Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD4020FMCZ

Overview

EVAL-AD4020FMCZ from Analog Devices is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) mezzanine card (FMC)-form-factor evaluation board designed to accelerate characterization and system integration of the AD4020 - a 20-bit, 1.8 MSPS precision successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It integrates on-board ADR4550 5.0 V reference, ADA4807-1 reference/common-mode buffers, dual signal-conditioning op amps, and power regulation for ±7 V, −2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 1.8 V rails. It targets high-fidelity data acquisition in test instrumentation and precision industrial sensing.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ datasheet, EVAL-AD4020FMCZ pinout, EVAL-AD4020FMCZ application, or EVAL-AD4020FMCZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, SDP-H1/FMC-LPC connectivity requirements, software-controlled FFT/time-domain analysis capability, and configuration options for differential input, FDA support, and bench supply operation - all specific to the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ board variant.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD4020FMCZ implements a fully differential analog front-end optimized for the AD4020's 20-bit resolution and 1.8 MSPS throughput, with factory-default SL4 jumper set to Position A for differential input mode. Its SPI interface connects via FMC-LPC (160-pin) to the SDP-H1 controller board, which hosts a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA and ADSP-BF527 processor for real-time data capture and USB 2.0 host communication.

On-board power architecture uses ADP7118 (7 V/3.3 V), ADP2370/ADM660/ADP7182 (−2.5 V), and ADP5300 (1.8 V) regulators, decoupled per rail, with single ground plane design to preserve SNR and THD performance. Reference path employs buffered ADR4550 with ADA4807-1 buffer and common-mode generation circuitry to meet AD4020's strict 0.5 ppm/°C drift and low-noise requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD4020FMCZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision test instrumentation, automated calibration systems, and high-resolution industrial process monitoring requiring stable component supply, full evaluation software support, and FMC-based rapid prototyping.

Supply support for EVAL-AD4020FMCZ 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 (DSP) technologies, headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The EVAL-AD4020FMCZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to simplify validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding measurement applications where noise floor, linearity, and timing integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ?

The EVAL-AD4020FMCZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD4020 20-bit, 1.8 MSPS SAR ADC. It provides complete signal conditioning, precision reference, regulated power rails, and FMC-LPC interface to the SDP-H1 controller, enabling immediate time- and frequency-domain performance assessment without custom hardware design. The EVAL-AD4020FMCZ is pre-configured for differential input and factory-calibrated operation.

Which controller boards are compatible with the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ?

The EVAL-AD4020FMCZ is explicitly designed for use with the SDP-H1 system demonstration platform (EVAL-SDP-CH1Z) via its 160-pin FMC-LPC connector. While it conforms to FMC-LPC mechanical and pinout standards, full functionality-including SPI timing, clock distribution, and software integration-requires the SDP-H1's FPGA firmware and AD40XX Evaluation Software. Other FMC carriers may support basic connectivity but lack validated driver and firmware support for the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ.

Does the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ support single-ended input configurations?

No - the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ is factory-configured for fully differential input only, as required by the AD4020. Its SL4 solder link is set to Position A (differential mode) per Table 3 of UG-1042, and the on-board ADA4807-1 buffers and 590 Ω bias network are optimized for differential signal paths. Single-ended operation is not supported on the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ; that configuration applies only to AD4000/AD4002 variants on other boards in the series.

Can the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ be powered from an external bench supply?

Yes - the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ supports external bench power via screw terminals J2 (positive) and J3 (negative). To enable this mode, solder links SL1, SL2, SL5, SL6, SL7, SL8, and SL9 must all be set to Position B, as specified in Table 2 of UG-1042. This bypasses the on-board switching regulators and routes external voltage directly to the amplifier rails and ADC supply domains, preserving flexibility for lab-based low-noise testing.

What software is required to operate the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ?

The AD40XX Evaluation Software (v2.x or later) is mandatory for full operation of the EVAL-AD4020FMCZ. It provides GUI-based control of sampling rate, trigger mode, and data capture, plus built-in FFT, histogram, and waveform analysis tools. The software requires Windows 7 or 10, SDP-H1 drivers (v2.3.0.207), and is installed via the AD40XX Evaluation Software Installer downloaded from the official EVAL-AD4020FMCZ product page. No standalone firmware upload or CLI tools are supported.