Two-channel scope shopping often comes down to one question: do you want a conventional desktop scope, or a USB-powered analyzer that sits next to your laptop? That's the fork in the road between the Tektronix TDS220 and the Digilent Analog Discovery 2. At $149.99 and $150.00, they are separated by a single cent, so the deciding factors have to be specs and workflow.
Quick verdict
Choose the Tektronix TDS220 if highest listed bandwidth and sampling speed matter more than portability, and you can work around calibration and setup caveats. Choose the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 if you want a computer-connected option with software-driven measurement and a compact open-box presence.
At a glance
| Tektronix TDS220 | Digilent Analog Discovery 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 149.99 | USD 150.00 |
| Condition | Used | New - Open box |
| Maximum bandwidth | 100 MHz | 30 MHz |
| Sampling | 1 GS/s | 100 MSa/s |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Resolution | - | 14-bit |
| Software / connectivity | Digital real-time scope | USB with WaveForms 2015 |
Where each product wins
The Tektronix TDS220 wins when your priority is raw signal range. Its listed bandwidth and sampling rate outpace the Digilent, which makes it the stronger candidate for higher-frequency work and faster edges.
The Digilent Analog Discovery 2 wins when you want a USB-centric, software-driven test setup. It pairs compact hardware with a computer-based workflow, and the higher-resolution capture path is a meaningful advantage for detailed signal analysis.
Product notes
Tektronix TDS220
This used Tektronix TDS220 digital real-time oscilloscope offers 100 MHz maximum bandwidth and 1 GS/s sampling in a traditional scope format. The unit was connected to a signal generator and produced a clear wave on both channels, which gives you a concrete sense of its function. The caveats are part of the deal: it is a used unit, no BNC cable is included, and the seller says it may need calibration before precision measurements. If you have a BNC cable or can arrange one, this is a compelling choice for general bench work. If you need a ready-to-measure setup out of the box, the missing cable and calibration question are real drawbacks.
Digilent Analog Discovery 2
The Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is a new open-box USB digital oscilloscope with 30 MHz maximum bandwidth, a 100 MSa/s real-time sampling rate, and 14-bit resolution. It comes with WaveForms 2015 software, so a laptop becomes the display and control surface. That makes it a strong fit for portable, computer-based measurement work. The obvious trade-off is the 30 MHz bandwidth ceiling: it will not cover the same high-frequency territory as the Tektronix. As an open-box unit, it still carries the new-condition designation but not a sealed retail experience. If your work is already computer-centric, the USB convenience and 14-bit capture path make this a very attractive pick.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Tektronix TDS220 if you need the wider frequency window, can work around the condition-related caveats, and are happy to supply your own cabling. Choose the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 if portability, software-driven analysis, and high-resolution capture fit your normal workflow, and the lower bandwidth ceiling still covers the signals you measure. Your bench setup and signal types will settle the debate.
