Author Topic: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board  (Read 50654 times)

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Offline TerminalJack505

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #25 on: May 03, 2013, 12:54:03 pm »
Hopefully they're not restocked returns.  I guess I'll find out.
 

Offline fpliuzzi

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #26 on: May 04, 2013, 02:29:47 pm »
Hello,
I also was lucky to have gotten one of the $99 modules from Newark. Even though I already have a bench full of test equipment, I'm sure that I'll get a lot of use out of this versatile device. For anyone who hasn't seen it, here is the latest brochure listing the Analog Discovery module's capabilities.

www.digilentinc.com/data/products/analog-discovery/AnalogDiscovery-DS-2013-1.pdf

I see in this brochure that it states the following...

"Spectrum Analyzer New!
  • Performs FFT or CZT algorithm on analog input channels and displays power spectrum
  • Frequency range adjustments in center/span or start/stop modes
  • Linear or logarithmic frequency scale
  • Peak tracking option finds peak power and adjusts display to keep peak in center of display
  • Vertical axis supports voltage-peak, voltage-RMS, dBV and dBu display options
  • Windowing options include rectangular, triangular, hamming, Cosine, and many others
  • Cursors and automatic measurements including noise floor, SFDR, SNR, THD and many others
  • Data file import/export using standard formats"

EDIT (8/15/13): The version of the Digilent Waveforms software that includes the new Spectrum Analyzer is now available for download from their site...

www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?Prod=WAVEFORMS

Also, I find that their Analog Discovery BNC Adapter Board is a must-have item.

www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?NavPath=2,842,1141&Prod=DISCOVERY-BNC

Regards,
Frank
« Last Edit: August 15, 2013, 09:00:57 pm by fpliuzzi »
 

Offline TerminalJack505

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #27 on: May 10, 2013, 08:44:39 pm »
I got my Analog Discovery a couple of days ago.  I had a play with it today.  I made a simple inverting charge pump with some filtering and a small load and had the Waveforms software drive it with a 200kHz square wave.

I've attached some screenshots.  Considering there has been some discussion regarding simulators, I also included the simulator results.  They show < 1mV ripple on the output.  The real world was a little different.   ;)

For what I paid ($99) I have no complaints about either the device or the software.
 

Offline ukee1593

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #28 on: May 14, 2013, 01:02:50 am »
^^ Thanks for those screen shots of the Computer Software for the Analog Discovery.  I agree the interface looks very usable. 

I too am interested in buying the Analog Discovery but would like to see Dave's review of it first (Come on Dave, Review it already!!)

Does anyone know the best way to buy it in Australia?  Does Digilent store in USA ship over to Australia/accept applications from Australian students for their academic pricing?  Does anyone know how expensive shipping is?

A quick comparison; buying the Analog Discovery from Digilent with the parts kit (looks to be fairly good value from what I can see) costs $210 compared to $230 for the same thing at Black Box Consulting here in Australia.  Also Digilent gives you the option of adding TINA design suite for $7 extra ... (Never used this before, does anyone have any experience with this product; is it any good?)  This will of course depend on shipping costs!



 

Offline TerminalJack505

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #29 on: May 14, 2013, 03:05:17 am »
I probably didn't do the software and device a whole lot of justice.  I didn't (and still haven't) read the online help manual.  I pretty much just fired it up and played around.

I discovered that you can increase the record depth to 16k per channel.  In the screenshots you can see it is 8k (for each channel.)  You can change the device's configuration to put more emphasis on the features you need for a particular task, apparently.

The TINA simulation software is pretty good.  You can get a free version from TI called Tina-TI if you want to check it out.  The version from Digilent probably has extra features and devices.  If so then it would be worth paying an extra $7 to get it when you order an Analog Discovery.
 

Offline Pierre.Prache

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #30 on: May 23, 2013, 10:09:17 am »
Hi,

I work on an experiment that requires 6 sines and a synchro signal for the camera. I bought 3 analog discovery devices, but I dont know if I can drive them all at the same time with the Matlab toolbox.
Have some of you worked on this?

Thanks
 

Offline MONODA

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #31 on: May 23, 2013, 03:23:02 pm »
I've had good experience with the NI MyDAQ. Its got +/-15VDC as well as +5VDC for digital circuits. Its also got 2 analog outputs and 2 analog input channels as well as 7 DIO pins and a counter. It comes with software that lets you do an FFT and apply different windowing function as well as a function generator and typical computer based scope features. Best of all it can be programmed using LabVIEW to do some really cool stuff such as implementing a control system etc.
 

Offline luca1000

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #32 on: June 07, 2013, 10:06:22 pm »
Any review about Analog Discovery ??
 

