Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7152EBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7152EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the AD7152 ultralow power, 2-channel capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC), supporting real-time I²C-based sensor interface development, capacitive input range selection (±0.25 pF to ±2 pF), and noise analysis with RMS/p-p resolution reporting in bits and picofarads.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7152EBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7152EBZ pinout, EVAL-AD7152EBZ application, or EVAL-AD7152EBZ equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of capacitive sensing front ends-especially for proximity, touch, and liquid-level detection-using USB-connected PC software with register-level control, differential/single-ended channel configuration, and CAPDAC offset compensation.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7152EBZ implements a flexible hardware interface between a host PC and the AD7152 CDC IC, using a Cypress CY7C68013A-56LFXC USB microcontroller to bridge I²C communication. It supports three operational modes: default USB-hosted evaluation, external ADC interface (via LK2 pins 6/8), and external MCU development platform (via LK2 pins 5/7).

Power is configurable via LK1 for 3.3 V on-board regulation (ADP3303ARZ-3.3) or external supply through J2. The board includes dedicated capacitive input conditioning (CIN1/CIN2), CAPDAC control, and real-time data logging to ASCII files for Excel import-enabling full characterization of sensor response, noise floor, and conversion stability across 5 ms–120 ms timing options.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7152EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for capacitive sensing evaluation, embedded touch interface prototyping, and industrial liquid-level sensor development requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7152EBZ 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, serving precision instrumentation, industrial automation, and sensor interface markets.

EVAL-AD7152EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (CDC) evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of low-power, high-resolution capacitive sensing systems for human-machine interfaces and environmental monitoring.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7152EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7152EBZ is an evaluation board for the AD7152 capacitance-to-digital converter, providing a complete USB-connected platform to configure, acquire, and analyze capacitive sensor data. It enables engineers to validate sensor designs, test noise performance, and develop firmware for applications like proximity detection and liquid-level sensing using the EVAL-AD7152EBZ without custom hardware.

Does the EVAL-AD7152EBZ require external power or drivers?

No-the EVAL-AD7152EBZ draws power directly from the USB port and uses standard Windows® HID-class drivers; no additional driver installation is required beyond the included evaluation software. The board includes an onboard 3.3 V regulator (ADP3303ARZ-3.3), and LK1 allows switching to external supply if needed. The EVAL-AD7152EBZ operates immediately upon USB connection and software launch.

Can the EVAL-AD7152EBZ be used with a custom microcontroller instead of a PC?

Yes-the EVAL-AD7152EBZ supports external MCU integration via LK2 header pins 5 and 7 (SCL/SDA), allowing it to serve as a dedicated analog front end for user-designed digital platforms. In this mode, the AD7152 remains on the board while the host MCU handles I²C communication, enabling firmware development and system-level debugging independent of the PC-based EVAL-AD7152EBZ software.

What capacitive input configurations does the EVAL-AD7152EBZ support?

The EVAL-AD7152EBZ supports both differential and single-ended input modes per channel, with selectable full-scale ranges: ±0.25 pF to ±2 pF (differential) or 0.5 pF to 4 pF (single-ended). Each channel can be enabled independently, and offset calibration is supported-though not simultaneously for both channels in differential mode-as documented in the EVAL-AD7152EBZ setup workflow.

Is the EVAL-AD7152EBZ suitable for production use?

No-the EVAL-AD7152EBZ is strictly intended for engineering evaluation and development purposes, not for end-product deployment. Analog Devices explicitly states that evaluation boards are supplied "as is" without warranties and are unauthorized for use in life-support devices or systems. For production, designers must implement the AD7152BRMZ IC into their own certified PCB layout per the device's datasheet and safety requirements.