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Overview

The Protocol Analyzer mode captures and decodes bus protocol traffic in real-time, providing immediate visibility into protocol-level communication.

Protocol Analyzer mode focuses on protocol-level analysis rather than signal-level timing. It decodes bus transactions automatically and presents them in an easy-to-read report format.

Key differences from Logic Analyzer:

  • Real-time protocol decoding during capture
  • Report-focused view (optional waveform display)
  • Three operating modes for different use cases
  • Optimized for high-speed protocol capture

Operating modes

Protocol Analyzer

Real-time capture with immediate display. Data is sent back to the PC for real-time display as it's captured.

Best for: Quick protocol debugging and interactive analysis

Learn more: Capture Modes

Protocol Logger

Capture to disk without real-time processing. Data is saved as .LOG files and can be analyzed later.

Best for: Long captures and high-data-rate protocols

Learn more: Capture Modes

Protocol Monitor

Capture to device memory with trigger-based retrieval. Data stays in the device until triggered or manually stopped.

Best for: Monitoring for specific events over extended periods

Learn more: Capture Modes

Quick start

  1. Select protocol and configure channels
  2. Choose operating mode
  3. Configure memory settings
  4. Optional: Enable Show Waveforms for signal-level view
  5. Start capture (press Enter)
  6. Use Search to find specific transactions

Key features

Protocol support

Supports dozens of protocols including:

  • I2C, SPI, UART
  • CAN, LIN, I3C
  • USB PD, eSPI, eMMC
  • And many more

Analysis tools

  • Real-time decode: See protocol data as it's captured
  • Search function: Find specific addresses, data, or patterns
  • Statistics: Analyze traffic patterns and error rates
  • Detail view: Inspect complex protocol transactions
  • Export: Save reports as .TXT or .CSV

Integration

  • Convert to Logic Analyzer: Switch modes for signal-level analysis
  • Stack Oscilloscope: Combine protocol and analog analysis (requires waveforms enabled)

Documentation sections

When to use Protocol Analyzer

Choose Protocol Analyzer mode when:

  • You need to see protocol transactions, not raw signal timing
  • Real-time decode is important
  • Working with complex multi-byte protocols
  • Debugging protocol-level issues (addressing, data errors, etc.)
  • Capturing high-speed protocol traffic

Choose Logic Analyzer mode when:

  • You need precise timing measurements
  • Signal integrity is a concern
  • Working with non-standard or custom protocols
  • Debugging electrical issues
  • Need advanced triggering on signal patterns