Digilent Analog Discovery 3 vs Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Digilent Analog Discovery 3 | Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 50 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 0.125 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 32 Kpts | 12 Mpts |
| Display Size | N/A | 7" |
| Weight | 0.15 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Price | $379 | $699 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Digilent Analog Discovery 3
Pros
- 14 instruments in one: scope, logic analyzer, protocol analyzer, function gen, power supplies, network analyzer, and more
- WaveForms software is excellent, free, and regularly updated
- 16-channel logic analyzer is invaluable for digital protocol debugging
- Fits in a pocket — genuinely portable full lab capability
- Great for students and educators who need multiple instrument types
Cons
- Only 125MSa/s — significantly lower than benchtop scopes
- Requires a PC to operate — no standalone use in the field
- 2 analog channels with limited bandwidth compared to benchtop alternatives
- 32Kpt analog memory depth is very shallow for longer captures
- Not a replacement for a dedicated scope when analog performance matters
Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
Pros
- 100MHz bandwidth with 4 channels — no bandwidth hack needed
- Built-in 25MHz function generator saves desk space and cost
- Same excellent trigger set as the DS1054Z
- Protocol decoding (SPI, I2C, UART) included
- Proven platform for teaching labs that need scope plus signal generator
Cons
- At ~$699, it is no longer the obvious value play next to newer touchscreen scopes
- Same dated interface as the DS1054Z — no touchscreen
- No WiFi or CAN/LIN decoding at this price
- The DS1000Z platform is aging compared to the DHO series
Our Verdicts
Digilent Analog Discovery 3
The Digilent Analog Discovery 3 isn't really an oscilloscope — it's a multi-instrument lab that happens to include a 2-channel oscilloscope alongside 13 other tools. The 16-channel logic analyzer is its killer feature for embedded work: you can monitor SPI, I2C, GPIO pins, and PWM outputs simultaneously, something a 4-channel scope simply cannot do. WaveForms software is genuinely excellent — one of the best oscilloscope software experiences on any platform. As a pure oscilloscope, the 125MSa/s sample rate and 32Kpt memory are real limitations that you'll notice on any non-trivial analog signal. This is the right tool if you need a logic analyzer AND a scope AND a function generator and can only buy one device — especially for embedded development and student labs. If you primarily need to measure analog signals or capture long waveforms, a dedicated benchtop scope will serve you better.
Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
The DS1104Z-S Plus is the DS1054Z with the limitations officially removed: full 100MHz bandwidth and a built-in 25MHz function generator. At ~$699, it's the premium version of a proven platform that has a decade of community support behind it. The problem in 2026 is that newer touchscreen scopes have made the DS1000Z platform feel dated. The DHO924S costs more now, but it brings 250MHz bandwidth, a 7-inch IPS touchscreen, WiFi, 50Mpt memory, and a much more modern workflow. I'd only choose the DS1104Z-S Plus if you're buying for a teaching lab with specific software integration requirements, or if you specifically need the proven DS1000Z platform.