Digilent Analog Discovery 3 vs Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Digilent
$379
Rigol
$549
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 | $549 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $379 | Buy on Amazon · $549 |
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 ~$549, the DHO924S delivers more for $100 less
- 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 ~$549, it's the premium version of a proven platform that has a decade of community support behind it. The problem in 2026 is the Rigol DHO924S — it costs $100 less, has 250MHz bandwidth, a 7-inch IPS touchscreen, WiFi, 50Mpt memory, and is generally a better scope in almost every way. The DS1104Z-S Plus's advantage is its established reliability and the integrated function generator, which the base DHO924S also includes. I'd only choose this over the DHO924S if you're buying for a teaching lab with specific software integration requirements, or if you specifically need the proven DS1000Z platform.