/

/

Component Documentation

How to Use Analog Discovery: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Analog Discovery

Design with Analog Discovery in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Analog Discovery by Digilent (Manufacturer Part ID: 3) is a versatile USB-powered oscilloscope and signal generator designed for educational, prototyping, and experimental purposes. This compact device allows users to analyze and generate waveforms, measure signals, and perform a variety of electronic experiments. Its portability and wide range of features make it an essential tool for students, hobbyists, and professionals working on electronics projects.

Explore Projects Built with Analog Discovery

Arduino Nano-Based Multi-Sensor Controller with Joystick and Accelerometer

Image of perf: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

This circuit features two Arduino Nano microcontrollers interfaced with various input devices including analog 2-axis joysticks, rotary potentiometers, pushbuttons, and ADXL345 accelerometers. The setup is designed to capture and process multiple analog and digital inputs for potential applications in control systems or data acquisition.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

LDR-Controlled LED Lighting System

Image of automatic street light: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

This circuit appears to be a simple light-detection system that uses an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) to control the state of multiple green LEDs. The LDR's analog output (AO) is not connected, suggesting that the circuit uses the digital output (DO) to directly drive one LED, while the other LEDs are wired in parallel to the LDR's power supply (Vcc). The Pd (presumably a power distribution component) provides the necessary voltage levels to the LDR and LEDs.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino 101 Based Water Quality Monitoring System with LCD Display

Image of FISH FARMING: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to various sensors and an LCD display. The Arduino collects data from a temperature sensor and a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and it controls a pH sensor module (ph4502c). The collected data is likely displayed on the 16x2 LCD screen, which communicates with the Arduino via I2C. A buck converter steps down the voltage from a 12V power supply to power the Arduino and the sensors.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino UNO Based Light Intensity Monitor with I2C LCD Display

Image of circuit: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

This circuit features an Arduino UNO interfaced with an I2C LCD screen for display, photodiodes connected to an LM358 op-amp for light detection, and LEDs for visual indication. The presence of capacitors suggests signal stabilization or sensing functionality, and the Arduino's analog and digital pins are utilized, indicating a mixed-signal application.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Analog Discovery

Image of perf: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

Arduino Nano-Based Multi-Sensor Controller with Joystick and Accelerometer

This circuit features two Arduino Nano microcontrollers interfaced with various input devices including analog 2-axis joysticks, rotary potentiometers, pushbuttons, and ADXL345 accelerometers. The setup is designed to capture and process multiple analog and digital inputs for potential applications in control systems or data acquisition.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of automatic street light: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

LDR-Controlled LED Lighting System

This circuit appears to be a simple light-detection system that uses an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) to control the state of multiple green LEDs. The LDR's analog output (AO) is not connected, suggesting that the circuit uses the digital output (DO) to directly drive one LED, while the other LEDs are wired in parallel to the LDR's power supply (Vcc). The Pd (presumably a power distribution component) provides the necessary voltage levels to the LDR and LEDs.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of FISH FARMING: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

Arduino 101 Based Water Quality Monitoring System with LCD Display

This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to various sensors and an LCD display. The Arduino collects data from a temperature sensor and a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor, and it controls a pH sensor module (ph4502c). The collected data is likely displayed on the 16x2 LCD screen, which communicates with the Arduino via I2C. A buck converter steps down the voltage from a 12V power supply to power the Arduino and the sensors.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of circuit: A project utilizing Analog Discovery in a practical application

Arduino UNO Based Light Intensity Monitor with I2C LCD Display

This circuit features an Arduino UNO interfaced with an I2C LCD screen for display, photodiodes connected to an LM358 op-amp for light detection, and LEDs for visual indication. The presence of capacitors suggests signal stabilization or sensing functionality, and the Arduino's analog and digital pins are utilized, indicating a mixed-signal application.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

Signal analysis and waveform generation
Circuit debugging and testing
Educational demonstrations and laboratory experiments
Prototyping and development of analog and digital circuits
Frequency response analysis and Bode plotting
Logic analysis and digital signal processing

