Hardware Operation

2025-09-25
Update history
Date Version Author Update content
2025-09-25 v0.1 Serika
  • Release docs

This section introduces the usage and operation related to SLogic16 U3 hardware.

Hardware Overview

Accessories List

unboxing_0

A complete hardware set includes the SLoigc16 U3 main unit and accessories inside the package, as shown below:

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    SLoigc16 U3 Main Unit x1
  • Accessories inside the package: (Note: Ribbon cable and coaxial cable module are mutually exclusive)
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      2x6P Male-to-Female Ribbon Cable x2
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      2x4P Coaxial Cable Module x2
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      Logic Analyzer Test Clips x16
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      0.5m A+C to C USB3 Data Cable x1
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      Stainless Steel SIM Pin x1
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      Instruction Card x1
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      Zipper Storage Bag x1

The appearance of accessories may vary slightly between batches. Please refer to the actual product.

Connection Method

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Click here to view the hardware connection diagram of SLoigc16 U3

Coaxial Cable Module/Ribbon cable set are directional. The insertion direction is shown above: the triangle mark ▴ on the cable should align with the triangle mark ▾ on the case.

The far end of the coaxial cable has 2 terminals. The white terminal connects to the signal source, and the black terminal connects to GND.

Each group of Ribbon cables has only 2 separate GNDs. When the triangle mark ▴ on the cable aligns with the case, the black wire bundle is GND, and the red is VCC.

Rear of Logic Analyzer

slogic16_u3_rear

The rear of the logic analyzer is a 2x12P female header with a 2.54mm pitch. The pin definition is shown above (rear view of the logic analyzer).

The digital numbers 0-15 are the sampling channel numbers, corresponding to the channel numbers in the host software, totaling 16 channels.

G stands for GND. Please connect the GND of the device under test and the logic analyzer, totaling 4 channels.

VCC stands for power output, with an output capacity of 3.3V @500mA, totaling 2 channels (2 channels share the current output capacity).

CK stands for reserved sampling clock input/trigger output channels. This function is not yet implemented, totaling 2 channels.

Front of Logic Analyzer

slogic16_u3_rear

The above is the front view of the logic analyzer, from left to right:

USB-C interface standard is 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps). To use the logic analyzer function, a cable with corresponding capability (USB3.0) must be used.

MODE small hole contains a hidden button. It can be pressed by inserting a SIM pin. Its function is described in the MODE Button section.

ACT is the status indicator light. Specific states are described in the ACT Indicator section.

Getting Started

First, connect PC USB3 → USB-A/C to USB-C → SLogic → Ribbon cable/Coaxial Cable Module

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Click here to view the hardware connection of SLoigc16 U3

Currently, SLogic16 only supports USB3 mode. The included USB-A/C to USB-C cable is compatible.

Connect the signal points of the target device under test to any free CH digital port of SLogic via Ribbon cable/Coaxial cable, and ensure the GND of the device under test is connected to the GND of SLogic.

Note: When the Nyquist frequency of the signal source is greater than or equal to 50 MHz, it is recommended to use coaxial cables for sampling to achieve better stability.

You may optionally use logic analyzer test clips to connect to the signal points.

To improve sampling stability, the GND wire of SLogic should be as close as possible to the test point. Even shortening by 1 mm may help. When using coaxial cables, it is recommended to connect the corresponding GND along with each sampled signal CH.

Finally, launch plusview to start acquisition.

For software installation and related operations, refer to here.

ACT Indicator

The ACT indicator is located on the front of the logic analyzer, near the outer side.

slogic16_u3_rear

Colors & Functions

The indicator is a 3-color RGB LED. Each color represents a function, and combinations indicate device status.

Color Blue Green Red
Function Power USB LINK indicator Running status indicator

Normal operating states:

Status Color Notes
Normal Link Cyan Blue + Green
Data Transfer Cyan + Red fast blink Blue + Green + Red fast blink
DFU Mode Cyan + Red slow blink Blue + Green + Red slow blink

Abnormal states:

Status Color Notes
USB Link Fail Blue Only blue light on
Flash Load Error Red Only red light on
  • Other states (e.g., only green on / all three on) are undefined.
  • If undefined states occur, try re-plugging USB. If unresolved, suspect hardware damage.

⚠ Note: If the green light goes off at any time, it means USB connection failed. Reconnect to resolve. The red light status is irrelevant in this case.

Troubleshooting

  • Checklist: Only blue light

    • USB cable does not support USB3 (common with phone charging cables)
    • PC USB port does not support USB3
    • Connected to front panel USB of desktop PC
    • Connected to incompatible USB hub (always connect SLogic directly to PC USB)
    • Connected to insufficient power USB port
    • Cable too long (use ≤1 m cable)

  • Checklist: Only red light

    • Poor quality USB cable, excessive voltage drop
    • PC USB port fault: fuse aging, insufficient power
    • SLogic hardware damage → keep device powered off and contact support

MODE Button

The MODE button is on the front of the logic analyzer, between the USB-C connector and ACT indicator. It is hidden and requires a SIM pin to press.

slogic16_u3_rear

When powered on, the default function is Logic Analyzer. Normally, the ACT indicator shows cyan.
A new USB3 device appears: SLogic16 U3 (logic analyzer).

Pressing the MODE button switches function. After switching, the indicator changes: red slow blink.
A new USB2 device appears: SLogic DFU (upgrade mode).

SLogic mode uses USB3, while DFU mode uses USB2.

Pressing MODE again switches back to SLogic16 U3. Repeatedly pressing MODE cycles between SLogic DFU and SLogic16 U3.

In Windows, open Device Manager or use USB treeview.
In Linux/macOS, use the lsusb command.
You will find the device listed as "SLogic16 U3" or "SLogic DFU".

Firmware Update

First, enter DFU MODE: after powering on, press the MODE button and wait until the red light blinks slowly.

Confirm that the "SLogic DFU" device appears, then use the DFU Tool to perform the update.

In Windows, open Device Manager or use USB treeview.
In Linux/macOS, use lsusb.
You should see "SLogic DFU" listed.

Detailed instructions for the DFU tool are provided below.

In principle, OTA operations only update the SLogic firmware and do not affect the DFU function.
Even if OTA fails, the device will remain locked in DFU mode until the SLogic firmware is successfully updated.

Firmware updates are provided via a Python/PyQt GUI tool.

Update steps:

  1. Run the GUI tool:
  2. Press the mode button on the device. The GUI should display "SLogic16U3 OTA".
  3. Select the firmware file in the GUI.
  4. Click OTA to start the update.
  5. Wait for completion and follow on-screen instructions.

Note: A binary version of the update tool will be released soon.

Safety & Precautions

  • SLogic *VCC* is a power output. The two *VCC* ports share the same power rail.
    Output capability: *3.3V @ 500 mA MAX*
  • Never short *VCC* directly to *GND*, to avoid overcurrent or short circuit.
  • SLogic has built-in overcurrent protection. However, for safety, avoid short circuits, as the host PC’s USB port overcurrent protection may vary.
  • When SLogic is used with a computer powered by mains electricity, its ground is connected to the computer’s ground.
    To protect both the device and the host, connect probe grounds only to equipotential ground points.
    Never connect to hot ground or mismatched potential points.