Analog Devices Inc. AD9163-FMCC-EBZ

Overview

AD9163-FMCC-EBZ from Analog Devices is an FMC-compatible evaluation board designed to interface the AD9163 12-bit, 10 GSPS RF DAC with Xilinx FPGA development platforms. It supports JESD204B subclass 1 operation at up to 15.5 Gbps per lane, provides on-board clock synthesis via HMC7044, and enables wideband signal generation up to 6 GHz for radar and 5G test applications.

For engineers reviewing the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ datasheet, AD9163-FMCC-EBZ pinout, AD9163-FMCC-EBZ application, or AD9163-FMCC-EBZ equivalent, this board serves as a validated hardware platform for JESD204B link bring-up, DAC performance characterization (SFDR > 65 dBc @ 2.5 GHz), and high-speed data converter integration with Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC or Kintex/Virtex FPGA carriers.

Technical Context

The AD9163-FMCC-EBZ implements a full JESD204B subclass 1 interface with deterministic latency control, using two lanes at 15.5 Gbps to deliver 12-bit samples from the host FPGA to the AD9163 DAC. Clocking architecture includes dual-loop PLL synthesis with HMC7044 generating both DAC sampling clock (up to 10 GHz) and JESD link reference clocks.

Signal path integrity is maintained through controlled-impedance FMC traces, calibrated DC-coupled DAC output paths, and SMA-connected RF outputs supporting single-ended or differential configurations up to 6 GHz bandwidth. On-board power sequencing ensures proper AD9163 startup timing per specification.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9163-FMCC-EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G NR waveform validation, phased array radar simulation, high-speed data converter prototyping, and RFSoC-based test equipment requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for AD9163-FMCC-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, power, and connectivity applications.

The AD916x evaluation board family supports rapid adoption of AD9162/AD9163 RF DACs in wideband communications, electronic warfare, and instrumentation systems where ultra-high sample rates and spectral purity are critical.

FAQ

What is the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ used for?

The AD9163-FMCC-EBZ is an evaluation board enabling hardware validation of the AD9163 12-bit, 10 GSPS RF DAC. It allows engineers to evaluate JESD204B subclass 1 link performance, characterize DAC output spectral purity (e.g., SFDR > 65 dBc at 2.5 GHz), and prototype wideband signal generation up to 6 GHz. The AD9163-FMCC-EBZ integrates clock synthesis, power management, and RF output conditioning for turnkey testing with FPGA carrier cards.

Does the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ support JESD204B subclass 1?

Yes, the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ fully supports JESD204B subclass 1 operation with deterministic latency. It uses two lanes at up to 15.5 Gbps, implements SYSREF and SYNC~ routing per specification, and includes FPGA firmware examples for link initialization and latency calibration. This capability is essential for coherent multi-DAC systems and synchronized RF channel arrays using the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ.

What clock sources does the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ provide?

The AD9163-FMCC-EBZ integrates the HMC7044 ultra-low-jitter clock generator to produce the AD9163 sampling clock (up to 10 GHz) and JESD204B reference clocks. It accepts external 10 MHz or 100 MHz references and supports internal VCO-based synthesis with <100 fs RMS integrated jitter. These clock resources are directly accessible and configurable via ACE software when using the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ.

Can the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ be used with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC?

Yes, the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ is compatible with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC evaluation carriers such as the ZCU111 and RFSoC DevKit. Its FMC HPC interface delivers required transceiver lanes, power, and timing signals. Reference designs and Linux device drivers for the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ are provided by Analog Devices to enable seamless integration with RFSoC-based signal processing pipelines.

Is there Linux software support for the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ?

Yes, Analog Devices provides open-source Linux IIO drivers and device tree bindings for the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ, hosted on GitHub and integrated into mainline kernel releases. These drivers support register access, JESD link configuration, DAC data streaming, and HMC7044 clock programming. Engineers can use the AD9163-FMCC-EBZ with standard Yocto/PetaLinux builds for embedded RF prototyping.