Analog Devices Inc. AD9860-EBZ

Overview

AD9860-EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the AD9860 mixed-signal front-end (MxFE™) processor, designed to accelerate development of broadband communication systems. It supports dual-channel 10-bit ADCs (64 MSPS), dual-channel 12-bit DACs (128 MSPS), programmable Rx/Tx PGAs, digital Hilbert/interpolation/decimation filters, and DLL-based clock generation - enabling rapid prototyping of cable modems, WLAN baseband, and fixed wireless transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the AD9860-EBZ datasheet, AD9860-EBZ pinout, AD9860-EBZ application, or AD9860-EBZ equivalent, this board provides full access to the AD9860's SPI interface, analog I/O paths (VIN±A/B, IOUT±A/B), auxiliary ADC/DAC channels, clock inputs (OSC1/OSC2), and configurable timing modes - with documented layout, power sequencing, and signal integrity considerations for production-grade RF/baseband design validation.

Technical Context

The AD9860-EBZ implements the complete signal chain of the AD9860 MxFE: two independent receive paths with input buffers, 20 dB RxPGA, 10-bit 64 MSPS ADCs, and decimation/Hilbert filtering; and two transmit paths with 12-bit 128 MSPS DACs, TxPGA, interpolation, Hilbert, and digital quadrature mixers. It supports real, diversity, or I/Q baseband/low-IF operation with programmable gain, offset, and filter bypass.

On-board clocking uses a 32 MHz crystal driving the AD9860's DLL to generate internal clocks (32–128 MHz) and two external outputs (CLKOUT1/CLKOUT2). The board includes reference decoupling (REFT_A/REFB_A, REFT_B/REFB_B), full-scale current adjustment (FSADJ), sigma-delta output (SIGDELT), and four auxiliary ADC inputs with dual multiplexing plus three 8-bit auxiliary DAC outputs.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD9860-EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for broadband wireless infrastructure, cable modem development, and fixed wireless access (FWA) system validation requiring stable component supply and full-spectrum signal chain evaluation.

Supply support for AD9860-EBZ 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 AD9860-EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' MxFE™ (Mixed-Signal Front-End) product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-dynamic-range broadband communications applications including DOCSIS, WiMAX, LTE-TDD, and proprietary modem systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD9860-EBZ?

The AD9860-EBZ is an evaluation board for the AD9860 mixed-signal front-end processor. It provides hardware access to all major interfaces - including dual ADC/DAC analog I/O, SPI control, clock inputs/outputs, auxiliary converters, and power domains - enabling functional verification, performance characterization, and firmware development for broadband communication transceivers before custom PCB design.

Does the AD9860-EBZ support both AD9860 and AD9862 devices?

No - the AD9860-EBZ is specifically designed for the AD9860 (10-bit ADCs / 12-bit DACs). Analog Devices offers a separate evaluation board, AD9862PCB, for the AD9862 (12-bit ADCs / 14-bit DACs). While pin-compatible, the boards differ in component selection (e.g., reference decoupling, filter tuning) to match each device's resolution, dynamic range, and power profile.

What clock sources does the AD9860-EBZ support?

The AD9860-EBZ supports a 32 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to OSC1/OSC2, which drives the AD9860's internal delay-locked loop (DLL) to generate core clocks (32–128 MHz) and two programmable outputs (CLKOUT1/CLKOUT2). External single-ended clock signals (up to 128 MHz) may also be applied directly to OSC1, bypassing the crystal.

How is analog signal routing implemented on the AD9860-EBZ?

The AD9860-EBZ provides differential analog I/O via SMA connectors: VIN±A/VIN±B for receive paths and IOUT±A/IOUT±B for transmit paths. Each pair includes matched 50 Ω traces, AC-coupling capacitors, and local decoupling. Input buffers present constant 200 Ω differential impedance; DAC outputs deliver 20 mA full-scale current with ±0.5 V to +1.5 V compliance range.

Can the AD9860-EBZ be used for production deployment?

No - the AD9860-EBZ is strictly an evaluation platform. It lacks environmental hardening, EMI shielding, thermal management, and long-term reliability qualification required for production. Its purpose is design validation, algorithm testing, and interoperability assessment; final systems must use the AD9860 in a custom-designed, application-optimized PCB layout.