Technical Specifications

The Analog Discovery is packed with features that make it a powerful tool for electronics enthusiasts. Below are its key technical specifications:

General Specifications

Feature	Specification
Power Source	USB-powered (5V, 500mA typical)
Communication Interface	USB 2.0
Dimensions	3.23" x 3.23" x 0.89" (82mm x 82mm x 22.5mm)
Weight	3.2 oz (90g)

Oscilloscope Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Channels	2 (differential)
Bandwidth	30 MHz
Sample Rate	100 MS/s (single channel), 50 MS/s (dual channel)
Resolution	14 bits
Input Range	±25V
Input Impedance	1MΩ

Waveform Generator Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Channels	2
Frequency Range	Up to 12 MHz
Amplitude Range	±5V
Resolution	14 bits

Digital I/O and Logic Analyzer

Parameter	Specification
Channels	16 (3.3V logic, 5V tolerant)
Sample Rate	Up to 100 MS/s

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Analog Discovery uses a 2x15 female header for its connections. Below is the pinout:

Pin Number	Pin Name	Description
1-2	Oscilloscope 1	Differential input for Channel 1
3-4	Oscilloscope 2	Differential input for Channel 2
5-6	Waveform 1	Output for Waveform Generator Channel 1
7-8	Waveform 2	Output for Waveform Generator Channel 2
9-24	Digital I/O	16 Digital I/O pins for logic analysis
25-30	GND	Ground connections

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Analog Discovery in a Circuit

Connect the Device: Plug the Analog Discovery into your computer using the provided USB cable.
Install Software: Download and install the free WaveForms software from the Digilent website. This software is required to control the device.
Connect Probes: Use the included flywire assembly to connect the oscilloscope, waveform generator, or digital I/O pins to your circuit.
Configure Settings: Open the WaveForms software and configure the oscilloscope, waveform generator, or logic analyzer as needed for your application.
Run Measurements: Start capturing signals, generating waveforms, or analyzing digital signals using the software interface.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Input Protection: Ensure that input signals do not exceed the ±25V range to avoid damaging the device.
Grounding: Always connect the ground pin of the Analog Discovery to the ground of your circuit for accurate measurements.
Signal Integrity: Use short, high-quality wires to minimize noise and signal degradation.
Software Updates: Regularly update the WaveForms software to access the latest features and bug fixes.

Example: Using the Waveform Generator with Arduino UNO

The Analog Discovery can be used to generate a test signal for an Arduino UNO. Below is an example of Arduino code to read an analog signal generated by the Analog Discovery:

// Arduino UNO code to read an analog signal from the Analog Discovery
// Connect the waveform generator output to Arduino's A0 pin

const int analogPin = A0;  // Analog input pin
int sensorValue = 0;       // Variable to store the analog value

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(analogPin);  // Read the analog input
  Serial.print("Analog Value: ");       // Print the value to the serial monitor
  Serial.println(sensorValue);
  delay(100);  // Delay for 100ms before the next reading
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Device Not Recognized by Computer
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Install or update the WaveForms software and drivers.
No Signal Detected
- Verify that the probes are properly connected to the circuit.
- Check the configuration settings in the WaveForms software.
- Ensure the circuit is powered and functioning correctly.
Inaccurate Measurements
- Confirm that the ground pin is connected to the circuit ground.
- Use shorter wires to reduce noise and improve signal integrity.
- Calibrate the device using the WaveForms software.

FAQs

Q: Can the Analog Discovery be used with Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the Analog Discovery can be used with Raspberry Pi, but you will need to install the WaveForms software for Linux and ensure the Raspberry Pi has sufficient power to drive the device.

Q: Is the Analog Discovery compatible with macOS?
A: Yes, the WaveForms software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

Q: Can I use the Analog Discovery to program microcontrollers?
A: While the Analog Discovery is not a programmer, it can be used to debug and analyze signals from microcontrollers.

Q: What is the maximum input voltage for the oscilloscope?
A: The maximum input voltage is ±25V. Exceeding this limit may damage the device.

Q: Does the Analog Discovery support Bode plotting?
A: Yes, the WaveForms software includes a Bode plotting tool for frequency response analysis.