EEVblog #1355 - NEW Siglent SDS1104X-U $399 4CH Oscilloscope Teardown

[EEVblog]

Teradown of the new $399 Siglent SDS_1104X-U Four Channel oscilloscope.
A cheaper alternative to the SDS1104X-E
And what's all this magnetic shielding stuff anyhow?

[TurboTom]

The different/varying RMS readouts over the channels are once again the result of the DC offset. RMS meaurements always include DC. If you want to compare the AC RMS component of the channel noise, use the standard deviation of Vpp.

[MiDi]

The different/varying RMS readouts over the channels are once again the result of the DC offset. RMS meaurements always include DC. If you want to compare the AC RMS component of the channel noise, use the standard deviation of Vpp.

Dave already did a video on exactly that topic:

https://youtu.be/G8Qoj3TpO9A

Edit: If you are confused what we are talking about, Dave edited this video, in the pre release version he confused rms with ac-rms - trap for youngplayers 

[David Hess]

So about 90 microvolts RMS noise over 100 MHz.  At least they do not advertise it as low noise because it sure is not.  That is almost as much noise as a Tektronix 7A13 at 110 microvolts RMS which has wide range bootstrapped differential inputs which inherently increases noise.  100 MHz analog oscilloscopes 30 years ago, and some DSOs, were regularly 20 microvolts RMS, or at least mine are.

I would like to see that measurement on other similar modern DSOs.

Dave, sample rate by itself should have no effect on noise but the change in the ADC configuration might.

The Siglent does look nicer than the Rigol except of course if you need the mixed signal capability.  I'd like to see a detailed review of the operational differences.

[Treant]

Funny twist, in channel A / 1 CA21/22 is flipped compared to CB21/22 in channel B/2 (Between BNC and adjustable cap). Channel C/3 and D/4 are same as B/2. Probably freaks out some OCD's 

[EEVblog]

Edit: If you are confused what we are talking about, Dave edited this video, in the pre release version he confused rms with ac-rms - trap for youngplayers 

Trap for those with 20 scopes in the lab and constantly switch instruments

[TurboTom]

The magnetic / RF absorbers may have been installed on the relays as an afterthought to eliminate or reduce cross-talk between the channels when one is operated at high sensitivity and the other fed with a powerful wide-band signal. This would explain why you didn't find any observable effect of the absorbers when only looking at the front-end noise. This may be even more relevant since two channels are capped off with one lid.

[CChin254]

SDS1104X-E Oscilloscope IC Identification Attached Below

Design Wins:
Siglent SDS1104X-E Oscilloscope

[CChin254]

SDS1104X-U Oscilloscope IC Identification Attached Below

Design Wins:
Siglent SDS1104X-U Oscilloscope


Edit: I put the wrong IC Identification in for this Oscilloscope, the right one should be in now.

[Dan Moos]

I realize the obvious comp is the 1054z, but this thing did make me wonder about something. I wouldn't buy this new Singlent because, while it's certainly going to be better I'm many minor ways, it wouldn't really be that much more than my Rigol in useful capabilities.

So my question is, for a hobbyist wanting to step up, (and being a hobbyist, my needs change with my often changing interests), what is a good option? Say, $1,000 or less.

And maybe the answer is still my Rigol.

Video idea maybe?

[Fungus]

I realize the obvious comp is the 1054z, but this thing did make me wonder about something. I wouldn't buy this new Singlent because, while it's certainly going to be better I'm many minor ways, it wouldn't really be that much more than my Rigol in useful capabilities.

There's one thing the Siglent does much better: FFT

OTOH the Rigol can do things that the Siglent can't, eg. plot graphs of measurements over time.

It's up to you.

So my question is, for a hobbyist wanting to step up, (and being a hobbyist, my needs change with my often changing interests), what is a good option? Say, $1,000 or less.

What do you feel is missing on your Rigol? Anything? If not, keep it. The world will get better and cheaper while you wait.

FWIW I just stepped up from a Rigol DS1054Z to a Micsig STO1104C. I didn't do it to get more features (it actually has less features than the Rigol  ), I did it to get better versions of the features I actually use, a bigger screen and a user interface that's orders of magnitude faster/easier.

[seec]

so quite ADC - 710mW typical power...

[David Hess]

There's one thing the Siglent does much better: FFT

Siglent is also better at abusing the law to stop people from selling their used Siglent equipment.

[TurboTom]

There's one thing the Siglent does much better: FFT

Siglent is also better at abusing the law to stop people from selling their used Siglent equipment.

You're tempting me to test that... Anybody needs an almost unsused SDG6022X that as a consequence of some "semi-random but careful mistakes" on my behalf now got an identity crisis and thinks it's a '6052X and also appears to have recovered from amnesia and now remembers how to generate I/Q signals?    Since the firmware hasn't been updated for more than a year, some of its usability and dependability characteristics could slightly be improved on, but considering the time since the last update, a new firmware can be expected to become available any second. Promised, nearly unused and almost better than new...