Wavegen output data as in input in scope function

[Stetramp]

Hey im Stefan and new here!

The analog discovery was a huge help for since i got it. I always had access to more expensive equipment, but for all day use setup i chose the analog discovery because Setup time is a huge factor and waveforms is such a good lab software. Okay enoght smalltalk ;-)

I'd like to use the output Data (Voltage) of the Waveform generator as a input in the scope function. This would help me to spare one input channel (i know that the output of the scope channel is not zero, but in my setup this would be no problem).
 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2022 by Stetramp

[attila]

Hi @Stetramp

Displaying the AWG data (theoretical voltage output) in the Scope may be misleading since the output may be attenuated, clipped, distorted... depending on the load.
You could perform a well triggered capture of the AWG output with a Scope channel and add it as Reference channel.

Thank you for the encouraging feedback.

[Stetramp]

Thanks for your answer!
I would not fully agree with you. The output (since it is 0Ohm in most normal conditions) should and is most of the time the signal which is displayed in the preview.
In those cases the output is distorted, it is totally overloaded. If you have enoght channels it is alsways good do reed back the signal (as you do with the impedance analyser).

Sometimes even to know the course input signal of the input of your setup helps to understand what the scope is reading at the moment it has triggered.

Your workaround does work (i found a simmilar way) but this is quite time consuming.

Anyway, the AD does so many things right what is really great. We bought a MXR scope from Keysight recently. It is such an beast and much much faster than the old series without an asic. But there are so many things that are much more time consuming so i'd prefer the AD2 were i can. It's all about software.

1. Export of data and graphics are much faster to import them to word (and the screenshot function is quite good)
2. The Differential inputs are nonexistent in nearly all scopes and the mathematic implementation is most of the time not very good.  Diff probes (for small voltages) cost a fortune. The AD does have two of them with a more than good CMRR.
 

 

 

 

 

 

[attila]

Hi @Stetramp

I'm considering to add such wavegen to scope internal/digital loopback for ADP3X50 and future products. In AD2 the FPGA logic is full, there would be no space for this.

[engi]

hm, if wavegen and digital input of the scope (an ADC?) are running in the same FPGA, this should only be a register at the output to be read, or am I wrong?
Which FPGA is used for the AD2?

 

[attila]

Hi @engi

Multiple register pipeline stages to align compensate the IO delays, the capture buffer split, multiplexed...

I'm working-researching something like these for a future device. Here generating square on W1 (also captured on C5), wired to C1, filtered in the device (captured on C3) and output on W2 (also captured on C6), but it will take some time to reach the market.