Analog Devices Inc. AD6642EBZ

Overview

AD6642EBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed specifically for the AD6642 dual-channel, 11-bit, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides on-board LDO power regulation, SPI-based configuration, flexible clocking (external oscillator or AD9517), and balun- or amplifier-based analog input paths for A/B channels. The board supports high-fidelity ac performance characterization in RF receiver and communications infrastructure applications.

For engineers reviewing the AD6642EBZ datasheet, AD6642EBZ pinout, AD6642EBZ application, or AD6642EBZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware architecture details, supported signal chain configurations (including NSR and PDWN jumper control), software integration guidance with VisualAnalog and SPIController, and supply interface specifications required for lab validation and system-level ADC evaluation.

Technical Context

The AD6642EBZ implements a complete signal chain for the AD6642 ADC, including transformer-coupled 50 Ω analog inputs with optional ADL5562 differential amplifiers on Channels A/B, and configurable clock routing via either direct external drive or AD9517-based LVPECL synthesis. Power delivery uses on-board LDOs generating 1.8 V AVDD/DRVDD and 3.3 V analog supplies, with discrete ferrite bead isolation enabling external biasing per domain.

Hardware configurability includes jumper-selectable features: NSR (Noise Shaping Requantizer) activation via P701, power-down mode via P702, and channel-specific amplifier enablement (P501/P502 for ADL5562). Data capture interfaces directly to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA platform through two 60-pin connectors (P951/P952), supporting real-time FFT analysis and SNR/SFDR measurement at up to 185 MSPS sampling rates.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD6642EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver prototyping, cellular base station development, and high-speed data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and validated signal integrity reference designs.

Supply support for AD6642EBZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets.

The AD6642EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for RF-sampling converters in demanding wireless infrastructure and defense electronics applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD6642EBZ evaluation board?

The AD6642EBZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the AD6642 dual-channel, 11-bit, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary support circuitry-including regulated power supplies, configurable analog input networks, multiple clocking options, and FPGA-based data capture-enabling engineers to perform accurate ac performance measurements such as SNR, SFDR, and ENOB without custom design effort. The AD6642EBZ is not a standalone product but a validated reference for system integration and lab characterization.

Which ADC does the AD6642EBZ support, and is it compatible with other parts?

The AD6642EBZ is specifically designed for the AD6642 dual-channel ADC and shares mechanical and schematic compatibility with the AD6657 quad-channel evaluation board (same board revision), though firmware, jumper settings, and channel routing differ. It does not support other ADC families. The AD6642EBZ cannot be used to evaluate the AD6657 without reconfiguration and software adaptation, and vice versa-the board's default layout, jumpers, and VisualAnalog templates are calibrated for the AD6642's dual-channel operation and register map.

How is clocking configured on the AD6642EBZ?

The AD6642EBZ supports two clocking modes: default external single-ended drive via J702 (50 Ω terminated, ac-coupled), or optional AD9517-based LVPECL synthesis enabled by populating R727/R728 and R816/R817 while removing R713/R714 and R815/R818. Clock jitter must remain below 1 ps RMS to preserve AD6642's specified SNR. The AD6642EBZ does not include an on-board oscillator; users must supply a low-phase-noise source or integrate the AD9517 per UG-232 instructions.

What software tools are required to operate the AD6642EBZ?

Operation of the AD6642EBZ requires two complementary software tools: VisualAnalog for real-time FFT analysis, SNR/SFDR calculation, and graphical data visualization; and SPIController for low-level register access, enabling configuration of sampling parameters, NSR mode, power-down, and channel-specific gain/offset settings. Both tools are provided free by Analog Devices and are preconfigured for the AD6642EBZ's hardware mapping and FPGA interface-no custom driver development is needed.

Can the AD6642EBZ be powered from bench supplies instead of the included wall adapter?

Yes, the AD6642EBZ supports external bench power via P202 (1.8 V analog/digital domains) and P203 (3.3 V analog support rail). To use external supplies, users must remove ferrite beads E201, E202, E204, E205, and E207 to isolate the on-board LDO outputs. Each supply must meet current requirements: 1 A at 1.8 V for AVDD/DRVDD/DVDD, and 1 A at 3.3 V for analog support circuitry-including optional ADL5562 amplifiers on Channels A/B. This mode enables precise domain-level voltage tuning and noise characterization.