Table of Contents

Analog Discovery 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Buy

Can I test out the Analog Discovery 2 before buying it?
WaveForms, the software that interfaces with the Analog Discovery 2, is a free download and includes Demo Mode. In Demo Mode you can use all of the tools that you would have access to with the physical Analog Discovery 2. This post provides a walkthrough of how Demo Mode works.
What software can I use with the Analog Discovery 2?
The Analog Discovery 2 uses WaveForms, which can be found on the Downloads page. This allows you to use the nine built-in tools and the Script Editor to write custom tests. The Analog Discovery 2 is also compatible with LabVIEW after you download the Digilent WaveForms VI Package. See Getting Started with LabVIEW and a Test and Measurement Device for more information.
I already have an Analog Discovery, should I upgrade?
The Analog Discovery 2 provides a variety of additional features. The power supply is now variable, allowing for voltage levels of 3.3V, and can be used with an external power supply. This can be crucial in applications where USB power is not enough. In addition to power improvements, the Analog Discovery 2 has an improved mechanical design, enhancing portability and durability.
What accessories can I use with the Analog Discovery 2?
You can find all of the accessories for the Analog Discovery 2 at the Digilent store, including an external power supply, mini grabber clips, flywire labels, PowerBRICKS, breadboard adapter, BNC adapter, and BNC probes. This post describes these accessories in detail.
What comes in the box with the Analog Discovery 2?
The Analog Discovery 2 comes in a reusable project box with a USB A to B micro cable, a Ferrite snap on, a 30-pin flywire assembly and pin diagram. This video goes through an unboxing, showing everything that comes in the box.
What are the bandwidth, sampling rate, resolution, and other specs of the Analog Discovery 2?
Check out the specification list.
Can the Analog Discovery 2 do any digital processing?
Absolutely! The Analog Discovery 2 is a full-featured engineering USB laboratory. It includes analog tools such as the Oscilloscope, Waveform Generator, Network Analyzer, and Spectrum Analyzer. It also includes digital tools such as the Pattern Generator, Logic Analyzer, Static I/O, and Data Logger. In addition, the Analog Discovery 2 provides variable Power Supplies. If you need a tool for higher speed digital signals, the Digital Discovery may be a better fit.
I don't have a Windows computer. Can I use the Analog Discovery 2?
Yes! WaveForms is Mac, Linux, and Windows compatible and is free to download here.
Can I use traditional BNC Probes?
Yes! The BNC Adapter allows the use of BNC probes on the Waveform Generator and Oscilloscope channels. This also adds the ability to AC or DC couple and select 50 Ω or 0 Ω output impedance.
The original Analog Discovery worked with MATLAB. Does the Analog Discovery 2?
Yes! The support package and related examples and information can be found on the Analog Discovery 2 Hardware Support Page.

General Questions

I bought my Analog Discovery 2, now what?
While you are waiting for your Analog Discovery 2 to arrive, you can check out the unboxing tutorial, or the quick-start video series. These will take you through what comes in the box, as well as the download and installation of WaveForms.
How do I install WaveForms?
WaveForms is a very quick and straightforward download and install. You can find installation guides in the Analog Discovery 2 Getting Started Guide.
Where can I learn more about the WaveForms tools?
Check out the “WaveForms Tools” section of our FAQ.
How do I use the BNC Adapter?
This tutorial covers the features and use of the BNC Adapter for Analog Discovery.
How do I use the Breadboard Adapter?
This tutorial covers the features and use of the Breadboard Adapter for Analog Discovery.

Waveform 2015 Questions

What is WaveForms?
WaveForms is the user interface for the Analog Discovery 2. It is a custom toolset that allows users access to the full functionality of the Analog Discovery 2. Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux, it provides any engineer with a portable oscilloscope, waveform generator, power supplies, data logger, logic analyzer, pattern generator, static I/O, network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, and script editor. It is the same software interface that is used with the Digital Discovery and Electronics Explorer boards.
What is included in the WaveForms download and install?
WaveForms Application
The application that gives you access to all the tools on the Analog Discovery 2, and will serve as your user interface. It also includes built-in support with the help tab.

The WaveForms Runtime
This includes the dwf library and device support files installed for the system to be used by custom applications (Python scripts, LabVIEW, etc.)

The WaveForms SDK (software development kit)
Includes manuals and examples.

How do I use the Oscilloscope?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Oscilloscope tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Waveform Generator?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the WaveForm Generator tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Power Supply?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Power Supplies in WaveForms.
How do I use the Voltmeter?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Voltmeter in WaveForms.
How do I use the Data Logger?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Data Logger in WaveForms.
How do I use the Logic Analyzer?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Logic Analyzer in WaveForms.
How do I use the Pattern Generator?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Pattern Generator in WaveForms.
How do I use the Static I/O?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Static I/O tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Network Analyzer?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Network Analyzer tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Spectrum Analyzer?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Spectrum Analyzer tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Protocol Analyzer?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Protocol Analyzer tool in WaveForms.
How do I use the Impedance Analyzer?
Check out this tutorial on how to get started using the Spectrum Impedance tool in WaveForms.
What Protocols are available on the Logic Analyzer?
Currently, the Logic Analyzer allows signal, bus, SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, I2S, and the ability to create custom analyzers. If the protocol you need isn't on the list, you can make a request in the Test and Measurement section of the Digilent Forum.
Can I write custom tests?
Yes! WaveForms has a Script Editor that allows you to write custom tests in JavaScript. You can also use the LabVIEW VI to run automatic tests.
Can I write a custom application in Python?
Yes, you can use the Software Development Kit that downloads with WaveForms to create custom applications in Python. You'll find examples to get started in:

Windows, 32-bit: C:\Program Files\Digilent\WaveFormsSDK\samples\py
Windows, 64-bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Digilent\WaveFormsSDK\samples\py
Linux: /usr/share/digilent/samples/py
Mac OS: /Applications/WaveForms.app/Contents/Resources/SDK/samples/py

Troubleshooting

I haven't found the answer I need, what do I do?
If you haven't found the answer to your question from the FAQ or documentation page, you can post on the Digilent Forum. The Digilent Forum offers a community of people, including moderators from Digilent, that can provide the answer to your question.
Can I calibrate my Analog Discovery?
The Analog Discovery 2 comes factory calibrated, but can be calibrated using WaveForms. This video and this tutorial go over calibration using the calibration wizard.
What do I do if my Analog Discovery isn't detected?
If your Analog Discovery 2 isn't detected there are several steps you can follow to troubleshoot:
  1. Make sure the cable you are using is the cable provided with the Analog Discovery 2 and can provide enough power and data.
  2. Make sure that the Digilent FTDI driver was installed.
  3. If you are on Mac OS, try disconnecting your Analog Discovery 2 and restarting the Mac.
  4. Check out this forum thread on troubleshooting.
  5. Post on the Digilent Forum.

If you are on OS-X 10.14 Mojave or later:

  1. Delete the file DigilentFtdiDriver.kext.
  2. Disconnect the device.
  3. Restart OS-X.
  4. Reconnect the device.
  5. Start WaveForms. The device should now be detected.
  6. If the device is still not detected, please contact Digilent support.
I tried to use the Linux package install for Debian or Ubuntu and it failed! What do I do?
Install these packages from the terminal: 
$ cd Downloads
$ sudo dpkg -i digilent.adept.runtime...
$ sudo dpkg -i digilent.waveforms...