Analog Devices Inc. AD9268-125EBZ

Overview

AD9268-125EBZ from Analog Devices is a high-speed, dual-channel, 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) evaluation board designed to fully characterize the AD9268-125 and AD9258-125 ICs. It supports 125 MSPS sampling rate, 2 V_p-p full-scale input range, up to 250 MHz analog input bandwidth, and features SPI-controlled configuration, flexible clocking (on-board oscillator or external source), and dual-path analog input options (balun-coupled or amplifier-driven).

For engineers reviewing the AD9268-125EBZ datasheet, AD9268-125EBZ pinout, AD9268-125EBZ application, or AD9268-125EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dynamic performance (SNR = 76.5 dBFS, SFDR = 88.0 dBc), clock jitter sensitivity, power supply rejection, and interface timing compliance in high-speed data acquisition, communications, and instrumentation systems.

Technical Context

The AD9268-125EBZ implements a complete signal chain for evaluating dual 16-bit, 125 MSPS ADCs with independent analog inputs (Channel A/B), differential CMOS outputs, and programmable reference modes (1.0 V or 0.5 V internal VREF). It integrates configurable clock paths - including transformer-coupled single-ended input, optional AD9517 LVPECL clock generator, and on-board Valpey Fisher VFAC3-BHL oscillator - all optimized for sub-1 ps RMS jitter.

Power delivery supports both default LDO-regulated rails (1.8 V AVDD/DRVDD, 3.3 V analog support) and an alternative ADP2114 switching regulator configuration for efficiency testing. Input drive options include passive balun networks (66.5 Ω termination, 2 V_p-p nominal) or active paths via unpopulated AD8375 (Ch A) and ADL5562/ADA4937/ADA4938 (Ch B) amplifier footprints.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9268-125EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, radar receiver subsystems, and software-defined radio development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for AD9268-125EBZ 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The AD9268-125EBZ belongs to ADI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of precision, wideband ADCs in communications infrastructure, defense electronics, and scientific instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9268-125EBZ?

The AD9268-125EBZ is an evaluation board-not an IC-that provides full hardware and software support to test and validate the AD9268-125 and AD9258-125 dual 16-bit, 125 MSPS analog-to-digital converters. It includes configurable clocking, analog input networks, power regulation, SPI control interface, and FPGA-based data capture compatibility via the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ kit. The AD9268-125EBZ enables measurement of key metrics such as SNR, SFDR, and aperture jitter under real-world signal chain conditions.

Which ADC models does the AD9268-125EBZ directly support?

The AD9268-125EBZ is explicitly designed for the AD9268-125 and AD9258-125 ICs, as confirmed in UG-003 Section "AD9268 Family" and Figure 4 (default analog input configuration). While the board shares mechanical and schematic architecture with other families (e.g., AD9269, AD9650), its component population, jumper defaults, and calibration are optimized for the AD9268/AD9258 125 MSPS variants. The AD9268-125EBZ does not natively support lower-speed or different-resolution derivatives without hardware modification.

Does the AD9268-125EBZ include an on-board clock source?

Yes-the AD9268-125EBZ ships with a Valpey Fisher VFAC3-BHL oscillator installed and configured for 125 MHz operation, as specified in UG-003 Section "Clock Circuitry for the AD9650 and the AD9268 Family". Jumper J605 enables the oscillator, and R609/R610 removal plus C610 0 Ω resistor installation routes its output into the ADC clock path. The oscillator delivers low phase noise (<1 ps RMS jitter), critical for achieving the AD9268-125EBZ's published 76.5 dBFS SNR performance.

Can the AD9268-125EBZ be powered using external bench supplies instead of the included switching supply?

Yes-the AD9268-125EBZ supports external power via P102 (1.8 V AVDD/DRVDD) and P103 (1.8 V DVDD), with separate 3.3 V analog supply (3V_CLK) required for SPI and clock circuitry. To enable external biasing, ferrite beads E101, E102, E114, E103, E105, and E107 must be removed to isolate on-board LDOs. Each rail requires ≥1 A current capability, and strict separation of analog/digital domains is recommended to maintain the AD9268-125EBZ's dynamic performance integrity.

What software tools are required to operate the AD9268-125EBZ?

Two primary software tools are required: VisualAnalog® for FFT-based performance analysis (e.g., SNR, SFDR plots) and the SPI Controller application for register-level configuration of the AD9268-125 IC via the board's SPI interface. Both are freely available from analog.com/fifo. The AD9268-125EBZ also relies on the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA firmware, loaded automatically when VisualAnalog initializes the data capture path. No third-party drivers or proprietary compilers are needed-only Windows XP or later and a USB 2.0 port.