Offline TerminalJack505

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #33 on: June 12, 2013, 03:06:53 am »
This is probably the best $99 I've ever spent on electronics.  I use mine quite a bit.  The differential probes allow me to do things I can't do on my 'real' oscilloscopes. 

Hopefully others got one of these while they were on sale.  So far as I'm concerned, mine has already paid for itself. 

I can see where these would be a great tool for someone new to electronics.

I'm thinking of getting one of the BNC adapters.  The flying leads can introduce quite a bit of noise into the signals.  This is actually what was causing the noise in my inverting charge pump circuit shown in my early post.

I'll probably have to order the BNC adapter directly from Digilent so I was thinking about getting a pair of their probes as well.  Anyone have experience with these?  It doesn't look like they come with the little ground spring attachment--which is unfortunate.  Other than that, I imagine they'll work fine for the bandwidth that the Analog Discovery kit works at.
 

Offline Engineer1

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #34 on: August 13, 2013, 12:40:12 pm »
Hello,

I just noticed that a few days ago an SDK for the Analog Discovery software (Waveforms) was released. More information here:

http://ez.analog.com/community/university-program/blog/2013/08/09/create-custom-pc-applications-for-analog-discovery

I haven't looked into this in any detail at all beyond reading the post above. I hope to get some time soon, though...

Hope this is useful.

Cheers.

Steve.
 

Online Smokey

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #35 on: August 13, 2013, 08:10:59 pm »
 :clap: I'm slow clapping in real life for Digilent.  Good job.  I wasn't holding my breath on that one, but I guess this just goes to show you never can tell. 
And they even gave examples in python.  nice.

Now I just need to get on finishing my BNC/function gen output isolator-amplifier adapter.
 

Offline fpliuzzi

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #36 on: August 15, 2013, 09:23:56 pm »
I just noticed that Digilent has released a version of their Waveforms software that includes a new Spectrum Analyzer instrument (10MHz BW).

www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?Prod=WAVEFORMS

Some related info from the newest Analog Discovery brochure....

"Spectrum Analyzer New!
  • Performs FFT or CZT algorithm on analog input channels and displays power spectrum
  • Frequency range adjustments in center/span or start/stop modes
  • Linear or logarithmic frequency scale
  • Peak tracking option finds peak power and adjusts display to keep peak in center of display
  • Vertical axis supports voltage-peak, voltage-RMS, dBV and dBu display options
  • Windowing options include rectangular, triangular, hamming, Cosine, and many others
  • Cursors and automatic measurements including noise floor, SFDR, SNR, THD and many others
  • Data file import/export using standard formats"

Pretty nice little addition that will let me look at a chunk of the frequency spectrum that's below my RF Explorer-3G's 15MHz-2.7GHz bandwidth.

Regards,
Frank
« Last Edit: August 16, 2013, 12:12:19 am by fpliuzzi »
 

Offline TerminalJack505

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #37 on: August 16, 2013, 12:39:20 am »
I just noticed that Digilent has released a version of their Waveforms software that includes a new Spectrum Analyzer instrument (10MHz BW).


Yes I noticed the option when it installed the updates. I realize its no 10k Agilent SA, or VNA but I am impressed for a lousy 99 bucks not to shabby; it definitely is useful. I’m not going to be throwing away my Instek DSO though  ;). The other tools even with a limited BW come in handy.

Terminal jack I’ve been using the network analyzer and I’ve noticed an improvement in the noise floor pick-up when twisting the scope leads. You could maybe try that until you get or build your own BNC breakout board.

Thanks.  I saw someone else using that trick and it does help quite a bit. 

I bought one of the BNC adapter boards and have been using it with 1x/10x probes.  I've attached a screenshot of my noise floor with 1x probes AC coupled.

I've been using the network analyzer myself recently.  Like you, I agree that it is a great tool to have for the money but I'm hoping they continue improve the software as I think there is still room for improvement with this particular application.
 

Offline jusanother

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #38 on: August 31, 2013, 11:32:54 pm »
Hi,

Considering getting one of these, can anyone tell me is the logic analyser able to trigger on decoded protocol events ? The flyer I found on-line suggests it is, but as previously stated they are a little vague.

EDIT: Answered my own question after downloading the software, NO triggers on protocol events, just basic triggering.

Thanks.
Cam.
« Last Edit: September 01, 2013, 11:07:23 am by jusanother »
 

Offline Krakonos

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #39 on: September 25, 2013, 08:10:33 am »
Hi!

I've noticed this some time ago and though about getting it, but I have some questions.

