On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote:> Dear Group, > > I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty > TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, > which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low > frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 > MHz). > > The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted > to use one of these: > > http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > > which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > > http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > > I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples > using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using > one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW > is 200 MHz. > > I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an > external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this > would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > > So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that > these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my > particular applications niche. > > What do you think? > > ChesterW >Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains available for older but top-notch gear. I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct applicability for my particular area. The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. ChesterW
Best Oscilloscope for $3k
Started by ●August 26, 2014
Reply by ●August 28, 20142014-08-28
Reply by ●August 28, 20142014-08-28
On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote:> On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: > > > Dear Group, > > > > > > I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty > > > TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, > > > which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low > > > frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 > > > MHz). > > > > > > The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted > > > to use one of these: > > > > > > http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > > > > > > which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > > > > > > http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > > > > > > I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples > > > using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using > > > one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW > > > is 200 MHz. > > > > > > I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an > > > external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this > > > would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > > > > > > So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that > > > these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my > > > particular applications niche. > > > > > > What do you think? > > > > > > ChesterW > > > > > Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders > > of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains > > available for older but top-notch gear. > > > > I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main > > driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct > > applicability for my particular area. > > > > The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a > > controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder > > enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: > > > > http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg > > http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq > > > > The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I > > think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll > > sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. >Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 Regards Klaus
Reply by ●August 28, 20142014-08-28
On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:19:16 PM UTC+2, Klaus Kragelund wrote:> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote: > > > On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: > > > > > > > Dear Group, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty > > > > > > > TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, > > > > > > > which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low > > > > > > > frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 > > > > > > > MHz). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted > > > > > > > to use one of these: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > > > > > > > > > > > > > > which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples > > > > > > > using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using > > > > > > > one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW > > > > > > > is 200 MHz. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an > > > > > > > external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this > > > > > > > would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that > > > > > > > these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my > > > > > > > particular applications niche. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What do you think? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ChesterW > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders > > > > > > of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains > > > > > > available for older but top-notch gear. > > > > > > > > > > > > I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main > > > > > > driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct > > > > > > applicability for my particular area. > > > > > > > > > > > > The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a > > > > > > controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder > > > > > > enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: > > > > > > > > > > > > http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg > > > > > > http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq > > > > > > > > > > > > The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I > > > > > > think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll > > > > > > sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. > > > > > > > Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) > > > > The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 >It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so....
Reply by ●August 28, 20142014-08-28
On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:20:58 -0700 (PDT), Klaus Kragelund <klauskvik@hotmail.com> wrote:>On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:19:16 PM UTC+2, Klaus Kragelund wrote: >> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote: >> >> > On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: >> >> > >> >> > > Dear Group, >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty >> >> > >> >> > > TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, >> >> > >> >> > > which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low >> >> > >> >> > > frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 >> >> > >> >> > > MHz). >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted >> >> > >> >> > > to use one of these: >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples >> >> > >> >> > > using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using >> >> > >> >> > > one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW >> >> > >> >> > > is 200 MHz. >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an >> >> > >> >> > > external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this >> >> > >> >> > > would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that >> >> > >> >> > > these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my >> >> > >> >> > > particular applications niche. >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > What do you think? >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > > ChesterW >> >> > >> >> > > >> >> > >> >> > Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders >> >> > >> >> > of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains >> >> > >> >> > available for older but top-notch gear. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main >> >> > >> >> > driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct >> >> > >> >> > applicability for my particular area. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a >> >> > >> >> > controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder >> >> > >> >> > enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg >> >> > >> >> > http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I >> >> > >> >> > think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll >> >> > >> >> > sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. >> >> > >> >> >> >> Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) >> >> >> >> The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 >> >It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so....Test equipment with sentimental value, love it. Similar reason why I still have my 20MHZ Tenma, not a great scope but was a first scope. Cheers
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
On 8/28/14, 4:20 PM, Klaus Kragelund wrote:> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:19:16 PM UTC+2, Klaus Kragelund wrote: >> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote: >> >>> On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: >> >>> >> >>>> Dear Group, >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty >> >>> >> >>>> TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, >> >>> >> >>>> which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low >> >>> >> >>>> frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 >> >>> >> >>>> MHz). >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted >> >>> >> >>>> to use one of these: >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples >> >>> >> >>>> using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using >> >>> >> >>>> one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW >> >>> >> >>>> is 200 MHz. >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an >> >>> >> >>>> external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this >> >>> >> >>>> would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that >> >>> >> >>>> these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my >> >>> >> >>>> particular applications niche. >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> What do you think? >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>>> ChesterW >> >>> >> >>>> >> >>> >> >>> Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders >> >>> >> >>> of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains >> >>> >> >>> available for older but top-notch gear. >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main >> >>> >> >>> driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct >> >>> >> >>> applicability for my particular area. >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a >> >>> >> >>> controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder >> >>> >> >>> enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg >> >>> >> >>> http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I >> >>> >> >>> think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll >> >>> >> >>> sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. >> >>> >> >> >> >> Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) >> >> >> >> The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 >> > It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so.... >That's a very nice scope for a beginner, especially a 12 year old one. Your mother must have had real faith in you. At 12 I was mainly interested in fishing and hunting and almost certainly would have ruined such nice gear. Starting electronics tech school at age 15, 38 (gasp) years ago, we students thought our Simpson 260 VOMs were high-tech. ChesterW
