Analog Devices Inc. AD9284-250EBZ

Overview

AD9284-250EBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board for the AD9284 8-bit, dual-channel, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It supports LVDS and CMOS output modes, includes on-board switching power supplies (6 V, 2.5 A), transformer- or amplifier-based analog input drive, and external or on-board oscillator clock options. It is used for bench characterization of high-speed ADC performance in communications and instrumentation systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD9284-250EBZ datasheet, AD9284-250EBZ pinout, AD9284-250EBZ application, or AD9284-250EBZ equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, SPI-controlled setup procedures, VisualAnalog™ and SPIController software integration, and FPGA-based data capture compatibility with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ platform.

Technical Context

The AD9284-250EBZ implements a complete signal chain for evaluating the AD9284 ADC under real-world conditions: dual 50 Ω analog inputs (A/B channels) support up to ~200 MHz bandwidth with balun or amplifier front-end options; clock circuitry accepts single-ended sine wave inputs via transformer coupling and distributes one clock to both ADC channels; onboard low-dropout linear regulators condition 6 V input to generate 1.8 V AVDD/DRVDD and 3.3 V digital supply rails.

Power delivery uses two CUI EPS060250UH-PHP-SZ switching supplies (6 V, 2.5 A), one per board (evaluation + HSC-ADC-EVALCZ); output routing supports LVDS differential pairs (D0A–D7A, D0B–D7B, DCOA/DCOB) and includes configurable termination networks (0 Ω or 47 Ω) for CMOS/LVDS mode selection; SPI interface (CSB/SCLK/SDIO) enables register-level control of sampling parameters, power-down, and output format.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9284-250EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, RF receiver testing, and wideband instrumentation applications requiring stable component supply and validated evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for AD9284-250EBZ 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.

The AD9284-250EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate prototyping and performance validation of pipeline ADCs in communications infrastructure, test equipment, and radar systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9284-250EBZ?

The AD9284-250EBZ is an evaluation board for the AD9284 8-bit, dual-channel, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary support circuitry-including power regulation, analog input conditioning, clock distribution, and LVDS/CMOS output buffering-to characterize the AD9284's AC performance in lab environments. The AD9284-250EBZ itself is not an IC but a fully assembled PCB with integrated firmware interfaces and hardware jumpers for mode selection.

Does the AD9284-250EBZ include its own power supply?

Yes, the AD9284-250EBZ evaluation kit includes two CUI EPS060250UH-PHP-SZ switching power supplies rated at 6 V DC, 2.5 A each-one for the AD9284-250EBZ board and one for the companion HSC-ADC-EVALCZ data capture board. These supplies connect via 2.1 mm barrel jacks (J101) and are fused and conditioned on-board before feeding low-dropout regulators.

Which software tools are required to operate the AD9284-250EBZ?

Two primary software tools are required: VisualAnalog™ for FFT-based performance analysis and real-time waveform visualization, and SPIController for low-level register access to configure the AD9284's sampling mode, output format, power-down state, and channel-specific settings. Both tools run on 32-bit Windows XP/Vista/7 and communicate via USB to the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA interface.

Can the AD9284-250EBZ operate without the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ board?

No-the AD9284-250EBZ does not include on-board data capture or storage. Its parallel LVDS/CMOS outputs (D0A–D7A, D0B–D7B, DCOA/DCOB) must be interfaced with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA-based capture platform to acquire, buffer, and transfer digitized samples to a host PC. Without that board, only analog performance metrics (e.g., SNR, SFDR) can be measured using external test equipment.

How is clocking configured on the AD9284-250EBZ?

The AD9284-250EBZ supports multiple clocking options: default transformer-coupled single-ended input (50 Ω terminated, ac-coupled), optional on-board crystal oscillator (XSTAL_IN±), or external differential clock via SMA connectors (CLK_A±/CLK_B±). Jumper settings (e.g., J103, J501–J504) select source and termination; the AD9284 internally distributes one clock to both channels, enabling simultaneous sampling.