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DAQ vs. PC scope

L

Len Seager

Jan 1, 1970
0
I am interested in software-based, audio frequency test instruments
such as an oscilloscope, sprectroscope, etc., for my notebook PC.

There are, of course, dedicated PC scopes and proprietary software on
the market ranging in price from $200 upwards.

In terms of capability, _sample rate and software aside_, how are
these different from a DAQ of equal cost?

For example here is a relatively inexpensive DAQ with moderate sample
rate.

http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di158.htm

And the new "Stingray" PC oscilloscope

http://www.usb-instruments.com/

or there are the well known Bitscope or Velleman PC scopes

It seems a USB DAQ could be used for a wider range of purposes and
there is alot of shareware available.

I am a bit confused, since the PC scopes appear inherently more
complex in terms of hardware, but seem to do more or less the same
thing. I assume they are built around an ADC as well.

In general, what do these do that a DAQ with equivalent software and
sample rate doesn't?

Thank you,

Len

PS I already have an analog scope.
 
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