Two scopes, two AWGs draw crowds at electronica

By Mick Elliott, Editor, Electronic Specifier

The DHO/MHO5000 Series bring next-level performance to RIGOL’s high-resolution oscilloscopes, while the DG5000 Pro generators do the same for the company’s capable Pro Series arbitrary waveform generators.

Combining 12-bit resolution with up to 1GHz bandwidth, up to 8 channels, and mixed-signal configurations, the DHO/MHO5000 Series high-resolution oscilloscopes have a lot to offer designers, engineers, researchers, and educators alike.

The DHO5000 Series models are dedicated digital oscilloscopes, with configurations offering 4 or 8 analogue input channels and either 500MHz or 1GHz bandwidth. These instruments deliver 4 GSa/s maximum real-time sampling, with the 4-channel units providing that rate across all channels.

For mixed-signal measurement applications, the MHO5000 Series models combine 4 or 6 analogue input channels with 16 digital channels and similar bandwidth choices as the DHO5000 models. For additional utility, an integrated function generator is an available option for the 4-channel MHO5000 models.

All 5000 Series oscilloscopes provide 12-bit resolution and 500 Mpts record length. A 10.1-inch colour touch screen provides both user-friendly operation and improved signal visualisation.

The oscilloscopes deliver the performance required for accurate testing of complex waveforms and support the measurement needs in a wide variety of applications, ranging from embedded systems debug and power supply test to three-phase motor test and multichannel data acquisition.

Offering 16-bit vertical resolution, up to 500MHz maximum output frequency, 2.5GSa/s maximum sample rate and a blazingly fast 0.8ns (800ps) square wave rise time, the DG5000 Pro is primed to support the high-frequency waveform and complex sequence generation needs of engineers and researchers.

The DG5000 Pro Series delivers a maximum arbitrary waveform length of 128Mpts/channel (64Mpts/channel is standard), and sports a 10.1- inch colour touch screen.

The new generator also provides incredible utility by supporting multi-pulse output, a variety of analogue and digital modulation types, and IQ digital modulation. Sequence Mode, introduced with the DG800/900 Pro generators, is an option and enables the playback of intricate pattern segments, with looping of up to 512 cycles. Sequence Mode also enables complex functions like repeat, wait, event, and jump.

To address waveform generation risks - interference from ground loops, damage to sensitive electronic equipment due to potential differences, and signal impurity due to parasitic effects - found in some complex test environments, the DG5000 Pro includes ground isolation (requires battery holder option).

The new arbitrary waveform generators bring performance and value to applications including embedded circuit development, power device performance verification, automotive electronic design signal simulation, consumer electronic sensor signal simulation, logic chip development and optoelectronic device research.

“The release of the DHO/MHO5000 Series and DG5000 Pro Series instruments are fantastic examples of RIGOL’s ongoing mission to deliver performance and functionality- packed test equipment at an affordable price,” enthuses Spyros Lazaris, RIGOL Technologies USA General Manager. “We can’t wait to get these scopes and generators in the hands of engineers, researchers, and educators everywhere.”

The DHO/MHO5000 Series High-Resolution Oscilloscopes and DG5000 Pro Series Arbitrary Waveform Generators are available to order now and began shipping in November 2024.

Home-town, Munich-based Rohde & Schwarz paraded an upgrade to its oscilloscope portfolio with the new R&S RTB 2, an evolution of the R&S RTB2000, which was the first entry level oscilloscope to offer touchscreen operation and 10 bit vertical resolution.

The R&S RTB 2 expands on these class leading features with an integrated arbitrary waveform generator and class-leading 160 Mpts segmented memory. Rohde & Schwarz enhances its portfolio of entry level oscilloscopes with the R&S RTB2, the successor to its R&S RTB2000 oscilloscope.

The R&S RTB 2, brings several important updates that enhance the instrument’s functionality and versatility, including an integrated arbitrary waveform generator. This addition allows users to simulate circuit stimuli or emulate missing components. The waveform generator is capable of generating signals up to 25MHz
and pattern speeds up to 50Mbits/s.

It supports imported waveforms from CSV files or oscilloscope captures, with the ability to add noise for simulating real world conditions. It also includes predefined patterns for I2C, SPI, UART and CAN/LIN protocols, providing users with the flexibility to select counters or manually input patterns.

The R&S RTB 2 shines as a versatile, 10 in 1 instrument, combining an oscilloscope, protocol analyser, logic analyser, waveform generator and more.

This multi tool integration makes it ideal for users who require compact solutions, especially students, hobbyists and engineers working in environments with limited space.

The password protected education mode and built in web server enable viewing and control during lab sessions, further enhancing utility in educational settings. Additionally, the R&S RTB 2 comes with expanded memory capabilities, allowing up to 160 Mpoints in segmented mode and enabling users to capture more data for in depth troubleshooting. The revised R&S RTB 2-PK1 software option bundle further enhances the oscilloscope’s capabilities by offering a wider range of applications and enhanced performance.

Comments Philip Diegmann, Vice President of Oscilloscopes at Rohde & Schwarz: “Our goal with the R&S RTB 2 is to provide users with a highly versatile, everyday instrument for every task. From 10 bit resolution to 10 in 1 instrument versatility, this oscilloscope delivers solid performance at an accessible price point, offering the innovation and value engineers, students and educators need to succeed in their test and measurement tasks.”

The new R&S RTB 2 oscilloscope is now available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution channel partners. It comes in two and four channel models and offers bandwidths of 70, 100, 200 and 300MHz, with prices starting at €1,690 for the 2-channel 70MHz model.

This article originally appeared in the December'24 magazine issue of Electronic Specifier Design – see ES's Magazine Archives for more featured publications.