This blog post is dedicated to the unboxing of the Digilent Analog Discovery Pro ADP3450 Mixed Signal Oscilloscope, featuring images of the unit and included probes for the RoadTest.
Unboxing
The ADP3450 arrived in a surprisingly large box – about the size of an mATX motherboard box but about 50% thicker. The box has a green, white and black colour scheme, featuring a rendered image of the front of the ADP3450 (four-channel) and ADP3250 (two-channel variant) of the Analog Discovery Pro 3000 series. The Digilent logo can be seen at the bottom, touting that it is now “a National Instruments company”.
The rear of the box lists the various functions that the ADP3450 is capable of, and an image showing the inclusions inside the box. Of note is that the package does not come with probes by default, but four probes were specially included as part of the RoadTest.
One side of the box features labels for the part numbers and approvals. To my surprise, the unit actually carries the Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark, making it approved for sale in Australia (which is often not the case given the small size of our market). The unit is Made in Taiwan.
Lifting the lid reveals a quick “getting started” postcard and a sheet of foam to protect the unit. The unit is nestled inside a cardboard surround and is packed in an anti-static shielding bag for additional protection. The inner flap area shows a “happy” Digilent robot unpacking their Analog Discovery Pro in front of their (presumably) child … which is sort of cute.
Removing the top layer reveals the bottom layer of accessories which are labelled and compartmentalised neatly. So far, a very straightforward experience, even for the most uninitiated.
The unit has a solid black plastic top with six indents corresponding to the feet at the bottom of the unit, implying that the units have been designed to stack. I wonder if there are other pieces of test equipment they are planning with the same form factor. The underside features six rubber feet and four rows of grilles for passive cooling ventilation. The internal black PCB with white silkscreening can be seen through the grilles.
The front two feet can be flipped out to angle the unit upwards slightly, to allow for easier access to the ports when used on the bench.
The front of the unit is where most of the business occurs, including a power LED, the digital header including 16 digital I/O pins and the I/O voltage supply, four BNC connectors for the four 14-bit 125MS/s oscilloscope channels and two BNC connectors for the two 14-bit 125MS/s arbitrary wave generator outputs.
The rear of the unit has two BNC connectors providing the two trigger I/O connections, four USB ports of which the circled ports provide higher current (1A) compared to the others (0.5A), Gigabit Ethernet connection, USB 2.0 B device port for direct connection to a computer, a reset push-button and barrel plug for 19V 3.4A centre-positive power.
The sides of the unit feature ventilation grilles and are almost metallic green in colour. The left side has a toggle switch for power.
The power supply comes from Adapter Tech, model ATS065T-P190 with a 65W rating and efficiency level VI. This supply carries multiple world-wide approvals and is perhaps a little over-sized for the 45W requirement which should ensure a longer lifetime. Specifically, this power supply features a 3-pin IEC power input, ensuring it has a grounded output for safety reasons. The top side of the unit also has a power indicator LED.
The package also contains a break-out for the digital port, a 1.8m or so USB 2.0 A to B cable and IEC leads for both US and EU countries. Unfortunately, those in other regions such as myself will have to supply their own appropriate IEC cable.
Four identical P2150 probes of 150MHz rating and carrying a part number of 250-140 were supplied. Each was packaged in its own pouch.
Upon closer inspection, they were Ypioneer branded and appeared to be a Chinese generic product. The probe leads were quite flexible, with the body of the probe being rubberised. The probe came with an adjustment tool, spring ground, ground clip, labelling clips and insulating sleeves.
The probe can be switched between 1X and 10X ratios.
The probe tip is not as fine as I have seen on some other probes and the test hook seems a bit chunky but serviceable.
Altogether, a completed set-up looks a little like this, although admittedly the channel rings are not in the correct order in this photo (whoops!).
Conclusion
The Digilent Analog Discovery Pro ADP3450 arrived in a colour-print cardboard box about the size of a mATX motherboard box. The packaging seems well thought out, clearly labelled and secure, ensuring a straightforward unboxing experience with no surprises.
The main unit itself feels quite light and clusters most of its functionality on the front and rear panels. The front is home to a power LED, digital I/O including digital I/O voltage output, four oscilloscope channels and two arbitrary waveform generator channels. The rear panel is home to the two trigger I/Os, four USB host ports, Gigabit Ethernet, USB device port, reset button and barrel power input. A power switch resides on the left-side panel, with passive cooling occurring using the vents on the bottom and side panels. The top panel is solid with recesses for feet, suggesting it is intended to have other equipment potentially stacked on top. The bottom panel also features flip-out feet which prop up the front of the unit for easier access.
Accessories included the digital I/O break-out cable, a 65W grounded Adapter-Tech power supply with ample power reserve and US/EU mains leads. For those in other regions, they may have to supply their own mains power cable. Unfortunately, not being bus powered makes this unit a little less convenient when out in the field due to the need for a separate supply of power. The unit usually does not include probes, however, for the purposes of the RoadTest they included four P2150 150MHz passive 1X/10X switchable probes. These were Ypioneer branded and appear to be a Chinese generic product. While serviceable, the probes felt a little rough around the edges, the probe tip was not as fine as some other probes and the test hook is a little chunky.
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This post is a part of the Digilent Analog Discovery Pro ADP3450 USB/Ethernet Mixed Signal Oscilloscope RoadTest Review.
