A DSO captures analog waveforms. An MSO can capture analog waveforms and digital logic signals within the same measurement environment, allowing engineers to compare events across both domains.

You’ll find this combination throughout Digilent’s mixed-signal oscilloscope lineup, including portable USB instruments, professional engineering tools, and systems designed for teaching laboratories.

If you’re evaluating a scope purchase or wondering whether your current DSO is missing something, this guide explains how DSOs and MSOs work, how they compare, when each type makes sense, and where Digilent’s MSO options fit.

What Is a Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope?

An MSO is a hybrid instrument that measures analog voltages like a DSO and captures digital logic states like a logic analyzer.

The analog and digital acquisition systems use a coordinated timebase and trigger system, allowing signals from both domains to appear together in the same capture.

Think of it as two measurement tools working within the same system. The analog channels capture complete voltage waveforms, while the digital channels determine whether each monitored signal is above or below a defined logic threshold.

Because these signals share a coordinated timeline, you can compare what a digital circuit is doing with the analog response it produces.

How Does an MSO Work?

The analog input path uses components such as attenuators, amplifiers, and an analog-to-digital converter. The ADC samples the incoming voltage so the instrument can reconstruct the waveform for display and analysis.

The digital inputs operate differently. Each channel compares the incoming signal against a logic threshold and records it as a high or low state.

Both acquisition paths are tied to a common time reference and trigger system. This lets a digital event initiate a capture that also records the analog channels.

For example, you could trigger when a particular digital control line changes state and then examine the effect on a power rail, sensor output, or DAC waveform.

What Does an MSO Measure?

The analog channels measure voltage over time. Depending on the instrument and probes, common signals include:

• Sensor outputs
• Power rails
• Audio signals
• Control-loop responses
• DAC outputs
• Clock and data waveforms
• Transient events

The digital channels monitor logic signals and may support decoding for protocols such as:

• I2C
• SPI
• UART
• CAN
• JTAG

They can also monitor general-purpose signals such as chip selects, interrupt lines, clock enables, ready signals, and FPGA state outputs.

The combination is particularly useful for embedded-system debugging. You can monitor an SPI transaction on the digital channels while measuring the resulting output from a DAC on an analog channel.

That single capture can make it easier to isolate faults that only occur under a particular command, timing condition, or circuit state.

What Is a Digital Storage Oscilloscope?

A DSO samples analog signals with an ADC and stores the digitized samples in memory for display and analysis.

Unlike earlier analog oscilloscopes that displayed signals directly on a cathode-ray tube, a DSO stores digital representations of the waveform. This allows users to stop a capture, inspect a transient, take automated measurements, and save or export data.

A DSO typically provides two, four, or more analog channels. Everything displayed is based on a voltage-over-time measurement.

A DSO remains a capable choice for analog circuit development, power electronics, audio, signal-integrity work, and many other applications that do not require dedicated digital inputs.

How Does a DSO Work?

A DSO’s analog front end conditions the incoming signal before the ADC samples it. The captured samples are stored in memory and displayed as a waveform.

A traditional DSO does not include a separate bank of digital logic inputs. If you want to inspect a serial bus, you can connect its lines to analog channels and use the oscilloscope’s triggering or protocol-decoding features, when available.

This can work well, but every bus line connected this way occupies an analog channel that could otherwise be used for another measurement.

For example, monitoring an SPI clock, data line, and chip-select signal may consume three analog channels before you begin measuring the circuit’s analog output.

What Does a DSO Measure?

A DSO can measure signals that fall within the instrument’s supported voltage and bandwidth ranges, including:

• Sine waves
• Square waves
• Sensor outputs
• Audio signals
• Power-supply rails
• Transient events
• Switching waveforms
• Clock signals

DSOs are commonly used to measure voltage, frequency, rise time, fall time, timing relationships, noise, ripple, and waveform shape.

Many also provide mathematical analysis, automated measurements, and FFT views for examining a signal in the frequency domain.

MSO vs. DSO: Key Differences

An MSO adds dedicated digital inputs to the analog measurement capabilities associated with a DSO. This supports mixed-signal triggering and allows digital buses to be monitored without occupying the analog channels.

The exact number of channels, trigger types, protocol decoders, thresholds, and sampling capabilities varies by instrument. Always compare the complete specifications rather than relying on the MSO or DSO label alone.

Analog Performance Still Matters

Choosing an MSO does not automatically mean sacrificing analog performance. However, analog specifications vary across instruments, regardless of whether the product is labeled a DSO or an MSO.

When comparing scopes, review:

• Analog bandwidth
• Sample rate
• ADC resolution
• Input range
• Input impedance
• Memory depth
• Noise performance
• Trigger capabilities
• Number of analog channels

Some manufacturers offer closely related DSO and MSO models that share similar analog specifications, with the MSO version adding digital inputs. That does not mean all DSOs and MSOs provide equivalent analog performance.

Compare the actual specifications of the models you are considering.

What Digital Channels Add

An MSO’s digital inputs appear on the same timeline as its analog channels.

