Analog Devices Inc. AD9642-250EBZ

Overview

AD9642-250EBZ from Analog Devices is a high-speed analog-to-digital converter evaluation board designed for the AD9642-250, a 14-bit, 250 MSPS dual-channel ADC. It supports USB 2.0 data capture via the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA-based capture board, features anti-aliasing filtering, and enables real-time FFT analysis using VisualAnalog software in RF receiver and communications test setups.

For engineers reviewing the AD9642-250EBZ datasheet, AD9642-250EBZ pinout, AD9642-250EBZ application, or AD9642-250EBZ equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, SPI-controlled ADC setup guidance, FPGA I/O voltage selection (2.5 V), clock input level requirements (10–14 dBm), and signal generator interface specifications for accurate high-speed ADC characterization.

Technical Context

The AD9642-250EBZ is a dedicated evaluation platform-not an IC-integrated with the AD9642-250 ADC and paired with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board. It requires external 6 V/2 A power supplies for both boards and uses USB 2.0 (J6) for host PC communication.

Signal acquisition relies on a clean low-jitter clock applied to J506 (10–14 dBm, 50 Ω), and analog input is fed via J301 (Channel A) using RG-58 coaxial cable with optional narrowband 50 Ω band-pass filtering. FPGA configuration is performed via VisualAnalog or SPI Controller software using AD9642_14Bit_250MSspiR03.cfg.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9642-250EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver validation, high-speed data acquisition system prototyping, and communications transceiver testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for AD9642-250EBZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision and high-speed applications.

The AD9642-250EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' High-Speed Converter Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate lab validation of RF-sampling ADCs in wireless infrastructure, radar, and instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What is the AD9642-250EBZ used for?

The AD9642-250EBZ is an evaluation board for the AD9642-250 14-bit, 250 MSPS dual ADC. It enables full characterization-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-using VisualAnalog FFT analysis and SPI-based register control. The AD9642-250EBZ must be used with the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board and supports USB 2.0 data streaming for lab-based high-speed ADC validation.

Does the AD9642-250EBZ include the ADC chip?

Yes, the AD9642-250EBZ integrates the AD9642-250 IC-a 14-bit, dual-channel, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter-as its core signal conversion element. The board also includes clock conditioning circuitry, analog input filtering, and interface headers (J506, J301) specifically configured for optimal performance of the AD9642-250 under test conditions.

What power supplies are required for the AD9642-250EBZ?

The AD9642-250EBZ requires one 6 V, 2 A switching power supply. However, full operation mandates a second identical supply for the companion HSC-ADC-EVALCZ FPGA capture board. Both boards must be powered simultaneously, and jumper J9 on the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ must be set to 2.5 V to configure FPGA I/O voltage correctly for interfacing with the AD9642-250EBZ.

Which software tools support the AD9642-250EBZ?

VisualAnalog and the SPI Controller software are the primary tools for operating the AD9642-250EBZ. VisualAnalog handles data capture, FFT visualization, and FPGA programming (e.g., AD9642_0.bin), while the SPI Controller loads configuration files like AD9642_14Bit_250MSspiR03.cfg to set ADC registers. Both tools are hosted at analog.com/fifo and require no additional license for evaluation use.

How is clock timing aligned between the AD9642-250EBZ and the FPGA capture board?

Timing alignment is achieved by configuring the AD9642-250EBZ's DCO output delay register (FLEXOUTPUT DELAY panel) to add 600 ps delay and optionally enabling O/P Port DCO Clk Invert for parts branded "XCPZ" with date codes other than 1126. These settings ensure synchronous sampling capture on the HSC-ADC-EVALCZ board and are critical for valid FFT results when using the AD9642-250EBZ in high-fidelity signal analysis.