Analog Devices Inc. AD9255-125EBZ

Overview

AD9255-125EBZ from Analog Devices is a high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) evaluation board designed specifically for the AD9255 14-bit, 125 MSPS ADC in a 64-lead LFCSP package. It provides full signal chain support including balun-coupled analog input up to 250 MHz, selectable clocking via on-board oscillator or AD9517-4 PLL, and CMOS output buffering for FPGA-based data capture with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ kit.

For engineers reviewing the AD9255-125EBZ datasheet, AD9255-125EBZ pinout, AD9255-125EBZ application, or AD9255-125EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid ac performance characterization-including SNR (76.5 dB), SFDR (88.0 dBc), and jitter-sensitive FFT analysis-under real-world power, clock, and signal integrity conditions required for radar, communications, and instrumentation designs.

Technical Context

The AD9255-125EBZ implements a complete reference design for the AD9255BCPZ-125, featuring dual power domain separation (AVDD/SVDD/DRVDD at 1.8 V), programmable internal reference (1.0 V default, 2.0 V p-p differential full-scale), and configurable input drive paths-either double-balun coupled or amplifier-based using ADL5562, ADA4937-1, or ADA4938-1.

It supports SPI-controlled configuration of ADC registers (via CSB/SCLK/SDIO), non-SPI mode operation with hardware-selectable data format (offset binary or two's complement), and flexible clock routing options including LVPECL outputs from AD9517-4, external 125 MHz oscillator, or direct clock injection at J6 with <1 ps rms jitter requirement.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9255-125EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, RF receiver prototyping, and test equipment development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for AD9255-125EBZ 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.

The AD9255-125EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for RF-sampling and wideband digitization applications in defense, communications, and scientific instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9255-125EBZ?

The AD9255-125EBZ is an evaluation board-not a standalone IC-that enables full characterization of the AD9255BCPZ-125 14-bit, 125 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary support circuitry, including clock generation, analog input conditioning, power regulation, and digital output interfacing to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture platform. The AD9255-125EBZ itself contains no active conversion functionality beyond facilitating testing of the mounted AD9255 device.

Does the AD9255-125EBZ include the AD9255 ADC chip?

Yes, the AD9255-125EBZ ships with the AD9255BCPZ-125 ADC pre-mounted as the device under test (DUT). Per the Bill of Materials (Table 1, Item 17), the board is populated with one of six variants-AD9255BCPZ-80, -105, or -125-depending on build configuration; the AD9255-125EBZ variant specifically includes the AD9255BCPZ-125 part.

Can the AD9255-125EBZ operate without the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ data capture board?

No-the AD9255-125EBZ is not a stand-alone system. Its CMOS digital outputs are buffered and routed exclusively to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA board via the 60-pin connectors P1 and P2. There is no onboard memory, USB interface, or host processor; raw ADC data cannot be acquired or visualized without the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ and compatible PC software (VisualAnalog or SPIController).

What clock sources are supported by the AD9255-125EBZ?

The AD9255-125EBZ supports three clock configurations: (1) on-board 125 MHz low-phase-noise oscillator (shipped installed), (2) external clock injected at SMA connector J6 (50 Ω terminated, ~2.8 V p-p sine wave), and (3) AD9517-4 PLL-generated LVPECL clock routed through U601. All require <1 ps rms jitter to achieve specified SNR and SFDR performance of the AD9255-125EBZ target device.

Is the AD9255-125EBZ compatible with other AD92xx-series ADCs?

The AD9255-125EBZ is mechanically and electrically optimized for the AD9255 and AD9265 families only. While it shares layout and firmware infrastructure with AD9265 evaluation boards (as noted in UG-074), it is not validated for use with unrelated AD92xx parts such as AD9246, AD9235, or AD9288. Pin compatibility, power sequencing, and register maps differ across generations, and Analog Devices explicitly limits UG-074 scope to AD9265/AD9255 devices.