Analog Devices Inc. AD9162-FMC-EBZ

Overview

AD9162-FMC-EBZ from Analog Devices is an FMC-compatible evaluation board designed to demonstrate the high-speed DAC performance of the AD9162 11-GSPS RF digital-to-analog converter, supporting JESD204B/C interface, complex baseband signal generation up to 5.5 GHz, and dual-channel 16-bit operation in a standard FPGA Mezzanine Card form factor.

For engineers reviewing the AD9162-FMC-EBZ datasheet, AD9162-FMC-EBZ pinout, AD9162-FMC-EBZ application, or AD9162-FMC-EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of wideband RF signal synthesis, JESD204B/C link integrity, and DAC spectral purity in SDR, radar, and broadband test equipment designs.

Technical Context

The AD9162-FMC-EBZ implements a full-signal-chain reference design centered on the AD9162 DAC, with on-board clock conditioning (HMC7044), JESD204B/C FPGA interface via Samtec FMC+ connector, and RF output path including balun-based differential-to-single-ended conversion and SMA-connected analog output up to 5.5 GHz.

It supports deterministic latency mode, multi-chip synchronization, and sample rate flexibility from 1.5 GSPS to 11 GSPS, with FPGA configuration files provided for Xilinx Kintex Ultrascale devices and ACE software integration for real-time register control and spectral analysis.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9162-FMC-EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver prototyping, wideband SDR development, and high-frequency test equipment design requiring stable component supply and validated reference hardware.

Supply support for AD9162-FMC-EBZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision and high-speed applications.

The AD9162-FMC-EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate RF DAC integration into next-generation wireless infrastructure, electronic warfare, and instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9162-FMC-EBZ?

The AD9162-FMC-EBZ is an FMC-compatible evaluation board built around the AD9162 11-GSPS RF DAC. It provides a complete signal chain-including clock generation, JESD204B/C interface, and RF output path-for validating high-speed DAC performance in wideband RF applications. The AD9162-FMC-EBZ enables rapid prototyping without custom PCB design.

Which FPGA carriers are compatible with the AD9162-FMC-EBZ?

The AD9162-FMC-EBZ complies with VITA 57.1 FMC+ specifications and is verified with Xilinx Kintex UltraScale-based carrier boards such as the ZC706 and VC707. It requires an HPC (High Pin Count) FMC connector with support for JESD204B/C lane rates up to 12.5 Gbps. The AD9162-FMC-EBZ does not support LPC carriers or non-UltraScale FPGA families.

Does the AD9162-FMC-EBZ support JESD204C?

Yes, the AD9162-FMC-EBZ supports JESD204C through the AD9162 DAC's native interface and the on-board HMC7044 clock generator's SYSREF and deterministic latency features. Firmware and FPGA IP are provided for both JESD204B and JESD204C configurations. The AD9162-FMC-EBZ documentation confirms JESD204C operation up to 12.5 Gbps per lane.

Can the AD9162-FMC-EBZ generate signals above 5 GHz?

Yes-the AD9162-FMC-EBZ delivers analog RF output from DC to 5.5 GHz via its calibrated balun network and SMA outputs. This enables direct synthesis of L-, S-, C-, and lower X-band signals without upconversion. The AD9162-FMC-EBZ achieves this using the AD9162's beyond-Nyquist capability and on-board filtering optimized for harmonic suppression up to 5.5 GHz.

Is ACE software required to operate the AD9162-FMC-EBZ?

ACE software is not strictly required but is fully integrated and recommended for configuring registers, monitoring spectral performance, and performing real-time DAC calibration. The AD9162-FMC-EBZ can also be controlled via custom FPGA logic or Python-based register access using provided I2C/SPI interfaces. ACE remains the primary tool for out-of-box validation of the AD9162-FMC-EBZ.