Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the AD7124-8 - a 24-bit, low-noise, low-power Σ-Δ ADC with integrated instrumentation amplifier and 2.5 V reference. It supports up to eight analog inputs (four differential or seven single-ended), 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 system demonstration platform for PC-based control and noise analysis.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-precision sensor signal chains in RTD, load cell, thermocouple, and bridge measurement systems - with full register-level configuration, time-domain waveform capture, histogram-based noise analysis, and reference source switching (ADR4525 external or AD7124-8 internal 2.5 V).

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ implements a complete hardware interface between the AD7124-8 ADC and host PC via the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z motherboard using a 4-wire SPI bus (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/RDY). Power is derived from a 7 V–9 V input at J3 or J5, regulated by ADP1720 LDOs to generate AVDD (3.3 V or 1.8 V), IOVDD (3.3 V), and AVSS (ground or −1.8 V externally supplied).

Analog signal conditioning includes screw-terminal connectors (J6, J11) for AIN0–AIN7, SMA footprints (A0–A1, A5–A6) for high-fidelity inputs and reference routing, and configurable links (LK4, LK5) to select reference source (external ADR4525 or internal REFOUT) and short AIN0–AIN1 for noise testing. The board supports both PC-controlled and standalone operation via test-point access to SPI lines.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision sensor evaluation, industrial data acquisition prototyping, and metrology-grade ADC validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ 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-AD7124-8SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-resolution measurement systems for industrial process control, weigh scales, temperature monitoring, and sensor transducer interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7124-8 24-bit Σ-Δ ADC. Its primary function is to provide a fully configured hardware and software environment for evaluating the ADC's performance-including noise, gain/offset error, linearity, and diagnostic features-using real-world analog signals from sensors such as RTDs, load cells, and thermocouples. The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ enables register-level control and time-domain analysis without requiring custom PCB design.

Which host interface does the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ require to operate?

The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ requires connection to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform via its 120-pin J1 header. Communication occurs over a 4-wire SPI interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/RDY) routed from the AD7124-8 to the Blackfin ADSP-BF527 processor on the SDP board. A USB cable then connects the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z to a Windows PC running the dedicated EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ software - no direct USB interface exists on the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ itself.

Can the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ operate without the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ supports standalone operation. By removing the 0 Ω resistors R9–R13, the SPI lines are disconnected from the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, exposing test points for CS, SCLK, DIN, and DOUT/RDY. This allows connection to an external microcontroller, FPGA, or logic analyzer for custom digital interfacing. However, power must still be supplied via J3 or J5 (7 V–9 V), and all configuration and data capture logic must be implemented externally - the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ software is not usable in this mode.

What reference sources are supported on the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ supports two reference sources: the onboard ADR4525 2.5 V precision external reference (default, selected via LK4 position "2.5 V") and the AD7124-8's internal 2.5 V reference (enabled via the ADC_Control register and selected in Configx registers). Switching between them is done entirely in software through the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ GUI - no hardware rework is needed. The external reference provides superior drift and noise performance; the internal reference offers simplified setup for initial characterization.

How is power delivered to the AD7124-8 on the EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ?

Power is delivered to the AD7124-8 via three regulated rails generated onboard: AVDD (3.3 V or 1.8 V, selectable via SL2/SL3/SL7 links), IOVDD (3.3 V, from ADP1720-3.3/U10), and AVSS (ground or −1.8 V, externally supplied via J9 if split supplies are used). All rails originate from a 7 V–9 V input applied to J3 or J5, regulated by ADP1720 LDOs. The EVAL-AD7124-8SDZ does not include DC-DC conversion or battery operation - it relies entirely on external DC input and linear regulation for low-noise performance.