Multi-function instrument for students in university-based circuits and electronics classes

The Digilent Analog Discovery 2, available from Farnell element14, is developed in conjunction with Analog Devices. It is a multi-function instrument that allows users to measure, visualise, generate, record, and control mixed signal circuits of all kinds. The low-cost device is small enough to fit in your pocket, but powerful enough to replace a stack of lab equipment, providing engineering students, hobbyists, and electronics enthusiasts the freedom to work with analog and digital circuits in virtually any environment, in or out of the lab. The device was designed for students in typical university-based circuits and electronics classes. Its features and specifications, as well as the additional requirements of operating from USB or external power, maintaining the small and portable form factor, the robustness to withstand student use in a variety of environments, and low-cost are based directly on feedback that was obtained from numerous professors from several universities. Meeting all of these requirements proved challenging; however, the task ultimately generated some new and innovative circuits.