Analog Discovery Studio Max Ecosystem

The Analog Discovery Studio Max (ADS Max) Ecosystem builds on the flexibility of the ADS Max platform to extend it with course-specific Canvas boards that support hands-on engineering education. Designed in collaboration with leading academic hardware partners, the initial release includes boards for communications systems (Emona Instruments), and biomedical and chemistry applications (iWorx). Each Canvas board bundle includes:

1. The Canvas board – physical hardware that plugs into the ADS Max Canvas slot.
2. Partner-developed software – tailored to each board, ranging from WaveForms integrations to LabVIEW or standalone applications.
3. Courseware – ready-to-use exercises provided as printed manuals or downloadable files from the partner’s website.

Canvases for the Analog Discovery Studio Max provide large prototyping surfaces along with other features, including switchable power supplies, integrated I/O, and SMT breakouts. All canvases can be connected to the Analog Discovery Studio Max via a standard PCI connector. For more information on the Analog Discovery Studio Max, refer to its Resource Center.

Based in Australia, EMONA Instruments has been a trusted NI partner for over a decade, specializing in educational tools for communications engineering. EMONA’s Communications, Signals & Systems, and Fiber Optic Transmission Canvas boards are designed to make complex telecommunications and signal processing concepts accessible in the classroom. Emona continues to innovate alongside NI, most recently showcasing their ADS Max-compatible boards at NI Connect 2025 with fully documented step-by-step, hands-on experiments.

The Emona Fiber Optics Trainer (FOTEx, ETT-211) is a comprehensive single-board solution for the ADS Max platform, covering fundamental digital communications, optics fundamentals such as electrical/optical and optical/electrical interface, optical signal combining and filtering. It delivers an immersive learning experience in modern fiber optic technologies.

1. 13 hands-on lab experiments covering optical signal splitting, combining and filtering is implemented.
2. Real fiber optic transmission with optical TX/RX modules included.
3. Support for Pulse Code Modulation (PCM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), and Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) experiments

The Emona Signals & Systems Board (ESSB-30), paired with the ADS Max, transforms abstract concepts in digital signal processing, circuit analysis, and signals and systems into tangible, hands-on experiences. Students explore the interplay between mathematics, theory, and real electrical signals.

1. 16 hands-on lab experiments Covering essential Signals & Systems concepts including impulse response, convolution, correlation, sampling, Fourier, Laplace and Z-domains.
2. A/D conversion and IIR/FIR filter design experiments.

The Emona Communications Board (DxIQ-45G) is a versatile add-on for the ADS Max, designed to introduce students to foundational concepts in modern digital and analog telecommunications. This single-board solution enables hands-on learning through dozens of experiments, bridging theoretical principles with practical applications.

1. 23 hands-on lab experiments covering AM, FM, DSBSC, SSB, FSK, BPSK, QPSK, DSSS, ASK, Intro to OFDM & SDR: I/Q modulation
2. Spectral analysis, sampling, PAM, SNR & BER measurements, Costas Loop and superheterodyne receiver experiments

Headquartered in Dover, New Hampshire, iWorx Systems provides physiological data acquisition systems and lab kits for biomedical and chemistry education. Their products are widely used in universities and research institutions, offering pre-calibrated sensors, LabScribe software, and comprehensive courseware. iWorx has supported NI-compatible solutions for over a decade, helping educators teach biosignals, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, and chemical analysis with hands-on experiments. Each of their sensor bundles includes:

• LabScribeADS Software – a user-friendly data acquisition and analysis tool tailored for ADS Max, ideal for biosignal and chemistry experiments.
• Web-Ready Courseware – downloadable lab exercises developed by educators, covering topics like physiology, biosignals, and chemical analysis

Includes:

• Biomedical Sensors Package (PN 790615-01):
  • Gas Pressure Sensor
  • Blood Pressure Sensor (cuff)
  • Hand Dynamometer
  • Pulse Sensor
  • Temperature Probe (submersible)
  • Spirometer (with flow head)
  • Analog Discovery Studio Adapter
  • Analog Discovery Studio Max Adapter
• Biomedical Sensors Add-on Package (PN 790616-01):
  • Heart sounds sensor
  • Respiration belt
  • Event Marker
  • Goniometer
• 1 seat of iWorx LabScribe Software (PN 790723-35WP)

Includes:

• Chemistry Sensors Package (PN 790617-01):
  • Conductivity Probe
  • Drop Counter
  • Temperature Probe (Submersible)
  • Gas Pressure Sensor
  • pH Sensor
  • Colorimeter & Turbidity Sensor
  • Dissolved Oxygen Probe
  • Humidity Sensor
  • Analog Discovery Studio Adapter
  • Analog Discovery Studio Max Adapter
• 1 seat of iWorx LabScribe Software (PN 790723-35WP)

In addition to the partner-developed Canvas boards, this release also includes the Analog Discovery Canvas Max Product Kit: the default board that ships with the Analog Discovery Studio Max. Now available as a standalone part number, this board is ideal for general-purpose use and can be purchased separately for students (e.g., as part of a class kit or for homework assignments) or to store and swap built circuits in the lab.

• Four regular-sized breadboards
• Direct access to fixed ±15 V, +5 V, and +3.3 V supplies
• Integrated LEDs and buttons
• Breakouts for standard connectors, including Pmod, 3.5 mm audio, BNC, etc
• Canvas Max dimensions: 279 mm (L) x 216 mm (W) x 1.57 mm (H)