Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7170EBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7170EBZ from Analog Devices is a USB-powered evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the AD7170 12-bit, low-power sigma-delta ADC. It integrates an on-board ADP3330 3.3 V regulator, CY7C68013A USB/SPI interface controller, ADR391 voltage reference, and supports differential analog input with 125 Hz output data rate. The board enables noise analysis, configurable reference selection (2.5 V or 3.3 V), and real-time waveform visualization via PC software.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7170EBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7170EBZ pinout, EVAL-AD7170EBZ application, or EVAL-AD7170EBZ equivalent, this board provides rapid functional validation of the AD7170 in ultra-low-power sensor signal chains, portable instrumentation, and battery-operated precision measurement systems where power budget and ADC linearity are critical design constraints.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7170EBZ implements a complete test environment for the AD7170, featuring a dedicated USB-to-SPI bridge (CY7C68013A) that handles command translation and data streaming without host CPU overhead. It supports three power modes: USB 5 V direct, regulated 3.3 V from ADP3330, or external supply via J6 - enabling accurate quiescent current measurement down to 5 μA in AD7170 power-down mode.

Hardware configurability includes jumper-selectable analog input bias (AVDD/2 shorting via J3/J7), reference source (AVDD or ADR391 via J8/AGND), AVDD supply path (J1), and SPI interface routing (J2). These links allow isolation of the AD7170 for standalone testing or integration into custom host systems.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7170EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered sensor nodes, and precision industrial monitoring systems requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs for low-power ADC integration.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7170EBZ 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-AD7170EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of ultra-low-power, high-accuracy measurement systems using their sigma-delta ADC portfolio.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7170EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7170EBZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7170 12-bit sigma-delta ADC. It provides a complete, ready-to-run hardware and software environment to configure, acquire, and analyze conversion data from the AD7170BCPZ device. The EVAL-AD7170EBZ includes all necessary support circuitry - including voltage regulation, reference selection, USB interface, and analog input conditioning - enabling immediate functional validation without custom PCB design.

Does the EVAL-AD7170EBZ require an external power supply?

No, the EVAL-AD7170EBZ is fully powered via its USB Mini-B connector (J51), delivering 5 V to both the interface controller and the AD7170. An external supply is optional and only needed for specific test conditions - such as evaluating the AD7170 under non-USB power sources - using the J6 terminal block. The onboard ADP3330 regulator ensures clean 3.3 V operation when required.

Can the EVAL-AD7170EBZ be used with microcontrollers other than a PC?

Yes - by removing jumpers J2, the AD7170's SPI pins become accessible at test points, allowing direct connection to an external microcontroller or FPGA. In this configuration, the EVAL-AD7170EBZ functions as a breakout and signal-conditioning platform for the AD7170, decoupled from the USB interface. The onboard voltage reference and regulator remain available for system-level integration.

What software is included with the EVAL-AD7170EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7170EBZ ships with Windows-compatible evaluation software that provides full control of the AD7170 via USB. It supports real-time sampling (single or continuous), waveform plotting, histogram generation, noise analysis (p-p and rms), and data export to CSV, Excel, or MathCAD. All features operate directly from the GUI - no driver development or firmware coding is required to begin testing the AD7170.

How is analog input configured on the EVAL-AD7170EBZ?

Analog input is applied differentially across J4 (AIN+ and AIN−). Jumpers J3 and J7 short these inputs to AVDD/2 for noise floor characterization. For external signals, those jumpers are removed. Reference selection (2.5 V or 3.3 V) is set via J8 and AGND jumpers, directly connecting either the ADR391 or AVDD to REFIN(+), while REFIN(−) ties to AGND - ensuring precise, user-controlled full-scale range definition for the AD7170.