RoadTest: Digilent Digital Discovery with High Speed Adapter
Author: s2000gt
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Test Equipment
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: Saleae Logic 8/16
What were the biggest problems encountered?:
Detailed Review:
Overview/Comparison
Specifications
24-channel digital logic analyzer (1.2…3.3V CMOS, up to 800MS/s(with the High Speed Adapter))
16-channel pattern generator (1.2…3.3V CMOS, 100MS/s)
16-channel virtual digital I/O including buttons, switches, and LEDs – perfect for logic training applications
Two input/output digital trigger signals for linking multiple instruments (1.2…3.3V CMOS)
A programmable power supply of 1.2…3.3V/100mA. The same voltage supplies the Logic Analyzer input buffers and the Pattern Generator input/output buffers, for keeping the logic level compatibility with the circuit under test.
Digital Bus Analyzers (SPI, I²C, UART, I2S, CAN, Parallel)
Competing Modules
When I first saw this, I thought, is this just another cheap Saleae Logic knockoff.
Well not even close.The numbers don't lie.
Saleae 8/16 Pro $479/$599
4 channels @ 500 MS/s
Digilent Digital Discovery $250
8 channels @ 800 MS/s (with HS adapter)
(number of active channels at highest sampling rate)
With the High Speed adapter this unit has some real capability at a price point that can't be touched.
Still the Saleae has been the leading mini format analyzer for so long, only fair to make some comparisons.
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Both are based on the Spartan-6 FPGA.
And while Saleae may have a slightly more 'polished' software interface, Digilents Waveforms interface is very easy to use and frequently updated with new features.
With a few more added bus analyzers, Saleae could find themselves easily surpassed by this new addition to the Digilent line of logic products.
Test Setup
Using my handy Microchip board, I tried the I2C bus.
First the logic analyzer, no problems decoding the data.
Next the bus protocol analyzer, again easy as can be.
Final Thoughts
I can easily say this is one device everyone should have in their tool kit.
While not as diverse as the Analog Discovery 2 in features, it certainly makes up
for that in it's sheer power by focusing only on digital signals.
