PLD Logic Analyzer Trigger Expressions for Complex Signal Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional logic analyzer implementations for programmable logic devices lack flexibility and user-friendliness in entering complex trigger expressions, failing to provide adequate state capability and signal condition combination, making it difficult to accurately capture and implement user-defined logic analyzer results.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for implementing a logic analyzer within a programmable logic device (PLD) that includes a graphical user interface for receiving trigger unit and trigger expression information as text strings of logic operators and operands, generating configuration data, and storing the trigger expression in the PLD's memory, allowing for flexible and intuitive entry of complex trigger conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional logic analyzer approaches are used with external software configuration, then the system can provide basic trigger functionality, but the system lacks flexibility in combining signal conditions and state capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in combining signal conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of trigger expression implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger expression is segmented into multiple trigger conditions that can be independently configured and combined. Each trigger condition monitors specific signal conditions, and the system evaluates combinations of these conditions to determine when to capture data. This segmentation allows flexible signal condition combination while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The logic analyzer implements dynamic trigger expression evaluation where the system continuously monitors signal conditions and dynamically determines when trigger events occur. The trigger conditions can be configured to evaluate complex logical combinations of signals, and the system adapts its capture behavior based on real-time signal states without requiring full reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If complex trigger expressions are implemented in conventional systems, then comprehensive signal monitoring is achieved, but the user interface becomes difficult to use for entering expressions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of trigger expression captureVSAvoidease of entering trigger expressions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary configuration interface that simplifies the process of entering trigger expressions. Instead of requiring users to directly input complex logical expressions, the interface provides structured methods for defining trigger conditions and their combinations, accurately capturing the user's intent while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic analyzer provides self-service capabilities through its configuration interface, automatically parsing and interpreting user-defined trigger conditions. The system handles the complexity of expression evaluation internally, allowing users to define triggers through simplified procedures while ensuring accurate capture of complex signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the logic analyzer is implemented entirely in external software, then full flexibility in trigger expression entry is possible, but more PLD I/O pins are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in trigger expression entryVSAvoidnumber of PLD I/O pins

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the logic analyzer functionality with the PLD by implementing the trigger evaluation logic within the PLD itself. This integration allows the PLD to autonomously evaluate trigger conditions and control data capture, reducing the need for external I/O pins while maintaining flexible trigger expression capabilities through software-configurable logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PLD is configured to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the device under test and the logic analyzer simultaneously. By implementing the trigger expression evaluation logic within the PLD's programmable resources, the system achieves flexible trigger monitoring without requiring additional dedicated I/O pins for external analyzer connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7743296B1Logic analyzer systems and methods for programmable logic devices

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 LATTICE SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A method of programming a programmable logic device (PLD), in accordance with an embodiment, includes receiving trigger unit information of a logic analyzer via a software interface for monitoring internal PLD signals and providing trigger unit output signals based on the internal PLD signals for the corresponding trigger units; and receiving trigger expression information of the logic analyzer via the software interface as a text string of logic operators and operands, wherein the operands represent the trigger unit output signals. The method may further include generating configuration data based on the trigger unit information and the trigger expression information; and providing the configuration data to the PLD, wherein a trigger expression based on the trigger expression information is stored within memory of the PLD.