Depending on the instrument, these channels can help you:

• Monitor several logic signals at once
• Group lines into a digital bus
• Decode supported serial protocols
• Trigger on a digital edge or pattern
• Compare bus activity with an analog response
• Preserve analog channels for voltage measurements

For example, you could trigger on a specific SPI transaction and then examine how the connected analog circuit responds.

On a DSO, monitoring those SPI lines with analog probes would occupy channels that might otherwise be used for the circuit’s input, output, or power rail.

Triggering Across Analog and Digital Domains

Cross-domain triggering is one of the primary reasons to choose an MSO.

Depending on the instrument’s supported trigger system, an MSO may let you initiate a capture based on a digital edge, pulse, pattern, or protocol event and then inspect the corresponding analog response.

Suppose a DAC output contains an occasional glitch after a particular SPI transaction. Instead of waiting for the glitch and trying to catch it manually, you can configure a trigger related to the digital activity and inspect the analog output during the same capture.

The exact triggering options vary by MSO, so verify the model’s supported analog, digital, and protocol trigger conditions.

When to Choose an MSO vs. a DSO

The choice depends primarily on the systems you measure and the signals you need to compare.

When an MSO Is Worth It

An MSO is particularly useful when digital buses are a regular part of your work.

That might include:

• Debugging I2C, SPI, UART, or CAN communications
• Developing systems based on microcontrollers, Arm processors, or FPGAs
• Testing ADC and DAC interfaces
• Investigating timing relationships between firmware and hardware
• Performing board bring-up
• Comparing a digital control signal with an analog response

An MSO can also reduce the need to switch between an oscilloscope and a separate logic analyzer during troubleshooting.

When a DSO Is Enough

A DSO may be sufficient when your measurements are primarily analog.

Examples include:

• Analog audio circuits
• Amplifiers and filters
• Power-supply ripple
• Oscillator outputs
• Analog equipment repair
• Signal-shape and timing measurements
• Educational exercises focused exclusively on analog fundamentals

A DSO may also be preferable when your budget is better spent on greater analog bandwidth, additional analog channels, specialized probes, deeper memory, or higher resolution rather than dedicated digital inputs.

Other Oscilloscope Specifications Still Matter

Choosing between an MSO and a DSO is only one part of selecting an oscilloscope.

You should still evaluate:

• Bandwidth: Determines the range of signal frequencies the scope can measure accurately.
• Sample rate: Determines how frequently the input signal is sampled.
• Resolution: Affects the instrument’s ability to distinguish small voltage differences.
• Memory depth: Determines how many samples the instrument can retain in a capture.
• Analog channel count: Determines how many voltage signals can be measured simultaneously.
• Digital channel count: Determines how many logic signals an MSO can monitor.
• Input range and impedance: Affect compatibility with the circuit being tested.
• Trigger options: Determine which events can initiate a capture.
• Software and automation support: Affect analysis, logging, export, scripting, and integration.

Memory depth is easy to overlook. It influences how long a time window the instrument can capture at a particular sample rate.

For a closer look at how these specifications interact, read Digilent’s guide to why bandwidth alone is not enough when choosing an oscilloscope.

Digilent Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes

Digilent’s mixed-signal oscilloscopes combine analog measurement with digital I/O and the WaveForms software environment.

The available product families range from portable USB instruments to higher-performance professional and educational systems.

Analog Discovery 3: Portable Mixed-Signal Instrument

Analog Discovery 3 provides two analog input channels and 16 digital I/O channels in a portable, USB-connected format.

It works with WaveForms, which provides instruments for oscilloscope capture, logic analysis, signal generation, protocol work, and other test and measurement tasks.

Analog Discovery 3 is a practical option for:

• Embedded-system debugging
• FPGA and microcontroller projects
• Electronics education
• Portable troubleshooting
• Home and professional workbenches
• Automated measurements through the WaveForms SDK

Its portable form factor makes it useful when bench space is limited or when measurements need to be taken outside a traditional laboratory.

Analog Discovery Pro 2000 Series: Professional USB MSOs

The Analog Discovery Pro 2000 Series provides professional mixed-signal measurement in compact, USB-connected instruments.

The family includes:

• ADP2230: Two analog input channels with 14-bit resolution, sample rates up to 125 MS/s, and 16 digital I/O channels
• ADP2440: Four analog input channels with 12-bit resolution, up to 600 MS/s interleaved sampling, and 16 digital I/O channels
• ADP2450: Four analog input channels with 8-bit resolution, up to 1 GS/s interleaved sampling, and 16 digital I/O channels

These instruments are suited to engineers who need more analog performance, deeper memory, BNC connectivity, or additional analog channels while retaining mixed-signal analysis.

The choice among the three depends on whether the project benefits most from higher resolution, additional channels, higher bandwidth, or a faster sample rate.

Analog Discovery Pro 3000 Series: Portable High-Resolution MSOs

The Analog Discovery Pro 3000 Series provides portable, high-resolution mixed-signal measurement for engineering workflows that require additional performance and flexibility.

