Analog Discovery 2: 100MS/s USB Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer and Variable Power Supply

The hardware is ideal, good number of channels and configuration options. The software is so/so, it's not very intuitive and navigation around the wave forms is very tricky. Trying to isolate specific parts of the wave form can be a trying experience. Albeit, I run on a mac and I think the software is mainly focused towards Windows users, so the navigation might be smoother on that platform.

This system works great with the out-of-the-box Waveforms software and offers a powerful SDK for customization. However, the learning curve on the development environment is very steep and the documentation at times does not include all the necessary details. I have had to ask a substantial number of 'dumb' questions on the forum to get started, and continued to do so throughout the process of developing my custom applications -- and responses to those questions are not always timely or particularly helpful. I am ultimately able to get the system to do exactly what I need it to every time, but it can be a h*** of an uphill battle.

"the Analog Discovery 2, a unit that has a long history of development, it really shows what a mature product can do. I found little that couldn't be done with this device that any technician would need in a very portable device. The Waveforms software is fully utilized to it's extent and I could find very little to improve on." Full Review here: https://www.element14.com/community/roadTestReviews/3069/l/analog-discovery-2-labview-home-bundle-review

The hardware and software are both great, and if there is a corner case feature that is needed they are often able to update the software to support it in a few months. Great product and great company!

I think this product should be mandatory in engineering courses owing to its all in one design. No need to switch between instruments. It helped me a lot in my research work. Even I worked it from home without going to the lab.

In my opinion, there is something really wrong with the device when it stops working after only one hour of total time. As it appeared from the forum, it is not a single case.

I deliberated long and hard before deciding to purchase this pricey product given the availability of some attractive budget digital oscilloscopes for only a hundred dollars or so more. However, in the end I went with the AD2 for the following reasons: • Electronics is and will remain just a hobby for me. It is, however, a vast domain. Given that the AD2 is more than just a USB oscilloscope, as a mixed signal multi-function test and measurement instrument it will allow me to explore and dip my toes into many different aspects of this domain. Granted, should I decide to specialize and drill down more deeply into any given area may require additional investment in equipment in the future. • The internal FPGA architecture of the AD2 allows for the simultaneous use of its various test-bench features in real time with minimal impact on performance. • The general specs are amazingly good for its entry level price point to the world of digital oscilloscopes and other test equipment. • Most of the analog and digital circuits I will likely be building in the foreseeable future fall within the ±25V, 700mA/500mW (channel/total) input and output ranges of the AD2. • The free Waveforms software user interface looked phenomenal as it should be with such a USB-based product. • There are a wide variety of online resources and user community forums available for the AD2. • Very positive independent online test-bench reviews of the performance of the oscilloscope and wave generator functions. • The compact design, quality and solid build. • A 30% Cyber Monday discount sealed the deal. If you find yourself seriously considering the AD2 for any of the above reasons I highly recommend you also consider the BNC Adapter Board and oscilloscope probes (Digilent SKU: 410-361, 460-004) which significantly expand the analog bandwidth of the oscilloscope function from 9MHz to 30MHz and the bandwidth of the waveform generator from 9MHz to 12MHz. According to Digilent, this is the optimal setup that allows maximal AD2 spectral performance. The flywire kit included with the AD2 is a cheap, easy-to-use probing solution. However, the kit reduces the bandwidth of the scope and is susceptible to inducing noise and crosstalk from adjacent circuits. I also recommend adding an external 5V, 2.5A switching power supply (Digilent SKU: 300-031) and breadboard adapter (Digilent SKU: 410-361). Adding the external power supply increases the maximum output to 700mA/2.1W (per channel). The breadboard adapter comes with a half-sized solderless breadboard which when attached provides a prototyping surface directly secured and connected to the AD2. After using the AD2 for slightly over a month, I can report the following. Learning curve: never having had the opportunity to work with real oscilloscopes and other test equipment (apart from a DMM), I found the online tutorials and QuickStart videos on the Digilent website very helpful in getting up and running with the AD2. The ability to download and run the Waveforms software and its associated Help file on a demo basis prior to purchase also gives you a real opportunity to explore and experience the features, functions and operational capabilities of the AD2. The reference manual only provides limited technical information, so learning how to use the AD2 is mostly a DIY exploration project and falling back on the online tutorials, videos and forums when stuck. These resources provide a readily accessible on-line electronics learning “university” including formalized lectures, lab exercises and project-based learning modules. Utility & User-friendliness: - The free Waveforms software is easy to download and is available directly from Digilent. - After a few initial frustrating failed attempts, setting up and calibrating the AD2 was relatively straightforward with online tutorials and videos available for assistance. But you must pay very careful attention during the measurement input process not to accidentally miss any polarity signs, decimal points or voltage measurement units that will lead to input error warning messages forcing a restart of the process. - The layout of the Waveforms software user interface really highlights and facilitates the fully integrated operation of the 13 different functions of the AD2. - The software works with the FPGA to control all the functional blocks of the AD2, including setting parameters, acquiring data, and transferring and storing data. It greatly facilitates the acquisition and transfer of data in a variety of formats including text, CSV, audio and images between all AD2 functions and external sources. - Navigating the drop-down menus requires a little patience at first but with practice becomes routine. - The waveform generator function is easy to use and can be used to drive the other functions of the AD2 as well as provide a variety of pre-set and customizable signals for external circuit and component testing. - The built-in math functions for measurement and data crunching plus the ability to write scripts to customize the operation of various measurement functions makes the AD2 an extremely powerful analysis tool. Impact on my ability to understand the functioning of electronic circuits and components: the AD2 provides a window to see “inside” what’s going on with electronic components and circuits in real time. As such it helps electronic theory to come “alive” in front of your eyes. It has and is continuing to take my understanding of electronics to new levels. Bottom Line: best suited for those looking for a versatile diagnostic tool that will help them to improve their understanding of and quantitatively explore the world of electronics at an undergraduate college or university level. It isn’t cheap, but the AD2 delivers a lot of value for the money in a small package. However, for those who are already fairly knowledgeable and technically inclined (and prepared to invest a little more), some budget oscilloscopes and other test equipment may be a better option, especially if working with more complex or powerful circuits. As for me, the AD2 will be helping me to unravel electronic “mysteries” for many years to come.

Analog Discovery II has been an excellent tool for class demonstrations and project development. I recommend your purchase to students, professors and researchers.

Delivery (from Taiwan to the Netherlands) was no problem (although I was really scared for Fedex :P). Im a total newb on electronics, but I got it working in no time and solved the problem where I needed it for. The tool WaveForms looks and feels awesome and is intuitive. Thank you sooo much for this product! I will also recommend it to my collegues, so be prepared for orders :).