Dear Forum Readers,
First of all, I bet, it is the n+1th question regarding scope selection. Sorry for the repeat. I was trying to find a relevant source, but every answer I found -- yet -- were not exactly the answer for my questions. Let me explain.
I've made huge research about the topic, so I (hopefully) clearly understand the difference between memory depth, sample rate, analogue/digital (DS/MSO), input impedance. But these are technical specs only. The question is: how do they affect the usability of the scopes for my requirements (if they actually do). Here are my most important aspects:
-- prototyping with mbed platforms (max. CPU clock rarely over 120 MHz), and sometimes with Arduino (5V/3.3V logic level converting is a usual process here with no any kind of debugging possible -- this is one of the main reasons to buy a scope),
-- heavy use of communication protocols (mostly i2c, spi, later RS486, CAN, USART/UART, others just occasionally), decoding and signal integrity inspection are all must, as well as analisys of signal correlation between analogue signal and serial data,
-- analogue circuit debugging (supply voltage problems for example, so whatever a scope is used),
-- I have only a limited space on my bench, so smaller is better,
-- I can afford both, better price/value is a higher preference than price itself, so if an MSO2072A may better meet my preferences than an MSO1054A, I can pay the difference.
Based on every second-hand experience I've collected (writen tests, youtube videos from Dave and others etc.), I'm still not sure, because it's not clear if within the above mentioned environment / user preferences...
-- the additional memory depth (54 Mpts) of 2000s is a real benefit,
-- the additional sample reate (2G Sa/s) is a real benefit,
-- the MSO versions is really needed and can not be substituted with a separate LA, where the decoding are mostly done with the LA, and signal integrity checked by the scope (analogue + decoding),
-- the 4 channel analogue capability of 1000s are a real benefit (except, for example, SPI decoding with three probes and one additional probe for analogue testing).
Now I'm at the decision point: MSO1000 / DS1000(+LA) / MSO2000 / DS1000(+LA)? (If separate, which LA?)
Any help, advice, notice are warmly welcome, as well as you have some more questions to clear your answer, please, feel free to ask.
Thanks for your help.
Regards from Hungary,
Tamás