Analog Devices Inc. AD9261-10EBZ

Overview

AD9261-10EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed exclusively for the AD9261, a 16-bit continuous-time sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated PLL clock multiplier and on-chip voltage reference. It supports differential input drive via transformer or ADA4937-1 amplifier path, operates at up to 10 MSPS output data rate, and requires the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ capture card and VisualAnalog software for full characterization.

For engineers reviewing the AD9261-10EBZ datasheet, AD9261-10EBZ pinout, AD9261-10EBZ application, or AD9261-10EBZ equivalent, this board enables high-fidelity performance validation of the AD9261's wideband CT-ΣΔ modulator, decimation filtering, and sample-rate conversion under real-world signal chain conditions including clock jitter sensitivity, SNR vs. input frequency, and THD in RF receiver front ends.

Technical Context

The AD9261-10EBZ implements a complete signal chain test platform centered on the AD9261 ADC, which features a continuous-time sigma-delta modulator architecture optimized for low in-band noise and high dynamic range. Its on-board AD9516-0 clock generator provides programmable LVPECL/CMOS outputs and supports external crystal references (e.g., 122.88 MHz) with configurable loop filter components for precise VCO tuning.

Input conditioning is provided through dual paths: a Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13M+ transformer for passive single-ended-to-differential conversion, and an ADA4937-1 fully differential amplifier for active drive. Power is delivered via +6 V input regulated to 1.8 V (AD9261), 3.3 V (AD9516-0), and 5.0 V (ADA4937-1) using ADP3339 LDOs.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9261-10EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition system validation, RF receiver prototyping, and precision ADC performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for AD9261-10EBZ 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 Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in precision data conversion and RF signal chain solutions.

The AD9261-10EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of continuous-time sigma-delta converters used in communications infrastructure, medical imaging, and test equipment.

FAQ

Is the AD9261-10EBZ compatible with other AD926x-series ADCs?

No - the AD9261-10EBZ is specifically designed for the AD9261 and not mechanically or electrically compatible with other members of the AD926x family. Its layout, power sequencing, clock routing, and SPI interface are tailored to the AD9261's pinout, register map, and timing requirements. Using it with any other ADC would require redesign of the PCB, firmware, and supporting software configuration.

What clock sources does the AD9261-10EBZ support for the AD9261?

The AD9261-10EBZ supports three clocking modes: direct external clock injection (e.g., 640 MHz via J3), AD9516-0-generated LVPECL/CMOS clocks, or internal AD9261 PLL multiplication from a lower-frequency reference. The default configuration uses a 640 MHz external clock, but the AD9516-0 can generate 645.12 MHz from a 122.88 MHz crystal with appropriate loop filter components (R11 = 280 Ω, C107 = 1000 pF, C31 = 15,000 pF).

Can the AD9261-10EBZ operate without the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ capture card?

No - the AD9261-10EBZ cannot function independently as a standalone data acquisition system. Its digital output (CMOS parallel D0–D15) is not directly accessible via USB or FPGA interface; it must be connected to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ card, which handles serialization, buffering, and USB 2.0 transmission to the host PC running VisualAnalog. No alternative capture hardware is supported per Analog Devices documentation.

Does the AD9261-10EBZ include an on-board voltage reference for the AD9261?

Yes - the AD9261-10EBZ incorporates the ADR130BUJZ, a precision 3.0 V bandgap voltage reference, to provide a stable external reference option for the AD9261. While the AD9261 also includes an internal reference, the ADR130BUJZ allows users to evaluate performance with a higher-accuracy, low-drift external source - critical for testing SNR, INL, and gain stability across temperature and supply variation.

How is analog input configured on the AD9261-10EBZ?

Analog input is configured via solder jumpers JP1, JP3, and JP4. In the default transformer path, JP1 shorts positions 2–3, JP3 shorts 1–2, and JP4 shorts 2–3 to route signals from SMA J5 through TC1-1-13M+ to the AD9261 inputs. For the amplifier path, JP1 shorts 1–2, JP3 shorts 2–3, and JP4 shorts 1–2 to enable the ADA4937-1 driver. Both paths maintain differential input topology and preserve common-mode voltage alignment required by the AD9261.