Nuts and Volts - March 2015

addition of CAN and LIN trigger and decode capabilities to the protocol analyzer provides the tools needed to analyze and debug automotive systems using the CAN and/or LIN serial data communication standards.

Arbitrary waveform generation capabilities have been added to the WaveSource function generator, enabling the import of .csv files to recreate analog waveforms.

Digital voltmeter (DVM) capabilities activate an integrated four-digit digital voltmeter and five-digit frequency counter that operate through the same probes already attached to the oscilloscope channels. Measuring and monitoring voltage levels is simple with the digital voltmeter capability of the WaveSurfer. This new feature provides real time measurements that can be viewed on the screen even when the oscilloscope is not triggering. A dedicated DVM user interface is available for set up and more measurement details. The DVM option is offered as a free software download for all WaveSurfer users.

Generating arbitrary waveforms is critical for complete design debug and validation. With new capabilities in the built-in WaveSource function generator, arbitrary waveforms can be generated by loading .csv files saved from an oscilloscope or offline waveform creation software. These arbitrary waveforms can then be controlled, manipulated, and output directly from the WaveSurfer for use in closed loop circuit analysis.

The package for the WaveSurfer includes CAN and LIN trigger and decode capabilities, and has a price of $990. The arbitrary waveform capabilities of the WaveSource are included with the function generator option and are available to existing customers with an option through a free software update. The DVM capability can be downloaded at no charge from the website.