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| Another radio amateur about to buy a DSO ... |
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| Mike99:
After reading many threads on the subject here and suffering from the resulting analysis paralysis I have almost decided to go for a Siglent SDS1202X-E. One very helpful post from a couple of years ago showed that it has a 3dB bandwidth of around 300MHz which is fine for me as I work mostly below 50MHz. I also read about input noise, and how some scopes use relays to switch attenuators while others use tapped resistors. Does anyone know which way Siglent goes? Mike |
| Performa01:
--- Quote from: Mike99 on November 11, 2023, 11:34:09 am ---After reading many threads on the subject here and suffering from the resulting analysis paralysis I have almost decided to go for a Siglent SDS1202X-E. One very helpful post from a couple of years ago showed that it has a 3dB bandwidth of around 300MHz which is fine for me as I work mostly below 50MHz. --- End quote --- I don't know which post you're referring to, but actual measured -3 dB bandwidth of an SDS1202X-E is about 240 MHz. I have no reason to believe that the SDS1204X-E would be any different. Much more important, the amplitude drop for most Siglent DSOs usually won't eceed -1 dB at the rated bandwidth. Reliable (but partially a little outdated) information on all the properties of the SDS1000X-E series can be found in this thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds1104x-e-in-depth-review/msg1371771/#msg1371771 --- Quote from: Mike99 on November 11, 2023, 11:34:09 am ---I also read about input noise, and how some scopes use relays to switch attenuators while others use tapped resistors. Does anyone know which way Siglent goes? --- End quote --- I'v never heard of "tapped resistors" in a DSO. All DSOs I'm aware of are using proper attenuators, yet there is a difference in implementation: many cheap instruments make do with just one attenuator for the entire vertical sensitivity range, whereas the SDS1000X-E has two of them (like the big boys), which enables a more optimal amplitude scheme and lower noise indeed in certain situations. On top of that, the SDS1000X-E is one of the very few DSOs with a true (full resolution) 500 µV/div setting. Others appear to have high sensitivities too, but these are mostly just softare magnifications which costs resolution and doesn't help to increase the SNR. |
| RoGeorge:
You'll have to set a max budget before talking what to buy. I would look for something with (in this order): 4 channels, 12bits ADC, 50 ohms input option, an internal generator channel (AWG) would be nice for bode plots. Siglent and Rigol are trustworthy brands while still affordable. In terms of bandwidth, in practice it's not much of a difference between 100 or 200 MHz. The logic analyzer option doesn't matter either, for the price difference usually there are better standalone USB LA. Both Rigol and Siglent can be unlocked, so for hobby use might worth buying the smallest model for a given series, then unlock it (for free) to its max performance and max software options. The hardware is the same for each given products line. This may add a lot of value for Rigol and Siglent, when compared with other not so hacking-friendly brands. |
| tggzzz:
Points to watch out for, which might indicate a scope isn't the best tool for your requirements... Ignore headline figures, and understand how the "ENOB" affects distortion (time domain) and harmonics (frequency domain) analysis. Verify whether post-processing (e.g. FFT, protocols) operates on the entire captured buffer or just that portion which is visible on the screen. Understand the consequences of the buffer size w.r.t. frequency domain analysis. IMHO if you are interested in harmonics then consider a spectrum analyser for RF work, or a sound card for audio work. If you are interested in "higher level" radio signal analysis, consider an SDR. |
| Fungus:
--- Quote from: Mike99 on November 11, 2023, 11:34:09 am ---After reading many threads on the subject here and suffering from the resulting analysis paralysis I have almost decided to go for a Siglent SDS1202X-E. --- End quote --- The choice would be between that and the new kid on the block, the Rigol DHO802. Prices are similar, overall capabilities are similar, but the Rigol is more modern (eg. touch screen and windowing) and has 12-bits. Also HDMI out, VESA mount... For both of these you'd buy the base model and hack them to full bandwidth. Measured bandwidth would be about 200Mhz on the Rigol. Dave compares the FFT abilities here: |
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