Apparatus including a programmable set-up and hold feature

Abstract

An input apparatus for a multi-channel device, such as a logic analyzer, is disclosed, the input apparatus providing the multi-channel device with a programmable set-up and hold feature. The multi-channel device acquires a logic signal from a product under test, the logic signal having associated therewith an actual set-up and hold time with respect to an external clock signal. The actual set-up and hold times are entered into the multi-channel device via a keyboard and a display. The device has stored therein a desired set-up and hold time required by the logic signal relative to the external clock signal. In accordance with the actual and the desired set-up and hold times, the multi-channel device changes the relative orientation of the acquired logic signal with respect to the external clock signal, along the time axis until the set-up and hold times of the acquired logic signal are changed from the actual value to the desired value. As a result, the multi-channel device can be used to troubleshoot any product under test regardless of the set-up and hold times of the generated logic signals, relative to an external clock signal, associated therewith.