Shiftout data needs to be sent on rising edge of clock

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi Jim,
At 16Mhz you should have even more delay between the datapin going "true" and the rising edge of the clock - have you verified that it's actually running at 16MHz? (Can't see how that would actually make the data go true after the clock but anyway...)

When capturing the output with your scope, are you measuring on the PIC pins?
Are the PIC and the other chip both running off the same supply or are you doing some kind of level conversion with the 3.9k resistors?

Try disconnecting one side of the resistor and measure again to verify that the PIC is actually setting the states correctly.

I don't use MPLAB myself and the only thing I know I'm missing is source level debugging. As for the logic analyzer it's the Saleae LOGIC (8 channel version) - it's absolutely great for the money, worth every cent.

/Henrik.

[JimAvanti]

Henrik,
I had the scope connected after the 3.9k resistors. I have the resistors connected directly to the PIC pins for protection and then I run wires (About 6" to a connector which goes directly to the IC I am sending data to). The scope probes were clipped to the wires at the connector end. There is no level conversion going on however, the chip I am sending the SPI commands to is powered by a different source. The grounds are tied together. Everything runs at 3.3V

I will get someone to help me measure the signals directly at the PIC pins with nothing else attached and I will let you know if it looks any better.

Thanks for your help,

Jim

[JimAvanti]

Henrik,
I tested the signals again on the scope at the PIC pins and although the data signal is well over the falling edge it is also over the rising edge, so the SPI should be working. I will need to experiment a bit with the cable length/sheilding, etc.

I did want to let you know that I ordered the Saleae Logic Analizer you told me about. I was having a difficult time deciding on the 8 channel or 16 channel, but eventually decided that the 8 channel would serve me o.k. The analyzer should help all future projects, so you were already a big help.

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Jim,
At 16Mhz you should have even more delay between the datapin going "true" and the rising edge of the clock - have you verified that it's actually running at 16MHz? (Can't see how that would actually make the data go true after the clock but anyway...)

When capturing the output with your scope, are you measuring on the PIC pins?
Are the PIC and the other chip both running off the same supply or are you doing some kind of level conversion with the 3.9k resistors?

Try disconnecting one side of the resistor and measure again to verify that the PIC is actually setting the states correctly.

I don't use MPLAB myself and the only thing I know I'm missing is source level debugging. As for the logic analyzer it's the Saleae LOGIC (8 channel version) - it's absolutely great for the money, worth every cent.

/Henrik.

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi Jim,
You won't be dissapointed with your LOGIC!
It does sound like the PIC outputs are driving something capacitive. You mention a cable which obviously is capacitive to some extent. However, since the clock and data both are transmitted thru the same cable (I assume) one would think that the loading/delay on the clock would be equal to that on the data-line thus making no practical difference.

Please let us know how it works out.

/Henrik.

[JimAvanti]

Henrik,
I am happy with the Logic. At first when I opened the case I thought they forgot to package the device until I realized how small it is! Very nice device. I was only able to sample between 8MHz-12MHz for some reason, but for anayzing the SPI it was a nice clean signal. Being able to see the data sent/received in Hex was a nice bonus feature. The chip I am trying to control seems to be the problem rather than what I am sending. I am going to try looking at the hardware SPI on the PIC instead to see if it makes a difference.

Hi Jim,
You won't be dissapointed with your LOGIC!
It does sound like the PIC outputs are driving something capacitive. You mention a cable which obviously is capacitive to some extent. However, since the clock and data both are transmitted thru the same cable (I assume) one would think that the loading/delay on the clock would be equal to that on the data-line thus making no practical difference.

Please let us know how it works out.

/Henrik.