This spring I was scrolling my X’s feeds when I noticed an interesting one about a new upcoming Logic Analyzer which immediately caught my attention…
As seasoned hardware hacker and compulsive nerdy-buyer… I had to put my hands on it and try it out! What follows next is a quick overview and teardown of this little fella: the SLogic 16U3 logic analyzer!
FYI is AVAILABLE HERE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3fDolOJ
The kit arrived pretty quickly and I was already surprised of the packaging quality!
Accessories inside the package:
- SLogic 16U3
- 2x4P Coaxial Cable Module x2
- Logic Analyzer Test Clips x16
- 0.5m A+C to C USB3 Data Cable x1
- Stainless Steel SIM Pin x1
- Instruction Card x1
- Zipper Storage Bag x1
PCB’s Quality and Internals:
The PCB looks well designed and didn’t have any presence of those annoying soldering leftovers that sometimes happen while purchasing affordable products.
The core of this tiny logic analyzer is an FPGA developed by the Gowinsemi: the GW5AT-LV15!
Here a nice article with more technical details about this FPGA.
” The GW5AT-15 FPGA also provides 15K LUTs of programmable logic, 118kbit of shadow SRAM, 630kbit of block SRAM (BSRAM), optional 64Mbit or 128Mbit of pseudo-SRAM (PSRAM), and optional 8Mbit of NOR Flash in a tiny 4.9mm x 5.3mm WLCSP package.”
One touch I really love is the fact that each channel has its own coaxial cable with a dedicated GND dupont connector. Which means more clean signals during the acquisition!
Another nice touch I do appreciate, is the fact that it uses Sigrok&Pulseview!!! (https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/logic_analyzer/slogic16u3/Software_User_Guide.html)
Here, though one reminder, due to Windows’ drivers limitations… if you really want to enjoy the full power of this logic analyzer… I do recommend to use a Linux machine instead!
Channels, Sampling Rates & Other Specs:
” The SLogic16U3 is a next‑generation USB3 logic analyzer. In a compact 40×40×10 mm housing it delivers high sample rates over a 5 Gbps USB3 interface: 800M@4CH, 400M@8CH, 200M@16CH. It supports 0–10V signal input, configurable voltage trigger thresholds from 0–6V, and software triggering — starting at only $69.”
Overall, looking at the specs… considering its price… it is a very promising tool for any hardware hacker on a budget!
Now the main question… Will it meet my expectations?
To check its perfomances I have made some preliminary tests… among other I have tried a DUT that has mutilple protocols involved… UART, I2C, SPI, etc…
I was able to easily sniff on 3 different protocol busses at 400MHz with 7 Channels with ease and without any sign of intergrity errors or data loss!
Quite impressive for a 60$ Logic Analyzer! ????
The simulatenous sampling rate at 400MHz on the 7 channels was flawless and the timing precision was quite impressive.
Overall I am very please to see this new toy coming to the market and I cannot wait to see the next version with 32 Channels! ????????☠️
In case you are planning to get one… here the crowdfunding campaign which will start soon: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/slogic16u3-usb3-logic-analyzer-within-easy-reach/coming_soon
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