  In this work, we systematically generalize the Evans function methodology to
address vector systems of discrete equations. We physically motivate and
mathematically use as our case example a vector form of the discrete nonlinear
Schrodinger equation with both nonlinear and linear couplings between the
components. The Evans function allows us to qualitatively predict the stability
of the nonlinear waves under the relevant perturbations and to quantitatively
examine the dependence of the corresponding point spectrum eigenvalues on the
system parameters. These analytical predictions are subsequently corroborated
by numerical computations.
