Analog Devices Inc. AD9251-80EBZ

Overview

AD9251-80EBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed to characterize the AD9251 12-bit, 80 MSPS dual-channel analog-to-digital converter under real-world signal chain conditions. It supports transformer-coupled or amplifier-based analog input drive, SPI-configurable operation, on-board 80 MHz low-phase-noise oscillator (Valpey Fisher VFAC3-BHL-80MHz), and CMOS output interfacing to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture platform.

For engineers reviewing the AD9251-80EBZ datasheet, AD9251-80EBZ pinout, AD9251-80EBZ application, or AD9251-80EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dynamic performance (SNR, SFDR), clock jitter sensitivity, power supply rejection, and SPI register configuration in high-speed data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The AD9251-80EBZ implements a dual-path analog front-end optimized for the AD9251's 12-bit, 80 MSPS dual ADC core, with default 33 Ω/0.1 µF input networks supporting up to ~150 MHz analog input frequencies and 2 V p-p full-scale range. Clocking uses either the on-board 80 MHz fundamental-mode crystal oscillator (VFAC3-BHL-80MHz) or external single-ended 50 Ω sources routed through T601 transformer coupling.

Power delivery supports both LDO-regulated (default) and ADP2114 switching regulator configurations for AVDD/DRVDD rails; VREF is internally set to 1.0 V (2 V p-p full-scale); and SPI interface (CS, SCLK/DFS, SDIO/DCS) provides full register access for gain, offset, test mode, and output format control.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9251-80EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, communications receiver prototyping, and instrumentation development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for AD9251-80EBZ 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 semiconductors, headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The AD9251-80EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of pipeline ADCs in RF, communications, and test equipment applications.

FAQ

What is the AD9251-80EBZ used for?

The AD9251-80EBZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to assess the AD9251 12-bit, 80 MSPS dual analog-to-digital converter. It enables engineers to measure dynamic performance (SNR, SFDR), validate clock jitter tolerance, configure SPI registers, and verify analog input drive compatibility - all without custom PCB design. The AD9251-80EBZ supports both transformer-coupled and amplifier-based signal paths and interfaces directly to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture platform.

Does the AD9251-80EBZ include an on-board clock source?

Yes, the AD9251-80EBZ includes an on-board 80 MHz Valpey Fisher VFAC3-BHL-80MHz fundamental-mode crystal oscillator, selected to match the rated sample rate of the AD9251. This low-phase-noise oscillator is enabled by default via jumper J605 and feeds the ADC clock inputs through transformer T601. External clock sources can be substituted by removing J605 and connecting to SMA connector J602 (ENCODE+).

What input configuration does the AD9251-80EBZ use for the AD9251?

The AD9251-80EBZ uses the default analog input configuration defined for the AD9269 family (which includes AD9251), shown in Figure 5 of UG-003: a double-balun-coupled, 50 Ω-terminated network with 33 Ω series resistors, 0.1 µF AC-coupling capacitors, and 22 pF shunt capacitance. This setup supports up to ~150 MHz analog input frequencies and delivers 2 V p-p full-scale into the AD9251 with nominal 10 dBm drive level.

Can the AD9251-80EBZ be powered with external supplies instead of the included wall adapter?

Yes, the AD9251-80EBZ supports external bench power supplies. To bypass the on-board LDOs, remove ferrite beads E101, E102, E114, E103, E105, and E107, then apply separate 1.8 V (1 A) supplies to P102 (DUT_AVDD/DRVDD) and P103 (DVDD), plus a 3.3 V (1 A) supply for analog support circuitry. The board also supports optional ADP2114 switching regulators for higher-efficiency AVDD/DRVDD generation.

Which software tools are required to operate the AD9251-80EBZ?

Two primary software tools are required: VisualAnalog® for FFT-based performance analysis (SNR, SFDR, harmonic distortion) and real-time waveform visualization, and the SPI Controller software for configuring AD9251 registers (clock divider, output format, test modes, gain/offset). Both tools interface via USB to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board, which receives CMOS data outputs from the AD9251-80EBZ through P902/P903 connectors.