Which Scope for HF analog and complex digital

[Faithnic]

I am a mixed signal designer and looking to upgrade my oscilloscope.

My primary selection priorities are:

Analog:

1. Bandwidth: Video to VHF up to 500 Mhz
2. Need good analog signal clarity with low jitter and digital noise

Digital:

1. Should have large memory length
2. Should have wave monitoring capacity to catch anomalies in waveform
3. Should have I2C and serial protocol analysis capability


Make/Models I am browsing:

1. Agilent MSOX3034A Oscilloscope: 350 MHz, 4 Analog Plus 16 Digital Channels

2. Tek MSO4034B 300 MHz 4+16 Channel

3. LeCroy MSO 64MXs-BMXs-B WaveSurfer, 600 MHz 5 GS/s 4+18 Ch, Mixed Signal Oscilloscope

4. DL9505L701320 DL9505L: 4ch 500MHz + Logic 16bits, Max. 5 GS/s(2.5 GS/s/ch), 6.25 MW/ch


My budget is about 12000 USD


My question is, are the above MSOs good for analog signal viewing and measuring and enough low noise when displayed?
Is it better to go for a expensive MSO or a HF analog scope and a cheaper MSO?

Need advise from the experienced users.

Thanks.

 

[keith1200rs]

I would have thought that if you want to look at signals up to 500MHz then you need a 1GHz 'scope.

I don't know what measurements you want to make but for RF measurements a spectrum analyser will always beat an oscilloscope.

The best way is to try them all. For that money you should be able to get companies to give you a demo or even lend you one for a few days. I have tried the three of your four choices (or similar) in 1GHz specification. I haven't used the LeCroy. I am a Yokogawa fan but wouldn't say it was the best - they each have their strengths. When I am buying new equipment I try to get a demo when I have a real project on the bench.

Also worth looking it would be the Rohde & Schwarz, although I am not sure if they are mixed signal.

Keith.