Analog Devices Inc. AD9634-170EBZ

Overview

AD9634-170EBZ from Analog Devices is a high-speed analog-to-digital converter evaluation board designed for the AD9634-170, a 12-bit, 170 MSPS dual-channel ADC with JESD204B interface support, on-chip voltage reference, and internal sample-and-hold. It enables full dynamic performance characterization in lab and design validation environments.

For engineers reviewing the AD9634-170EBZ datasheet, AD9634-170EBZ pinout, AD9634-170EBZ application, or AD9634-170EBZ equivalent, key considerations include FPGA-based data capture compatibility (HSC-ADC-EVALCZ), 2.5 V FPGA I/O voltage configuration, JESD204B lane alignment, analog input conditioning via 50 Ω RG-58 coax and band-pass filtering, and SPI-controlled register programming using AD9634_12Bit_205MSspiR03.cfg.

Technical Context

The AD9634-170EBZ implements a complete signal chain test platform centered on the AD9634-170 ADC, requiring external analog clock input at J506 (10–14 dBm, low-jitter), analog signal injection at J301 (8–12 dBm, filtered), and synchronized power delivery via two independent 6 V/2 A supplies. It interfaces exclusively with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board through a rigid mechanical and electrical stack.

Configuration relies on jumper settings (P104/P105/P107/P108/P110 for default mode; J9 set to 2.5 V on HSC-ADC-EVALCZ) and firmware loading: VisualAnalog auto-detects "AD9634" and programs the FPGA using AD9642_0.bin for XCPZ-branded parts, while SPIController loads register maps from AD9634-specific .cfg files.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9634-170EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, radar front-end prototyping, and communications receiver development requiring stable component supply and validated ADC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for AD9634-170EBZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision and high-speed applications.

The AD9634-170EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for JESD204B-compliant converters in instrumentation, defense, and wireless infrastructure design.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9634-170EBZ?

The AD9634-170EBZ is an evaluation board dedicated to the AD9634-170 12-bit, 170 MSPS dual-channel ADC. It provides a complete hardware and software environment-including analog input conditioning, clock distribution, FPGA-based capture, and SPI register control-to validate dynamic performance, JESD204B link integrity, and system-level integration of the AD9634-170 in real-world signal chains.

Which capture board is required for the AD9634-170EBZ?

The AD9634-170EBZ must be used exclusively with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA-based data capture board. Mechanical stacking and electrical interconnection are defined in Figure 1 of the Quick Start Guide. The HSC-ADC-EVALCZ must be configured with its J9 jumper set to 2.5 V to match the FPGA I/O voltage requirement of the AD9634-170EBZ interface.

What clock source specifications are needed for the AD9634-170EBZ?

The AD9634-170EBZ requires a clean, low-phase-noise analog clock delivered to SMA connector J506 at 10–14 dBm. The AD9634-170 supports internal clock division, so the input frequency may be higher than the final sampling rate. Clock jitter directly impacts SNR and SFDR performance, making spectral purity critical for valid characterization of the AD9634-170EBZ.

How is the AD9634-170EBZ configured and controlled?

The AD9634-170EBZ uses jumpers (P104/P105/P107/P108/P110) for default analog path and power routing. Register-level control is performed via SPI using Analog Devices' SPIController software with the AD9634_12Bit_205MSspiR03.cfg configuration file. FPGA programming is handled by VisualAnalog, which loads AD9642_0.bin for XCPZ-branded HSC-ADC-EVALCZ boards.

What software tools are mandatory for operating the AD9634-170EBZ?

Two software tools are mandatory: VisualAnalog (AN-905) for FFT-based performance analysis and FPGA programming, and SPIController (AN-878) for configuring the AD9634-170's internal registers. Both tools and associated configuration files-including AD9634_12Bit_205MSspiR03.cfg-are hosted at analog.com/fifo and referenced in the AD9634-170EBZ Quick Start Guide.