Nuts and Volts - September 2013

September 2013 25

sampling of two analog and eight digital signals; as an arbitrary waveform generator, it provides advanced sweep options on all waveforms. As a protocol sniffer, it can decode SPI, I2C, and UART.

The Xprotolab Portable has an advanced triggering system: normal, single, auto, and free trigger modes; an adjustable trigger level; and the ability to view signals prior to the trigger. As a portable digital meter, Xprotolab Portable can show VDC, VPP, and Input Frequency to 12 MHz.

Lissajous figures, displaying V/I curves, or the phase difference between two waveforms is possible in XY mode. A built-in FFT spectrum analyzer offers different windowing options and selectable vertical log and IQ visualization. Channel math allows adding, multiplying, inverting, and averaging input signals.

Automatic waveform measurements and waveform references are offered too, with horizontal and vertical cursors. The waveform generator and the oscilloscope can run simultaneously, since the waveform generator runs in the background.

Based on an Atmel ATXMEGA32A4U microprocessor, the Xprotolab Portable can connect to a PC’s USB port for charging the built-in 600 mAh battery, or for external control or screen dumps. The built-in graphic 1.3” OLED shows waveforms on its 128x64 pixel display. The Xprotolab Portable weighs less than 60 g and is a compact 3. 13” x 1.83” 0.7”.

An auto setup feature sets the optimum gain and time base for signals on CH1 and CH2. Edge, window, and slope triggering is available, as well as trigger hold which enables a wait-time before detecting the next trigger.

The Xprotolab Portable continuously samples to a circular buffer, giving the ability to show samples before or after the trigger. Any analog channel, digital channel, or external signal can be used as the trigger source.