Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD5696RSDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD5696RSDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed for the AD5696R 16-bit, quad-channel, voltage-output DAC. It supports dual reference outputs (2.5 V and 5 V), interfaces via USB through an SDP board or directly via PMOD SPI/I²C, and includes on-board LDOs, test points, and configurable link options for analog/digital supply and reference selection.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD5696RSDZ pinout, EVAL-AD5696RSDZ application, or EVAL-AD5696RSDZ equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, ACE software integration guidance, SDP/PMOD interface compatibility, and reference source selection logic - all critical for rapid DAC prototyping and system-level validation.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ implements a full-featured hardware interface to the AD5696R DAC, supporting both I²C and SPI communication protocols with configurable address pins (A0/A1) and control lines (SYNCB/SCL, SDO/SDA, SDIN/A1, SCLK/A0). It integrates discrete voltage references (REF192 for 2.5 V, ADR3450 for 5 V) and on-board regulators (ADP121 for VIO, ADP7118 for VDD) to isolate analog and digital domains.

Power routing is managed via three configurable jumpers: PWRSEL selects VDD source (3.3 V, USB_SUP, or EXT_SUP), REF selects reference source (internal 2.5 V, external, on-board 2.5 V, or on-board 5 V), and P1 controls VDD–VLOGIC coupling. The board provides rail-to-rail analog outputs (VOUTA–VOUTD) with dedicated test points and decoupling (10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic per supply).

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD5696RSDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial DAC validation, precision sensor excitation, closed-loop control prototyping, and mixed-signal system bring-up requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL-AD5696RSDZ 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 EVAL-AD5696RSDZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision DAC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of nanoDAC+ converters in applications demanding low noise, high linearity, and flexible reference architecture.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ?

The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ is an evaluation board for the AD5696R 16-bit quad-channel voltage-output DAC. Its primary function is to enable rapid hardware and software validation of the AD5696R in real-world circuits. It provides configurable power, reference, and interface options - including SDP USB control and PMOD microcontroller connectivity - allowing engineers to verify DAC performance, register behavior, and output accuracy before committing to custom PCB design. The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ itself contains no active DAC functionality; it hosts and interfaces the AD5696R device.

Which software is required to operate the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ?

The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ requires Analog Devices' Analysis Control Evaluation (ACE) software, available for free download from the official EVAL-AD5696RSDZ product page. ACE provides full register-level control of the AD5696R, including input/DAC register editing, memory map bit manipulation, LDAC/RESET GPIO simulation, and channel-specific gain/reference configuration. The software communicates exclusively via Analog Devices' System Demonstration Platform (SDP) boards - either SDP-B (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z) or SDP-S (EVAL-SDP-CS1Z) - and does not support direct USB enumeration without the SDP.

Can the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ be used without an SDP board?

Yes, the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ can be used without an SDP board via its 12-pin PMOD Type 2A connector, which exposes SPI signals (SCLK/A0, SDIN/A1, SDO/SDA, SYNCB/SCL), LDAC, RESET, GAIN, and VIO/VDD. However, ACE software will not function in this mode - only custom microcontroller firmware can drive the AD5696R. When using PMOD, the SDP must be physically disconnected, jumper P1 must be shorted (to couple VDD and VLOGIC), and external pull-up resistors (2.2 kΩ to VLOGIC) are required on SDA and SCL lines. The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ remains fully operational as a DAC interface, but loses GUI-based control and real-time register visibility.

What reference voltage options does the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ support?

The EVAL-AD5696RSDZ supports four reference configurations via the REF jumper: (1) Not connected - uses AD5696R's internal 2.5 V reference; (2) EXT_REF - accepts external reference via EXTREF connector (1.8–5.5 V); (3) 2.5 V - selects on-board REF192; (4) 5 V - selects on-board ADR3450 (requires external supply applied to EXTSUP). Each option directly determines full-scale output range: internal or 2.5 V reference yields 0–2.5 V output; 5 V reference yields 0–5 V output. The ADR3450-based 5 V option demands external power because its supply is not derived from USB or on-board LDOs.

How are power supplies configured on the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ?

Power configuration on the EVAL-AD5696RSDZ is controlled by three jumpers: PWRSEL selects the VDD source (3.3 V from ADP121, USB supply from SDP, or external via EXTSUP), REF selects the reference source (as above), and P1 couples or isolates VDD and VLOGIC. Default SDP operation uses PWRSEL = 3.3 V, REF = not connected (internal 2.5 V), and P1 = not connected (VDD/VLOGIC isolated). For PMOD use, P1 must be shorted. All analog supplies (VDD, VREF) are decoupled with 10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors; digital supplies (VIO) use 1 µF X5R ceramics. AGND and DGND are joined at a single point near the AD5696R to minimize ground loop interference.