RIGOL DG1022Z vs. MSO5074 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: retronexus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 07:55:38 pm
content: Hello all,I am considering to buy a MSO by Rigol (5074). I find it attractive that it especially also has a waveform generator integrated. Currently I use the DS1054Z as an oscillioscope and the DG1022Z as a waveform generator. It sounds to me like I could save one device at the end of the day.My question is: is there any disadvantage of using a built in Waveform generator in the MSO compared to a dedicated device (both by RIGOL)? Or is there a specific benefit of NOT having it combined in one.I feel like I can optimize my already cramped workbench by using the MSO instead. What do you think?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 08:01:35 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.Universally, inbuilt scope AWG's have very limited amplitude compared to standalone units however if you're only in the digital domain their p-p amplitude can be sufficient for your needs.

author: retronexus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 08:04:50 pm
content: Thank you TauTech, Actually yes, my very first entry! Thanks for the warm welcome.Where would I need more amplitude, you would say? I actually work currently purely in the digital domain but I would be interested what would be "limited" for your needs?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 08:16:12 pm
content: Mainly in exceeding design/device thresholds when testing/proving however most modern designs are LV compared to the 12/15V logic of yesteryear.I still play with some old 4000 logic IC's so my requirements might be different to yours.I might add that inbuilt AWG's are generally quite limited in frequency also and this along with meagre amplitude is why many choose to keep a standalone.YMMV

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 09:10:52 pm
content: Hi,QuoteFirst, tautech is right what the weak amplitude concerns.In my opinion, it´s a showstopper, every generator should deliver at last CMOS amplitude.Further, most of the integrated AWGs got limited features in comparison to a stand alone AWG.The idea itself, to got a "swiss knife" on the bench is good.But you will always make compromises - I compare it to the stereo music centers in the 80s.Everything on board, but nothing really good (except the scope function).Therefore I add a SDG1062X () to my SDS2504X+...In case of the siglent scope it will really makes sense, because it´s integrated AWG is a rudimentary thing, at least good for the bodeplot.QuoteThe generator shouldn´t be a decision to buy a MSO5000 scope or similar.Greater screen, more features, better hardware in general..

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 11:02:48 pm
content: I have a DS1054Z and an MSO5074; I agree that all built in signal generators have limitations but one of the features that having a built in sig gene gives is that you can do bode plots e.g. frequency response analysis where the scope drives a changing frequency into a circuit and plots the signal level and phase response; this is available on the MSO5074, I've used it, and it's useful.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 03:04:32 am
content: Quote from: retronexus on October 21, 2020, 07:55:38 pmif the scope die, the FG useless. but the good thing is as gandalf said, integration with dso to do fun stuffs. it seems you are like me with limited space, i think my space is smaller. so i bought UTG962, small footprint, separate buttons operation will not block dso usage, 10Vpp* into 50 ohm load, and can be brought to the field (portable) or work separately such as tone generator etc, it also have sweep function so with the right setup, we can easily bode plot (magnitude) on dso. but if you have money, nobody can stop you, that 8GSps MSO5000 is much more capable than 1GSps DS1000z

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2020, 08:53:59 pm
content: Quote from: retronexus on October 21, 2020, 07:55:38 pmSee the specification for the built-in generator. If the 2.5 V amplitude and 15 MHz bandwidth are enough for you, then the generator is quite good. I was disappointed with the generator precisely because of the very low amplitude.But the presence of a built-in generator allows you to automatically measure the frequency response.I wouldn't give up on a standalone generator, but MSO5xxx will make you happy after 1xxx. This is a completely different device is not a toy level.