First of all, I need to say that I already have an DSO, the DS2072, which servers me well. That is I don't need the scope ability at all. I'm only interested in the 16-channel logic analyzer (It's a handy thing to hook up many pins of my mcu and see what I'm doing wrong, and my scope does not have so many channels...) AND the AWG (I would love to have the ability to feed some signal into my circuit, that is non-trivial).

So my questions are: how is the LA and AWG?

The second thing is that I use Linux only (well, for serious work anyway), so I'd need this to work in Linux. Since I'm not interested in the scope, I would be happy if the output could be fed into some 3rd party app (online!) or the sw would work under wine reasonably well. I would be willing to code my own software if some documentation is valid (how does it connect? Proprietary protocol or some high-speed serial emulation?). I hear the linux version is promised, but it is promised for a long time (and I've been hoping for it), but I found no recent mention of it and I can find only windows downloads on the site.

Thanks!
 

Offline sportq

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #40 on: September 25, 2013, 08:42:08 am »

I have to say, as a returning EE (out the game for 20+ years) this has been far and away my best purchase. For a beginner the sub 10Mhz scope and AWG are all you really need to build and debug small electronic projects. I really enjoyed building passive and active filters and tweaking them using the network analyzer. I got it through Farnell in the UK and was surprised to find I also got the Analog Component Kit with it, that really helped get me started. The training materials (video lectures, notes, labs) on Digilents website also very good.

If I really had to mark it down I would say that for the extra few $ they should have brought the scope and AWG outputs to BNC's. The optional BNC board doesn't seem to be available in the UK  :( but I had similar one made up through OSH Park.

Dave got one in a mailbag earlier this year and I've been really hoping he would get around to doing a full review of it. It's way below professional use but for me an Oscilloscope, AWG, Logic Analyzer, Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer all for under £130 is fantastic value. There's also a builtin voltmeter and power supply but those (especially the latter) are too basic for even a beginner, those are the only additional lab gear I've bought.

Pete
 

Offline R_G_B_

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #41 on: October 23, 2013, 08:56:23 pm »
R_G_B
 

Offline rontopia

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #42 on: November 06, 2013, 04:18:13 pm »
first time poster..

I did a search (like a good little boy) to see what people had to say about this product.

I really cant afford lots of gear right now. so this seemed to be a good fit. I have to say that i am way more than impressed. I have been doing Analog/RF/high speed digital IC layout for that last 20 years and have in the last 6 months moved over to PCB and all kinds of other CAD work and even techincal writing. the producd has helped me understand componets much better.. also.. have you checked out the video's

http://www.digilentinc.com/Classroom/RealAnalog/

awsome product, awsome resources for students, kids wanting to learn, or even people like me..


 

Offline Engineer1

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #43 on: January 10, 2014, 07:07:52 pm »
I've just found this when poking about to see if there's any more documentation on the Analog Discovery. It's a pretty comprehensive reference on the workings of the unit:

http://www.digilentinc.com/Data/Products/ANALOG-DISCOVERY/Discovery_TRM_RevB_1.pdf

Cheers.

Steve.
 

Online Smokey

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #44 on: January 10, 2014, 07:17:57 pm »
Very interesting. 

1) The title says that the document applies to revision B, but doesn't tell you how to find what revision you have.  :)
2) There are a bunch of what look like chunks of the real schematic.  From what I've found, that whole schematic hasn't been released.  I wonder if you can piece the whole thing together from this one document.
 

Offline fpliuzzi

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #45 on: January 11, 2014, 12:36:42 am »

... The title says that the document applies to revision B, but doesn't tell you how to find what revision you have.  :) ....

On my particular Analog Discovery module the rev. is silk screened on the bottom of the unit, above the barcode (REV. C in my case). The location may be different for earlier revisions.

Also, that Analog Discovery Technical Reference Manual PDF will come in handy.
 

Offline nowlan

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #46 on: January 11, 2014, 01:48:03 am »
Hello,
Just watched the video on filter/bode plots.

I was wondering if this board would be capable of measuring THD+N similar to Keithley 2015 etc. for audio amps.

Either through sw update or scripting. Someone mentioned SDK was released.

(was wondering if the same could be achieved with regular oscilloscope/fft and scripting too).
 

Offline cloudstrf

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Re: New Analog Devices/Digilent Analog Discovery board
« Reply #47 on: July 11, 2014, 05:51:01 pm »
Has anyone used the Logic Analyzer to test PMOS logic?

I was asked to test a 3-input NAND gate using the Analog Discovery and had to use a 3.3V to -5 V digital shift register (combined with a diode) to get a high of -4 V and low of 0 V (PMOS logic high is -4)

Is there a setting to change the output of the signal generator to -3.3 V instead of +3.3 V?
 


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