How do you capture this long waveform?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around capturing a long serial data stream with sufficient resolution using a PC-based oscilloscope. Participants explore various methods to improve the capture quality, considering the limitations of the equipment and the unique format of the data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests building a circuit to output a delayed trigger pulse to capture the data stream in segments.
  • Another participant proposes decreasing the sampling rate or using a terminal program, although the original poster indicates that the data format is not standard RS232.
  • Clarification is sought on whether decreasing the sampling rate refers to increasing the time/div setting on the oscilloscope.
  • Concerns are raised about the ability to zoom in on the captured data while still capturing the entire stream.
  • One participant speculates that the data may involve Manchester encoding, suggesting that understanding the encoding could aid in capturing the data effectively.
  • There is a suggestion to consider purchasing a specialized bus analyzer for better data capture, though it may be costly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the proposed method of using delayed triggers could be a viable solution, but there is no consensus on the best approach to capture the data effectively given the unique format and limitations of the equipment.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific encoding of the data and the effectiveness of various proposed methods. The discussion highlights limitations in the current equipment and the need for further exploration of the data format.

david90
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I have a 1sec serial data stream and my cheap PC based oscilloscope cannot capture it with good enough resolution where I can read the data.

What can I do to capture this serial data stream with good resolution? My scope has only edge trigger function.

I'm thinking of building a circuit that will output a delayed trigger pulse. I hope that this will allow me to capture the stream part by part. Is this a good idea or is there a better way?
 
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Can you decrease your sampling rate? Alternately, if it's serial data, why not just capture it using a terminal program (for instance, TeraTerm if you're using Windows)
 
when you say decrease sampling rate, you mean increase the time/div? I can capture the whole serial stream but then I can't zoom in enough to read the serial data.

I can't use a terminal program because it is not your typical rs232 serial data. It's some weird format that I haven't figured out yet. It's about 30-40 bit long per frame.
 
david90 said:
when you say decrease sampling rate, you mean increase the time/div? I can capture the whole serial stream but then I can't zoom in enough to read the serial data.

I can't use a terminal program because it is not your typical rs232 serial data. It's some weird format that I haven't figured out yet. It's about 30-40 bit long per frame.

Sounds like you're trying to reverse-engineer something, without much equipment... :devil:

Your idea of multiple delay-triggers sounds like the best alternative. You may have to do some hand-alignment of the boundaries, depending on what the data looks like, and how accurate your delayed triggers are.
 
yeah, you might want to add a delay timer, then play around with resolution until you see something significant. if it's really "weird", then it may be some kind of manchester encoding where you've got a sync bit at the beginning of a transfer. and this is confusing at first because, iirc, the sync looks like two bits but is over a three bit time period. once you figure out the encoding, you might want to look into buying a special purpose bus analyzer, which probably won't be cheap.
 

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