Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the AD7124-4 24-bit, low-noise, low-power sigma-delta ADC with integrated instrumentation amplifier and 2.5 V reference. It supports up to four differential or seven pseudo-differential analog inputs, operates from a 7 V–9 V external supply regulated to 3.3 V/1.8 V, and interfaces via SPI to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board for PC-based configuration and noise analysis.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, software-controlled register configuration, time-domain waveform/histogram analysis, on-board reference selection (ADR4525 vs. internal), and standalone SPI test point access-key considerations when validating high-precision sensor signal chains.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ implements full hardware support for the AD7124-4's dual LDO power system (3.3 V AVDD/IOVDD and 1.8 V AVDD), configurable reference routing (external ADR4525 or internal 2.5 V), and flexible analog input termination via J6/J11 screw terminals or A0/A1 SMB footprints. It integrates diagnostic features including burnout current sources, excitation currents, and crosspoint MUX control-all accessible through the AD7124-4 EVAL+ Software.

Hardware link options (LK1–LK6, SL2–SL7) enable precise configuration of power sequencing, reference source, input biasing, and channel isolation-including LK5 for shorting AIN0–AIN1 during noise testing and SL3/SL7 for selecting 3.3 V or 1.8 V AVDD. The board connects exclusively via 120-pin header J1 to EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, with no onboard microcontroller or independent firmware.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision sensor evaluation, industrial process monitoring, and thermocouple/RTD cold-junction compensation requiring stable component supply and validated reference design integration.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and industrial applications.

EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation kit product line, designed specifically to accelerate validation of the AD7124-4 ADC in high-resolution, low-drift sensor front-end designs-including weigh scales, temperature transmitters, and portable instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the AD7124-4 24-bit sigma-delta ADC. It provides complete power regulation (7 V–9 V input → 3.3 V/1.8 V rails), configurable reference routing (ADR4525 or internal), analog input connectivity via screw terminals and SMB footprints, and SPI interface to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller. Its purpose is to enable rapid characterization of noise performance, gain accuracy, and diagnostic functionality using the AD7124-4 EVAL+ software-without requiring custom PCB development. The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ does not operate autonomously and requires the SDP board and Windows PC.

Which software is required to operate the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ, and what capabilities does it provide?

The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ requires the AD7124-4 EVAL+ Software, installed from the included CD or Analog Devices website. This Windows application provides full register-level configuration of the AD7124-4-including setup registers, filter selection, PGA gain, reference source, and diagnostic enablement. It also performs real-time time-domain analysis (waveform plotting), statistical noise analysis (p-p and RMS noise), histogram generation, and resolution calculation. All functions are tied directly to the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ hardware layout and signal chain; the software cannot be used with other AD7124 variants without selecting the correct board model. The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ software interface includes dedicated tabs for Configuration, Waveform, Histogram, and Register Map.

Can the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ be used without the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ supports standalone operation. By removing the 0 Ω links R9 through R13, the SPI signals (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/RDY) are disconnected from the 120-pin J1 header, exposing test points for direct connection to an external digital capture system. Power must still be supplied via J3 or J5 (7 V–9 V), and all voltage rails (3.3 V AVDD/IOVDD, 1.8 V AVDD) remain generated on-board. However, no firmware or onboard processing exists-the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ remains a passive interface board. Standalone use requires the user to implement their own SPI master, register initialization sequence, and data acquisition logic. The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ does not include any MCU, flash memory, or USB interface beyond the SDP connection.

How is the reference voltage selected on the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ, and what are the options?

Reference selection on the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ is controlled both physically and digitally. Physically, solder link LK4 determines whether REFIN1(+) connects to the on-board ADR4525 (2.5 V position) or the AD7124-4's REFOUT pin (INT REF position). Digitally, the AD7124-4's configuration registers (per Setup 0–7) define which reference-REFIN1, REFIN2, AVDD, or internal-each conversion uses. The default hardware configuration uses the ADR4525, but the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ allows seamless switching between external and internal references in software without hardware changes. The ADR4525 is a precision 2.5 V reference with 2 ppm/°C drift; the internal reference is trimmed to 2.5 V with 10 ppm/°C drift. Both options are fully supported and validated on the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ.

What types of sensors or signals can be evaluated using the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ supports evaluation of low-level DC-coupled sensors requiring high resolution and low noise, including RTDs (via J6 screw terminals), thermocouples (using A2 connector and J12 I²C temperature sensor interface), load cells (via J11), and bridge transducers. Its integrated PGA allows direct connection of mV-range signals; excitation currents support 2-/3-/4-wire RTD measurements; and burnout detection aids open-circuit identification. The board accommodates single-ended, pseudo-differential, and fully differential input configurations across up to seven channels. It is not intended for AC-coupled, RF, or high-speed transient signals-the AD7124-4's architecture targets <1 kSPS precision measurement, and the EVAL-AD7124-4SDZ reflects that focus in its layout, filtering, and software analysis tools.