Analog Devices Inc. ADP1876-EVALZ

Overview

ADP1876-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the dual-channel, synchronous step-down DC-to-DC controller ADP1876. It supports 10 V–20 V input, delivers regulated 5 V/13 A and 1.8 V/13 A outputs at 600 kHz switching frequency, and operates in forced PWM mode for stable transient response in high-current power supply designs.

For engineers reviewing the ADP1876-EVALZ datasheet, ADP1876-EVALZ pinout, ADP1876-EVALZ application, or ADP1876-EVALZ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of dual-output, high-efficiency buck converters targeting FPGA, ASIC, and DSP core voltage regulation with verified line/load regulation, ripple, and step-response performance.

Technical Context

The ADP1876-EVALZ implements the ADP1876 controller in a fully assembled, test-ready configuration with external N-channel MOSFETs (IPD050N03L), 1.8 µH shielded inductors, and hybrid output filtering using POSCAP™ and MLCC capacitors. Its layout prioritizes accessibility-featuring 0603 compensation components, jumper-enabled channel enable (J2/J3), and multiple test points for oscilloscope validation of SW1/SW2 waveforms, output ripple, and load transients.

Input filtering combines low-ESR 10 µF MLCCs and a 150 µF OS-CON™ bulk capacitor; each output uses two 330 µF POSCAPs and two 22 µF MLCCs to minimize RMS ripple. The board supports independent LDO biasing (VINLDO = 2.7 V–5.5 V) and includes placeholders for component substitution, enabling topology optimization without PCB redesign.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADP1876-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power sequencing, multi-rail embedded processor supplies, and high-density server VRM validation requiring stable component supply, documented thermal performance, and production-representative layout practices.

Supply support for ADP1876-EVALZ 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, with deep expertise in precision power management and signal chain solutions.

The ADP1876-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation platform portfolio for DC-to-DC controllers, engineered specifically to accelerate development of dual-output, high-current synchronous buck converters for computing, communications, and industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADP1876-EVALZ?

The ADP1876-EVALZ is a fully assembled evaluation board that demonstrates the ADP1876 dual-channel synchronous step-down controller. It provides validated 5 V/13 A and 1.8 V/13 A outputs from a 10 V–20 V input, enabling engineers to verify loop stability, efficiency, thermal behavior, and transient response before committing to custom PCB design. The ADP1876-EVALZ includes all critical power components, test points, and jumpers for flexible configuration.

Can the ADP1876-EVALZ be used to evaluate different output voltages?

Yes - the ADP1876-EVALZ supports reconfiguration of VOUT1 and VOUT2 through external resistor dividers on FB1/FB2 pins. The board includes footprint placeholders and test points for feedback resistors, allowing users to adjust output voltages within the ADP1876's supported range (0.6 V to VIN × 0.9). The ADP1876-EVALZ schematic (UG-334 Figure 11) documents all compensation and feedback nodes for safe modification.

Does the ADP1876-EVALZ include protection features like overvoltage or current limiting?

Yes - the ADP1876-EVALZ inherits the ADP1876's built-in protections: externally adjustable overvoltage protection (OVP) on both channels, programmable current limit via ILIM1/ILIM2 pins, and power-good signaling (PGOOD1/PGOOD2). These functions are implemented and tested per UG-334, with OVP thresholds set by external resistors and current limit configured using 2.1 kΩ sense resistors (RILIM11/RILIM21) on the ADP1876-EVALZ board.

How is thermal performance validated on the ADP1876-EVALZ?

Thermal performance is validated through published test results in UG-334, including efficiency curves (Figure 2), load regulation (Figure 4), and step-load transients (Figures 6–7) measured at TA = 25°C. The ADP1876-EVALZ uses Würth Elektronik 1.8 µH inductors with 18 A saturation current and Infineon IPD050N03L MOSFETs (6 mΩ RDS(on)) mounted on copper-pour layers, enabling sustained 13 A operation without thermal shutdown under standard lab airflow conditions.

Is the ADP1876-EVALZ RoHS-compliant and suitable for production use?

The ADP1876-EVALZ is RoHS-compliant per Analog Devices' documentation and uses only lead-free components (e.g., Murata GRM-series MLCCs, SANYO POSCAPs). However, it is explicitly intended for evaluation only - its layout prioritizes modifiability over miniaturization, and Analog Devices prohibits resale or incorporation into end products. For production, designers must implement the ADP1876 in a custom layout optimized for EMI, thermal, and reliability requirements - not the ADP1876-EVALZ board itself.