This family sits between compact USB tools and larger all-in-one bench equipment. It is designed for professional measurement, analysis, and automated test workflows using WaveForms.

Analog Discovery Pro 5000 Series: All-in-One Bench MSOs

The Analog Discovery Pro 5000 Series is Digilent’s all-in-one bench-form-factor mixed-signal oscilloscope family.

The series combines oscilloscope and digital analysis capabilities with additional instruments available through WaveForms. Depending on the selected model, these systems provide different analog bandwidths, channel configurations, and performance levels.

The ADP5000 Series is intended for engineers who want a more integrated bench instrument for circuit development, mixed-signal debugging, signal analysis, and automated testing.

Analog Discovery Studio Max: Teaching-Lab MSO

Analog Discovery Studio Max is designed for engineering education and laboratory coursework.

It combines test and measurement instruments with a prototyping environment, allowing students to build and evaluate circuits within the same laboratory platform.

This makes it useful for:

• Analog and digital electronics courses
• Circuits laboratories
• Embedded-systems instruction
• Communications coursework
• Project-based engineering education

Its integrated format helps reduce the need to assemble separate measurement instruments and prototyping hardware at each laboratory station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope the Same as a Mixed-Domain Oscilloscope?

No.

A mixed-signal oscilloscope combines analog oscilloscope channels with digital logic channels. A mixed-domain oscilloscope generally combines time-domain oscilloscope measurements with dedicated frequency-domain or RF analysis capabilities.

Product terminology varies by manufacturer, so review the instrument architecture and specifications rather than relying on the acronym alone.

WaveForms includes spectrum-analysis functionality for supported Digilent hardware, but software-based spectrum analysis does not automatically make every supported device equivalent to a dedicated mixed-domain oscilloscope architecture.

Can I Use an MSO as a Logic Analyzer?

Yes, within the digital-channel count, sample-rate, memory, threshold, and protocol capabilities of the instrument.

You can use the digital inputs without actively measuring the analog channels. This allows an MSO to handle many common logic-analysis tasks.

A dedicated logic analyzer may still be preferable when you need:

• More digital channels
• Specialized digital triggering
• Deeper digital memory
• Higher digital sample rates
• More extensive protocol support
• Connector systems designed for large digital buses

Do MSOs Cost More Than DSOs?

They can, but the difference varies by manufacturer, model, channel count, included software, and whether digital capability is standard or optional.

Rather than assuming a fixed MSO price premium, compare the actual models and evaluate what is included. A lower-priced DSO may require a separate logic analyzer, while an MSO may combine both functions.

Can I Upgrade a DSO to an MSO After Purchase?

It depends on the instrument.

Some oscilloscopes support optional digital probes, pods, licenses, or upgrades. Other DSOs lack the hardware required for dedicated digital acquisition and cannot be converted into MSOs.

If you expect to work with digital buses, check the upgrade path before purchasing rather than assuming that MSO capability can be added later.

How Many Digital Channels Do I Need?

The answer depends on the system you are debugging.

A small serial interface may require only a few lines. For example:

• I2C typically uses two signal lines.
• Basic UART monitoring may use one or two lines.
• SPI commonly uses clock, data, and chip-select lines, with additional lines depending on the configuration.
• Parallel buses and FPGA designs may require many more channels.

Sixteen digital channels provide useful flexibility for many embedded and FPGA projects, but more complex systems may require additional capacity.

What Is the Difference Between MSO Digital Channels and a Standalone USB Logic Analyzer?

Both can monitor digital logic and decode supported protocols.

The primary advantage of an MSO is that its analog and digital channels operate within the same measurement system. This simplifies triggering and timing comparisons between a digital event and an analog response.

A standalone logic analyzer may provide more digital channels or specialized digital-analysis features. When it is used beside a separate oscilloscope, the quality of analog-to-digital correlation depends on the available synchronization and triggering options.

Do Digilent MSOs Work With Linux and macOS?

WaveForms is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and ARM platforms, with device support varying across the product lineup.

Before choosing an instrument, review the current WaveForms downloads and the product’s software-support information to confirm compatibility with your operating system.

The WaveForms SDK also supports development in languages including C and Python, making it possible to build custom test and automation workflows.

Can I Save MSO Captures for Later Analysis?

WaveForms can acquire, store, analyze, and export captured measurement data.

The available export and logging options depend on the instrument and WaveForms tool being used. For automated or unattended acquisition, the WaveForms SDK can be used to control supported hardware through custom applications and scripts.

For long captures, review the device’s memory, streaming capabilities, sample rate, channel count, and storage requirements before beginning the measurement.

Choosing the Right Scope for Your Bench

If digital buses are a regular part of your work, an MSO can provide analog and digital views in one instrument. That makes it easier to compare firmware activity, logic states, and circuit behavior during the same troubleshooting session.

If you work exclusively with analog signals, a DSO may provide everything you need. In that case, prioritize the analog specifications, channel count, probes, triggering, and analysis features that best match your application.

Browse Digilent’s mixed-signal oscilloscope lineup to compare the current models.