Saleae Second Generation Analog and Logic Analyser

The 2nd generation of Saleae analysers keeps the same form-factor with a compact box in aluminium. It now features digital and analog signal recording.

One side features one miniature USB 3 plug while the other side has two signal connectors with 4 channels each and ground. 

Recording 10 seconds at top speed 100 MHz digital and 12.5 MS/s analog produces 1 billion samples. 
The USB 3 plug is required as the analyser can run up to 100 MHz with MS/s digital and 12.5 MS/s analog. The USB 3 has gold-plated connectors.
There is one ground cable per channel. 

Connecting one ground cable is enough, but connecting all is recommended for better measurements. There is an identification below the box (right).

Unfortunately, the signal connectors are not polarised. 

The soft cover from the first generation is gone. 
Each channel has two cables with female termination, one for signal and another for ground. The female termination fits into the grip.

Saleae keeps using the same excellent grips as in the first generation analysers.
Connecting the grips on a dense circuits is easy and stable. 

Here, I'm using the cable directly on the male pins of the LaunchPad.

The quick prototype is built around the LaunchPad MSP430F5529 and the Grove BoosterPack, with one analog light sensor and one I²C-driven 4-digit 7-segment display.
The combination of digital and analog signal recording makes the Saleae analyser a perfect choice for debugging combined circuit. 

With the same tool, I can check the analog input from the sensor and the logic output to the I²C 4-digit 7-segment display.

No need for an oscilloscope!

Conclusion 

The first generation of Saleae digital analysers revolutionised the way to acquire and analyse digital signals. Today, the second generation pushes the boundaries even further with analog and digital capabilities. 

The close integration of hardware and software offers a high level of consistency, performance and ease of use.

Pros

  • All-in-one digital and analog analyser
  • High built quality 
  • Platform agnostic software (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux)
  • Nice software ergonomics on keyboard
  • Many export options 

Cons

  • The connectors are not polarised, thus raising a risk of misplacement

Wrap-Up

  • All-in-one digital and analog analyser
  • Hardware and software consistency
  • Great value
  • Intuitive software and results interpretation
  • Some technical background required

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