Classroom
- Measurement basics
- Multi Channel measurement software
- Application notes
- Frequently used terms
- Aliasing
- Auto setup
- Arbitrary Waveform Generator
- Bandwidth
- Bus types
- CMRR
- Data logger
- Differential attenuator
- Differential input
- Edge trigger
- Envelope mode
- Function generator
- Input range
- Multimeter
- Oscilloscope
- Pre trigger
- Record length
- Resolution
- Sample frequency
- Sampling
- Scope
- Signal coupling
- Single ended input
- Spectrum analyzer
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- Time base
- Transient recorder
- Triggering
- Force Trigger
- Trigger hold-off
- Trigger hysteresis
- Trigger level
- Trigger source
- Trigger time out
- Trigger type
- TV trigger
- USB
- Voltmeter
- Window trigger
- How to install a driver
Serial analyzer
The Serial analyzer sink can be used to monitor a serial bus and decode the serial
data on the bus.
It can be used to analyze RS232, RS485, MIDI, DMX or other compatible serial buses.
The serial analyzer can monitor up to eight sources. When these sources are in sync (all sources are of one (combined) instrument), all captured data will be displayed in chronological order.
The sink uses a window for its output. The output can be saved to a text file.
Usage
Acquisition settings
For best results, use the following setups to capture the data:
| Mode | Sample frequency | Pre-trigger | Trigger timeout | Trigger type | Trigger level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block | 3 * baudrate 1 | 1% | Infinite | Rising/Falling 2 | app. Mid level |
| Stream | 3 * baudrate 1 | - | - | - | - |
- The Serial analyzer needs at least three times the baudrate to function. For proper function use always a multiple of the baudrate. (e.g. 4 or 5, don't use 3.5 or 4.5)
- If Type is set to normal use rising, if Type is set to inverted use falling.
Analyzing serial buses
The serial analyzer can be used to analyze RS485, MIDI or DMX. See table below for settings:
| Bus | Baudrate | Databits | Parity | Stopbits | Type | Midlevel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMX | 250000 | 8 | none | 2 | Normal 1 | Auto level |
| MIDI | 31250 | 8 | none | 1 | Normal | Auto level |
| RS485 | - | - | - | - | Normal 1 | Auto level |
- If measuring on the data+ of the differential bus use normal, if measuring on data- use inverted.
Serial analyzer properties
To control the behavior of the Serial analyzer sink, several properties are available. These can be accessed through a settings page in the output window.
The Source selector determines which source of the Serial analyzer the settings page affects. The Default selection affects the set of properties that is used when a new source is connected to the Serial analyzer.
Bitrate
For correct detection, the Bitrate property must be set to the correct value corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. It can be set to several common values, but also to an Auto detect value.
Databits
For correct detection, the Databits property must be set to the correct number of data bits, corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. It can be set to several common values: 5, 6, 7 or 8 bits.
Parity
For correct detection, the Parity property must be set to the correct value, corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. It can be set to several common values: None, Odd, Even, Mark or Space.
Stopbits
For correct detection, the Stopbits property must be set to the correct value, corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. It can be set to two values: 1 or 2.
Type
For correct detection, the Type property must be set to the correct value, corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. It can be set to two values:
- Normal levels above mid level are logic 0, levels below mid level are logic 1
- Inverted levels above mid level are logic 1, levels below mid level are logic 0
Mid level
For correct detection, the Mid level property must be set to the correct value, corresponding to the bus that is under measurement. The default setting is Auto level.
Output window properties and actions
To control the behavior of the Serial analyzer output window, properties and actions are available. These can be accessed through a toolbar with buttons at the top of the Serial analyzer output window and through a popup menu which is shown when the sink is right clicked in the Object tree.
Clear
The Clear action clears the Serial analyzer output window. The Clear action is available as button on the toolbar.
Auto scroll to bottom
The Auto scroll to bottom property makes the Serial analyzer output window scroll to the bottom of its content each time new data has arrived, making the latest data visible. The Auto scroll to bottom property is available as button on the toolbar.
Export data
The Export data action saves the content of the Serial analyzer output window to a text file. The Export data action is available as button on the toolbar.
Always on top
When the Always on top property is switched on, the Serial analyzer output window cannot be hidden under other windows of the Multi Channel software. The Always on top property is available in the popup menu.
Common properties and actions
Alias
You can change the displayed name of an object by giving it an Alias. This can be handy when you are dealing with a lot of objects and have problems keeping them apart. You can for example give channel one of your instrument the alias "Battery", when it is measuring a battery voltage. To give an object an alias, use the item Alias ... in its menu. To remove an alias and revert to the original name of the object, set the alias to an empty string.
Disconnect source(s)
To disconnect one or more sources from an I/O or Sink, use the Disconnect source(s) action. This will show a dialog that lists all connected sources. Individual sources can then be selected and disconnected from the object.
Disconnect all sources
To disconnect all sources from an I/O or Sink at once, use the Disconnect all sources action.
Clone
When a new object is to be created, similar to an already existing object, with the same properties, the Clone action can be used. This will create an identical copy of the original object, with the exact same properties. Source(s) and sink(s) of the new object are not yet connected.
Delete
The Delete action deletes a source, I/O or sink. All connections of the object will be disconnected and then the object will be removed from the object tree. The source property of the objects that used this object as source will be cleared. The sink property of the objects that used this object as sink will be cleared. An axis in a graph that was connected to this object will be also deleted.
Load
The Load action allows to load the settings and data for an object from a TPS or TPO file. This is detailed described on the page about Loading into selected objects.
Save as
The Save as action allows to save the settings and data of one or more objects to a TPO file. When multiple objects are selected, the connections between the objects are saved as well. This is detailed described on the page about Saving objects to a TPO file.