Debugging tool for TTL based microcomputer systems (IC tester and logic analyzer)

• Main Authors: De Leon, Roderick, Go, Erwin, Sia, John Richard
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1988
• Subjects: Debugging in computer science; Computer programs > Testing; Logic devices; Microcomputers > Programming; Computer-design; Computer software; Computer Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6956
• Institution: De La Salle University

It is quite evident that troubleshooting tools provide both time savings and increased confidence when building and debugging digital electronic systems. There are a variety of troubleshooting tools available for system designers and troubleshooters, the problem lies on the selection of the best tools with minimal cost. Looking at the various troubleshooting tools, it would appear that one of the best combinations of troubleshooting tools for debugging digital systems is the use of an IC Tester and a logic Analyzer. By using a logic analyzer, troubleshooters could view the various digital signals present in the system being tested. By identifying unwanted signals (or signals that are wanted but are not present), the troubleshooter could then trace the circuit, identifying which IC is probably causing the malfunction. After identifying the suspected BAD IC, the troubleshooter could then use the IC tester to verify whether the suspected IC is working or not. With the use of the logic analyzer to isolate the problem area, and the IC tester to pin point the BAD IC, troubleshooting would be easier and faster. Although using both the logic analyzer and IC tester would provide an easier and faster way to troubleshoot systems, the cost of these systems are relatively high such that small scale designers and troubleshooters are forced to stick to their crude troubleshooting tools. Thus, there is a need to provide low cost troubleshooting tools that are affordable but provides as much troubleshooting capability as possible. The study addresses the problem of affordability, and aims to create the troubleshooting tools (logic analyzer and IC tester) more affordable to small scale designers, troubleshooters, and students. Before the actual development of the two debugging tools (logic analyzer and IC tester), research regarding the current state of technology was first conducted. This research was aimed in finding out the features and capabilities that present logic analyzers and IC testers offer. The features and capabilities were analyzed and selected based on their importance and the cost that they would incur if ever they are added to the features of the system to be created. In the course of analyzing the existing logic analyzers and IC testers, the group found out that the cost of these troubleshooting tools could be minimized by interfacing them to the IBM PC/XT. Upon the accomplishment of the study, the group was able to provide a debugging tool system (the logic analyzer and IC tester) that is affordable to students, small scale designers, and computer shops that offer repair services. Also, the design for both the hardware and software of the IC tester and logic analyzer was made in such a way that future enhancements could be made to both the logic analyzer and IC tester. (These possible enhancements are enumerated in chapter 9-recommendations).