for advanced processors and buses

  • 8 GHz deep timing analysis

  • MagniVu™ technology provides 500 ps timing resolution on all channels all the time through the same probe

  • Simultaneous state and high speed timing analysis through the same probes pinpoints elusive faults

  • Broad processor and bus support universal source code support for correlating high-level language source with real-time trace

  • Performance analysis support for optimizing target system remote control using Microsoft COM/DCOM technology supports advanced data analysis

  • Microsoft Windows PC platform provides familiar user interface with network connectivity

  • Intel Pentium MMX 266MHz CPU

  • Up to 256MB RAM (by SDRAM PC100 2 x SO-DIMM modules)

  • Intel 430VX chipset

  • IDE 2.5" HDD and IDE CD-ROM drives

  • 800x600" TFT with 2MB embedded VGA

  • 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive

  • Built in trackpad and external PS/2 Keyboard & Mouse connectors

  • 2 x USB Ports

  • 2 x PCMCIA (PCCard) Slots

Release Date : 1st July 1999

List Price at release : $10,500 (TLA714 logic analyzer only)

List Price at release : $11,125 (TLA7N4 logic module only)

Software at release : Windows 98, TLA Version 3.0

Installed software    : Windows 2000 SP2, TLA Version 4.4

 

Angle view showing the module slots

TLA7N4 Logic Analyser in Slots 1/2

Rear View showing fans and PC ports

There are a number of different Logic Analyser modules that can be installed in the TLA714 :-

  • TLA 7N1 (34 channels)
  • TLA 7N2 (68 channels)
  • TLA 7N3 (102 channels)
  • TLA 7N4 (136 channels)

Full details of these modules can be found in the Tektronix Logic Analyser Module Datasheet. Each of these modules takes up a double slot in the TLA714 chassis, leaving a double slot available for an additional Logic Analyser, Pattern Sequence Generator, or Digitizing Oscilloscope Module.

When I read that a Digitizing Oscilloscope Module was available, I initially thought that installing one of those would be a good way to add an oscilloscope to my test kit. However, Inaki has advised me that the TLA 'scope modules are very basic storage scopes and not really a replacement for a good quality oscilloscope. Just as well really, as even used ones on ebay currently range from £600 for a two channel TLA7D1 to over £1000 for a four channel TLA7E2. Instead, I will try to pick up a good, second hand, stand alone oscilloscope.

 

The Tektronix Logic Analyser Probes Instruction manual provides a useful description of the P6417 & P6418 logic probes.

The Logic Analyser requires a least one 17 channel probe to connect the analyser module to the equipment under test (EUT) - the probes alone cost in the region of $100-$200 (used) and seem to be mainly available from the US.

The probes can be attached to the EUT either through the "podlet" connectors on the end of the probe cables or through lead sets.

Photo of a P6418 logic probe kit, showing the IDC connection to the logic analyser, the smaller "podlet" connectors at the end of the probe cable and the flying leads used to connect to individual test points.

The P6417 has more flexibility than the P6418 - the 8 channel "podlet" can be split apart into separate channels.

The podlet connectors are 1 or 8 channel connector blocks that can be directly attached to mating connectors on the EUT, however, it is more usual to use flying leads connected between the podlet connectors and individual test points.

NB: very few of the second hand probes available on ebay include the flying lead sets with the probe cables, I was able to pick up a couple of lead sets from the US for £75, including shipping to the UK.
Close up of the flying leads used to connect to individual test points. A "grabber" is fitted at each end of the flying lead to connect to the equipment test point.

             

 

 

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