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
On Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:21:57 -0500, ChesterW <iamsnoozin@yahoo.com> = wrote:>Dear Group, > > I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty=20 >TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes,=20 >which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low=20 >frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1=20 >MHz). > > The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted=20 >to use one of these: > >http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > >which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > >http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > >I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples=20 >using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using=20 >one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW==20>is 200 MHz. > >I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an==20>external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this=20 >would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > >So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that=20 >these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my=20 >particular applications niche. > >What do you think? > >ChesterWPesonally, i have an old boat anchor TDS 544A and a $400 Rigol for less strenuous uses. If i were buying a scope with that budget i would have = to think very carefully about whether another boat anchor like an 11801 or a fancy Rigol would best suit my needs and why. Another Rigol looks very likely for my needs at the moment. Today I would more likely buy a spectrum analyzer though. Or maybe a VNA. ?-) =20
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
On Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:20:58 -0700 (PDT), Klaus Kragelund <klauskvik@hotmail.com> wrote:> >> The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I=power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long = durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7>>=20 >It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so....I thought that make and model as a first scope pegged you as relatively young. ?-) =20
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
ChesterW <iamsnoozin@yahoo.com> wrote:> The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and > a controller emulating a USB keyboard.Idea: If you're not using the VESA mount for your monitor, you can use the holes as convenient hardpoints to bolt stuff to the back of the monitor. Something like an aluminum or plastic plate that extends to the edge of the monitor might be a good way to mount the encoder box. (Don't block off vent holes, though.) Matt Roberds
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
On Friday, August 29, 2014 5:01:32 AM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote:> On 8/28/14, 4:20 PM, Klaus Kragelund wrote: > > > On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:19:16 PM UTC+2, Klaus Kragelund wrote: > > >> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote: > > >> > > >>> On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> Dear Group, > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> MHz). > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> to use one of these: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> is 200 MHz. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> particular applications niche. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> What do you think? > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> ChesterW > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> available for older but top-notch gear. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> applicability for my particular area. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 > > >> > > > It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so.... > > > > > That's a very nice scope for a beginner, especially a 12 year old one. > > Your mother must have had real faith in you. At 12 I was mainly > > interested in fishing and hunting and almost certainly would have ruined > > such nice gear. >Well, it was a once in a lifetime gift and I had the habbit (still do) of not being satisfied with low performance. Looking back I should have bought a lower priced scope and used the rest for other instruments Cheers Klaus
Reply by ●August 29, 20142014-08-29
On Friday, August 29, 2014 5:01:32 AM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote:> On 8/28/14, 4:20 PM, Klaus Kragelund wrote: > > > On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:19:16 PM UTC+2, Klaus Kragelund wrote: > > >> On Thursday, August 28, 2014 9:22:48 PM UTC+2, ChesterW wrote: > > >> > > >>> On 8/26/14, 11:21 AM, ChesterW wrote: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> Dear Group, > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I can finally afford a new oscilloscope to supplement my trusty > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> TEK 465M. My budget is around $3k. I like the newer Agilent scopes, > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> which I have used when someone else was paying. I do mostly low > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> frequency high-precision instruments (analog signals less than about 1 > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> MHz). > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> The pretty lower-end Agilent scopes are in reach, but I'm tempted > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> to use one of these: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> http://tinyurl.com/k88x74r > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> which is driven internally with an FPGA and one of these ADCs: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/DataSheetASD5020HS_v2.0.pdf > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I make out the ENOB to be 11.6 bits at 125 MSPS with 14 bit samples > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> using 4 channels, and 13.2 bits with 16 bit samples at 62.5 MSPS using > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> one channel. It will also go out to 1 GSPS with 8 bit samples. Analog BW > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> is 200 MHz. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> I like the serial decoding for free and the ability to stream data to an > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> external application for creating custom processing. I'm thinking this > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> would be good for prototyping AFEs with signal processing via the PC. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> So my thinking is that using this rather obscure configurable ADC that > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> these guys improve performance over the big manufacturers ASICs for my > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> particular applications niche. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> What do you think? > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> ChesterW > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> Thanks everyone for your comments. Especially useful were the reminders > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> of how unwieldy virtual controls are on a scope and the great bargains > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> available for older but top-notch gear. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> I've decided to purchase the Picoscope, specifically the 5444B. The main > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> driver for me is the high precision at low frequencies which has direct > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> applicability for my particular area. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> The main drawback of no physical controls I'll fix using encoders and a > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> controller emulating a USB keyboard. You can see one idea for an encoder > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> enclosure that sits just below the computer monitor here: > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> http://tinyurl.com/kblkukg > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> http://tinyurl.com/kag2xwq > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> The same control software is used across the Pico line of products, so I > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> think I should be OK on software updates. If it turns out poorly, I'll > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >>> sell it (maybe to Klaus ;), and go the route of a nice used system. > > >> > > >>> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> Please don't sell it to me. I have 3 different scopes allready (Pico, Tektronix and Hameg), and I really cannot bear to part with any of them :-) > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> The Hameg 205-3 was my first scope, my late mother bought it for me. I power it up once per month just to keep it running, although for long durivity it would probably be better to have it powered 24/7 > > >> > > > It's 29 years old, got it when I was 12 years or so.... > > > > > That's a very nice scope for a beginner, especially a 12 year old one. > > Your mother must have had real faith in you. At 12 I was mainly > > interested in fishing and hunting and almost certainly would have ruined > > such nice gear. >I spend a lot of time tinkering, going to the library, bought my first databook, RCA 4000 series logic. A lot of details in that one back then If only I had better access to good books and the internet was invented a lot more could have been gained And today if you have a computer you can buy a eval board for 5 bucks and be up and running. Back then I spend 1 year designing my own 8051 system with an EEPROM emulator. Cheers Klaus
