Analog Devices Inc. AD9255-105EBZ

Overview

AD9255-105EBZ from Analog Devices is a high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) evaluation board designed specifically for the AD9255 14-bit, 105 MSPS ADC in a 64-lead LFCSP package. It provides full signal chain support including balun-coupled analog input up to 250 MHz, selectable on-board oscillator or AD9517 clocking, SPI-based configuration, and CMOS output buffering for FPGA capture via HSC-ADC-EVALCZ.

For engineers reviewing the AD9255-105EBZ datasheet, AD9255-105EBZ pinout, AD9255-105EBZ application, or AD9255-105EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid ac performance characterization-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-under real-world conditions with low-jitter clocking, configurable power domains (LDO or ADP2108 switching), and flexible analog input drive options (balun or ADL5562 amplifier).

Technical Context

The AD9255-105EBZ implements a complete test platform for the AD9255BCPZ-105, featuring dual power architectures: default low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs) for AVDD, DRVDD, and SVDD, or optional ADP2108 step-down converters for higher efficiency. Clocking supports three modes: external LVPECL/LVDS source at J6, on-board Valpey Fisher oscillator (105 MHz nominal), or AD9517-4 PLL-based synthesis with programmable output dividers and phase alignment.

Analog input path flexibility includes double-balun coupling (50 Ω, DC–250 MHz) or differential amplifier interface using unpopulated ADL5562/ADA4937-1/ADA4938-1 footprints. Output data routing uses 74VCX162827MTDX 16-bit buffers to drive CMOS signals to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board via 60-pin headers P1/P2, with DCO strobe and OR (overflow) status signaling.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9255-105EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, radar front-end prototyping, and communications receiver development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for AD9255-105EBZ 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 (DSP) technologies, headquartered in Wilmington, MA, with design centers worldwide.

The AD9255-105EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for RF-sampling and IF-sampling applications in defense, instrumentation, and wireless infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9255-105EBZ?

The AD9255-105EBZ is an evaluation board dedicated to the AD9255BCPZ-105 14-bit, 105 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary support circuitry-including clock generation, analog input conditioning, power regulation, and digital output interfacing-to characterize the ADC's dynamic performance (SNR, SFDR, THD) under controlled lab conditions. The AD9255-105EBZ does not contain the ADC as a standalone product but hosts it as the device under test (DUT).

Which ADC variants are supported by the AD9255-105EBZ?

The AD9255-105EBZ is explicitly designed for the AD9255BCPZ-105, though the same board hardware also supports AD9255BCPZ-80 and AD9255BCPZ-125 variants per build instructions. It shares mechanical and electrical compatibility with the AD9265 family (e.g., AD9265BCPZ-105), but firmware, jumper settings, and performance validation are specific to each part number. The AD9255-105EBZ user guide confirms its rated operation at 105 MSPS with corresponding clock and layout optimizations.

Does the AD9255-105EBZ include an on-board clock source?

Yes-the AD9255-105EBZ ships with a pre-installed Valpey Fisher low-phase-noise oscillator configured for 105 MHz to match the AD9255BCPZ-105's rated sampling rate. It is enabled via jumper P6 and integrated into the clock path using zero-ohm resistor C70, with R25 removed to eliminate termination. This oscillator provides a clean, single-ended 3.3 V CMOS clock directly to the ADC's CLK+ input, eliminating need for external clock generators during basic evaluation.

How is analog input configured on the AD9255-105EBZ?

The AD9255-105EBZ defaults to a double-balun-coupled analog input network optimized for 50 Ω impedance and bandwidth up to ~250 MHz. Input signals connect via SMA connector J6. Optional configurations include populating the ADL5562 RF amplifier footprint (U1) for wideband gain and distortion testing, or substituting with ADA4937-1/ADA4938-1. All analog input paths require external band-pass filtering (e.g., TTE or K&L Microwave) to meet the AD9255-105EBZ's specified noise floor and harmonic suppression targets.

What software tools are required to operate the AD9255-105EBZ?

Two primary software tools are required: VisualAnalog for FFT-based performance analysis (SNR, SFDR, ENOB) and SPIController for register-level ADC configuration (clock divide, test modes, power-down control). Both run on Windows XP/Vista and interface via USB to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board. Configuration files must match the AD9255BCPZ-105 device ID, and proper FPGA bitstream selection is mandatory-VisualAnalog will not acquire valid data without correct firmware loaded onto the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ board.