Analog Discovery 2 USB Oscilloscope + LabVIEW

In this Instructable, we will go over how to connect an Analog Discovery 2 USB Oscilloscope to LabVIEW. To do so we will be using a LabVIEW project called LabForms 2.0. The project lets you access the analog scope and wavegen functionalities of the Analog Discovery through LabVIEW. The LabVIEW code and user manual for the project were both written by Mircea Dabacan, the general manager of Diligent Romania.

Step 1: Materials

Hardware

Analog Discovery 2 USB Oscilloscope

Software

WaveForms version 2.6.2 or later

LabVIEW (versions 2013 and 2014 have been tested to work so far)

LabView Run-Time Engine 2105 (This is an optional alternative for the LabVIEW editor, see next step for details.)

NOTE: Installing LabVIEW requires you create an NI account. Your LabVIEW installation and any NI software keys you use will be tied to this account.

Step 2: Installing the Software

1. Install WaveForms: Link
2. Choose one of the NI Software options to Install
   • Option 1: Install LabVIEW
     • installing LabVIEW will allow you to both run and edit the LabForms project.
   • Option 2: Install LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 2105 Installing the Runtime Engine will allow you to run the LabForms.exe without LabVIEW installed.
     • Choosing this option will prevent you from opening or editing the LabForms project.
3. Download LabForms 2.0 (attached below) and unzip the folder anywhere.

Step 3: Wiring the Analog Discovery for Testing

Using some of the jumper pins supplied with the Analog Discovery to connect the Scope Channel 1 Positive (Orange Wire labeled “1+” ) to Waveform Generator 1 Positive (Yellow Wire labeled “W1”). Plug the Analog Discovery into one of your PC’s USB port.

Note: It is important you plug the Analog Discovery into your PCs USB port before you proceed to the next step. If you don't, the analog discovery may not show up in the LabForms device drop down list.

Step 4: Running LabForms

1. Based on what software you decided to install in step 2, do one of the following.
   • Option 1: Run LabForms Project using LabVIEW (How to GIF)
   • Option 2: Run LabForms Project using LabForms.exe (How to GIF 2).
2. Open the Analog Scope front Panel and begin recording incoming signals. Open the Wavegen Front Panel and begin generating outgoing signals. (How to GIF 3)
   • For more details about how the controls of the front panel work, refer to the LabForms user manual.
3. Once you are finished hit the stop buttons for all running front panels.

Note: It is important you hit the stop buttons and DO NOT just exit out the LabForms windows. If you do not hit the stop buttons, your PC thinks LabForms is still using your Analog Discovery even thought LabForms is closed. If you did exit out of the LabForms windows without hitting the stop buttons, try re-plugging in your device. This should reset the software permissions.

Thank you for reading my Instructable, feel free to comment with any questions you may have.