Digilent OpenScope is an open source, portable, multi-function programmable instrument used for capturing, visualizing, and controlling analog and digital signals, that works with your smartphone or computer over USB or WiFi, and it can also be used in standalone mode as a development board, like you would use an Arduino or Raspberry Pi board.
OpenScope MZ key features and specifications:
- MCU – Microchip PIC32 MZ (MZ2048EFG124) MIPS Warrior M-class micro-controller @ up to 200 MHz with 2048KB flash, 512 KB RAM
- External Storage – micro SD slot
- Wireless Connectivity – WiFi module
- USB – 1x micro USB for power and programming over FTDI
- Programming / Debugging – micro USB port, programming header
- Expansion – 30-pin Fly Wire connector with:
- 2x scope channels with 12 bits @ 2 MHz bandwidth and up to 6.25MS/s sampling rate
- 1x function generator output with 1 MHz bandwidth and up to 10MS/s update rate
- 10x user programmable DIO pins up to 25 MHz update rate
- Misc – 4x user LEDs, programming and reset buttons
- Power Supply – via micro USB or ext pin; programmable power supplies up to 50 mA and +/- 4V
The platform can be used with (soon-to-be) open source, web based Waveforms Live multi-instrument software written in JavaScript and allowing you to use OpenScope as an oscilloscope, a function generator, a logic analyzer, a power supply, or a data logger.
Since the software runs in a web browser it will work with most operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Android or iOS. As mentioned in the introduction, OpenScope is also a development board, and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE or Microchip MPLAB-X IDE. The company will provide a programmer’s guide, and make PIC32MZ firmware, the agent source code, the browser app for Android & IOS, the communication protocol, and the JavaScript API available on Github
Digilent launched OpenScope on Kickstarter, where the board can be backed together with a 3D printed enclosure for $79. An “OpenScope Learning Edition” is also offered for $150 with a “parts kit with workbook example”, but no details have been provided for the latter. Delivery is planned for June or August 2017 depending on selected reward, and shipping is free to the US, but adds $20 to the rest of the world.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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