Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD5420EBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD5420EBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed to accelerate development and validation of the AD5420 16-bit current-source DAC in industrial 4 mA–20 mA loop applications. It provides USB-based PC control, on-board ADR435 voltage reference, AD7321 ADC for output current readback, and configurable link options for analog/digital supply routing, external control via J8, and IOUT loop return configuration.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD5420EBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD5420EBZ pinout, EVAL-AD5420EBZ application, or EVAL-AD5420EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification, register-level programming, output current measurement (±1% accuracy), and hardware interface validation - all without custom PCB design or firmware development.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD5420EBZ integrates the CY7C68013 USB microcontroller for Windows-compatible host communication and supports dual control modes: default USB-hosted operation or external SPI control via 10-pin J8 header (SDO/SDIN/SCLK/LATCH/CLEAR/FAULT/DGND). Power architecture separates analog (AVDD: 10.8 V–40 V) and digital (5 V or 3.3 V selectable via LK8) domains with dedicated decoupling and ground isolation near U1.

Hardware flexibility includes link-selectable reference source (internal AD5420 ref, external input at J3, or on-board ADR435), programmable IOUT loop return (direct GND or 51 Ω sense path to AD7321 VIN1), and boost transistor enable/disable (LK10). All AD5420 pins - including BOOST, +VSENSE, –VSENSE, RSET, and CCOMP - are accessible via test points or connectors for probing and external integration.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD5420EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control prototyping, 4–20 mA transmitter validation, loop-powered sensor interface development, and DAC register timing analysis requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-AD5420EBZ 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 data conversion and industrial interface solutions.

The EVAL-AD5420EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision DAC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to de-risk adoption of current-output DACs in safety-critical and high-reliability industrial automation systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD5420EBZ?

The EVAL-AD5420EBZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to validate the AD5420 16-bit current-source DAC in real-world 4–20 mA loop configurations. It provides immediate USB-based control, on-board reference and ADC for current readback, configurable power and interface options, and full access to all AD5420 pins - enabling engineers to verify timing, register behavior, loop compliance, and fault response without custom hardware. The EVAL-AD5420EBZ eliminates the need for prototype PCBs during early-stage DAC integration.

Does the EVAL-AD5420EBZ support external microcontroller control?

Yes, the EVAL-AD5420EBZ supports external SPI control via the 10-pin J8 header (pins: SDO, SDIN, SCLK, LATCH, CLEAR, FAULT, DGND), provided LK7 is set to Position B. This allows integration with user-designed host controllers for system-level testing. All timing-critical signals - including latch setup/hold and clock edge alignment - are preserved per AD5420 datasheet specifications, ensuring register writes and output updates behave identically to final application hardware.

How is output current measured on the EVAL-AD5420EBZ?

Output current is measured using the on-board AD7321BRUZ 12-bit ADC, which samples the voltage across a 51 Ω sense resistor (enabled by setting LK5 to Position B). The measured value is displayed in milliamperes (mA) in the software's "Measure Output Current" section with approximately ±1% accuracy. This provides immediate feedback for verifying programmed current values, slew rate behavior, and loop integrity - critical for validating transmitter calibration and fault detection logic before field deployment.

Can the EVAL-AD5420EBZ operate with a 24 V loop supply?

Yes, the EVAL-AD5420EBZ fully supports 24 V loop supplies applied to the AVDD input (10.8 V–40 V range). When AVDD exceeds 16.5 V, LK9 must be set to Position B to route the AD7321 and ADR435 analog supplies from the separate V+ input (10.8 V–16.5 V), preventing overvoltage damage. This dual-supply flexibility mirrors real-world industrial transmitters and ensures accurate evaluation under actual operating conditions.

Is Windows 10 or later supported for the EVAL-AD5420EBZ software?

The official AD5420 evaluation software shipped with the EVAL-AD5420EBZ is documented for Windows 2000/NT/XP only. While many users report successful operation on Windows 10 via compatibility mode or driver signing overrides, Analog Devices does not guarantee or support functionality beyond the stated OS versions. For production-grade validation on modern OS platforms, engineers should consider migrating register-level commands to custom USB/SPI host code using the AD5420's documented protocol - a capability directly enabled by the EVAL-AD5420EBZ's exposed J8 interface and full register map access.