Digital Discovery Specifications

A USB embedded development tool for high speed and multi-channel applications

The Digital Discovery.

The Digilent Digital Discovery™ is a combined logic analyzer and pattern generator instrument that was created to be the ultimate embedded development companion. Digital Discovery was designed to optimize channel number, speed, and portability. A small form factor facilitates easy storage and provides a whole suite of advanced features to allow you to debug, visualize, and simulate digital signals for most embedded projects. Its digital inputs and outputs can be connected to a circuit using simple wire probes or breadboard wires; alternatively, the Digital Discovery High Speed Adapter and impedance-matched probes* can be used to connect and utilize the inputs and outputs for more advanced projects. The Digital Discovery is driven by the free WaveForms software and can be configured to any combination of power supplies, logic analyzer, pattern generator, static inputs and outputs, and protocol analyzer.

*Note: The High Speed Adapter and High Speed Logic Probes are an optional add-on at checkout. You can also buy them separately as an accessory. (Pinout)

  • Hardware
    • High speed inputs
      • 24 high-speed input channels (DIN0…23), accessible through one 2×16 connector, used with the Logic Analyzer in WaveForms (560kΩ||10pF)
    • Digital inputs and outputs
      • 16 digital I/Os (DIO24…39) arranged in two Pmod-style (2×6) connectors, used with the Logic Analyzer in WaveForms
      • Each of the 16 pins can be configured for input (Logic Analyzer) or set as output
      • 800 MS/s input sample rate when using maximum 8 inputs (and the High Speed Adapter), 400 MS/s with maximum 16 inputs (with the High Speed Adapter), 200 MS/s and lower with maximum 32 inputs
      • User programmable input and output LVCMOS voltage levels from 1.2V to 3.3V (5V compatible)
      • 100 MHz signal input bandwidth
      • 50 MHz output signal bandwidth
      • Automatic or manual strength and slew settings for outputs
  • Virtual Instruments
    • Logic Analyzer
      • See High Speed Input Hardware Specifications
      • 32 Channels at 200 MS/s
      • 16 Channels at 400 MS/s (with the optional High Speed Adapter)
      • 8 Channels at 800 MS/s (with the optional High Speed Adapter)
      • User programmable voltage levels at 1.2V to 3.3V, 5V compatible
      • 2Gbit DDR3 acquisition buffer for Logic Analyzer
      • Multiple trigger options including pin change, bus pattern, etc.
      • Digital bus analyzers (SPI, I²C, UART, Parallel)
      • Cross-triggering between Logic Analyzer, Pattern Generator, or external trigger
    • Pattern Generator
      • See digital inputs and outputs hardware specifications
      • 16 channels
      • 100 MS/s sample rate
      • 1.2V to 3.3V outputs, 5V compatible
      • Algorithmic pattern generator (no buffers used)
      • Counter and custom bus outputs
      • ROM logic for implementing user-defined Boolean functions and State Machines
      • Cross-triggering between Logic Analyzer, Pattern Generator, or external trigger
    • Protocol Analyzer
      • See hardware specifications
      • UART send and receive, SPI read and write, I2C read and write capable
      • 1.2 to 3.3V inputs and outputs, 5V compatible
    • Static I/O
      • See digital input and output hardware specifications
      • 16 digital I/Os arranged in two Pmod-style (2×6) connectors
      • All 16 digital I/Os can be configured as virtual buttons, LEDs, switches, slider, progress bar, and seven-segment display
      • Custom pattern buffer/ch.: 32K samples
    • Power Supplies
      • 1.2V to 3.3V
      • Available in the two Pmod-style connectors
      • 100 mA max output current
  • Other Features
    • USB bus powered
    • High Speed Adapter and High Speed Logic Probes available as optional add-on
      • Twisted wire high-speed cable option for input channels to insure signal integrity
    • Free WaveForms software runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux
    • Script Editor for custom or automatic tests or analysis
    • SDK available for custom applications
    • Data file import/export using standard formats
    • 80X80X25mm, 80g (without accessories)
    • includes: USB cable, fly-wire accessories