A logic analyzer is an electronic instrument which displays signals in a digital circuit

Digital circuit

Digital electronics represent signals by discrete bands of analog levels, rather than by a continuous range. All levels within a band represent the same signal state...

. A logic analyzer may convert the captured data into timing diagrams, protocol decodes, state machine traces, assembly language

Assembly language

An assembly language is a low-level programming language for computers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and other programmable devices. It implements a symbolic representation of the machine codes and other constants needed to program a given CPU architecture...

, or correlate assembly with source-level software.
Presently, there are three distinct categories of logic analyzers available on the market:

• The first is mainframes, which consist of a chassis containing the display, controls, control computer, and multiple slots into which the actual data-capturing hardware is installed.
• The second category is standalone units, which integrate everything into a single package, with options installed at the factory.
• The third category is PC-based logic analyzers.