I don't think USB logic analyzers suck. There are a couple of very nice ones around (e.g. Salae) and all you really want them to do beyond showing the signals, in my limited point of view, is to do protocol decode and that they do very well.
uh if you mean that kickstarter one, stay away. It is really not something to use as instrument.
BUT, mentioning Digilent, look at this: http://store.digilentinc.com/digital-discovery-portable-logic-analyzer-and-digital-pattern-generator/
200 USD and pretty powerful. Not really sure how good the measurement pods are in terms of noise etc. but it also doubles up as pattern generator:
- 24-channel digital logic analyzer (1.2…3.3V CMOS, up to 800MS/s*)
- 16-channel pattern generator (1.2…3.3V CMOS, 100MS/s)
- 16-channel virtual digital I/O including buttons, switches, and LEDs – perfect for logic training applications
- Two input/output digital trigger signals for linking multiple instruments (1.2…3.3V CMOS)
- A programmable power supply of 1.2…3.3V/100mA. The same voltage supplies the Logic Analyzer input buffers and the Pattern Generator input/output buffers, for keeping the logic level compatibility with the circuit under test.
- Digital Bus Analyzers (SPI, I²C, UART, Parallel)
I can write a little more about this one once I have it here on my desk. Mind the decoding protocol count is a bit limited atm (SPI, I²C, UART) but I could imagine it gets some updates.
But thanks for pointing out this limitation. Perhaps there is an easy solution (level shifter, passive divider)
But thanks for pointing out this limitation. Perhaps there is an easy solution (level shifter, passive divider)
Yes there is - reading the specs : "Setting the voltage to 3.3V, 5V logic inputs are tolerated but the input threshold is 1.42V. LVCMOS 3.3V output signals are compatible to most external logical circuits supplied with 5V."
But yea electrically it's inferior to stuff found in MSOs.
But thanks for pointing out this limitation. Perhaps there is an easy solution (level shifter, passive divider)
Yes there is - reading the specs : "Setting the voltage to 3.3V, 5V logic inputs are tolerated but the input threshold is 1.42V. LVCMOS 3.3V output signals are compatible to most external logical circuits supplied with 5V."
But yea electrically it's inferior to stuff found in MSOs.
The supply voltage of the associated FPGA banks is set (by user) to any value from 1.2V to 3.3V.
The threshold level (at the FPGA pins) is about 45% of the bank supply voltage.
For standard voltages of: 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, the threshold levels (at the FPGA pins) are: 0.58V, 0.7V, 0.82V, 1.1V and 1.42V respectively.
User Variable from –8 V to +8 V
Maximum input voltage ± 40 V peak CAT I; transient overvoltage 800 Vpk
The rigol intergrated arbitrary generators have got a maximum signal span of +-2.5V (5Vss centered around common, into high impedance load). That's actually quite ridiculous and of little use when working with digital stuff powered from 5V. For analog circuitry it may be acceptable though.
Regarding other brands, I found a Siglent 2074 for $1200 on eBay. That would be pretty much ideal if it had more than 70MHz bandwidth, maybe it's "hackable" a la Rigol?
Regarding other brands, I found a Siglent 2074 for $1200 on eBay. That would be pretty much ideal if it had more than 70MHz bandwidth, maybe it's "hackable" a la Rigol?
It can not do 5V. What a joke!
Selectable: Vth +0.6V, Vth +0.9V, Vth +01.65V
Regarding other brands, I found a Siglent 2074 for $1200 on eBay. That would be pretty much ideal if it had more than 70MHz bandwidth, maybe it's "hackable" a la Rigol?Nobody's done it yet that I'm aware of but the SDS2kX series is on promo at the moment, a SDS2104X with 30% discount is ~ $ 1150. If you buy the MSO SW and HW probe set you get all the other options included, FG and Decode.
I think you can get a further 6% with the members Saelig discount code.
Since this model is effectively 100MHz, after some *cough* "tinkering"
the function generator, which is nice
QuoteSince this model is effectively 100MHz, after some *cough* "tinkering"I have yet to see a hack path that does not require complicated hardware intervention - but maybe an easy hack exists of which I am unaware. In fact, I am not convinced that anyone has successfully hacked MSO, but am happy to be corrected.
Quotethe function generator, which is niceI find the function generator to be poor, compared to a real AWG.
Rigol MSO1000Z-S 5Vpp Dual channel, 25MHz Sine, 15MHz Square, AM/FM Modulation (FSK by modulating with square wave)
Keysight MSOX3000A 5Vpp Single channel, 20MHz Sine, 10MHz Square, AM/FM/FSK Modulation
Tek MDO3000 5Vpp Single channel, 50MHz Sine, 25MHz Square, No modulation
See Dave's video on MSO versus DS version of Rigol scope.
To me, RIGOL MSO1104Z-S is a great hobby toy, but not suitable as a professional scope.
DS1054Z and separate AWG+LA seems like far better value for money than MSO1074Z-S with poor-mans version of LA and AWG built-in.
But this is just my opinion as an MSO1104Z-S owner. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion
There were some price drops on this series starting on 4/1
As long as potential buyers are aware that built-in LA and AWG have limitations that may, or may not matter, then that was the intent of sharing my experience.