A low-cost Analog Discovery alternative

Abstract

Working with electronics entails a significant amount of testing and evaluation with signals. Test bench tools including oscilloscopes, function generators and power supplies are often used during experiments. The downside of testbench equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies among others is that, they are typically sold as separate, pricey modules. Testbenches used in most laboratories in schools occupy space and usually have to be connected to the mains. Students have to take turns in using this equipment. To address this issue, USB-based devices including the Analog Discovery are available. However, they are expensive for basic undergraduate courses. This project seeks to develop a cheap USB-powered gadget that can function as a signal generator, oscilloscope and power supply. These were build based on the ARM Cortex M0+microcontroller along with additional custom circuitry. Power supply output can be controlled between 5V and 12V. Sinusoidal, square and sawtooth waves can also be generated at different frequencies.