Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ from Analog Devices is a fully featured evaluation kit for the AD7173-8 24-bit, 31.25 kSPS sigma-delta ADC with integrated analog input buffers, 161 μs channel settling, and on-board 5 V/3.3 V LDO regulation. It supports PC-based control via SDP-B (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z), standalone operation, and dc time-domain analysis including waveform, histogram, and noise performance evaluation.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ hardware setup, EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ software configuration, or EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ power supply options, this page provides verified board-level specifications, functional context, software integration details, and OEM supply support - all specific to the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ evaluation platform.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ implements a complete signal chain test environment centered on the AD7173-8 ADC, featuring on-board ADR445 5 V reference, dual ADP1720 LDOs (5 V and 3.3 V), ADP7104 5 V LDO for SDP-B, and configurable analog input routing via solder links (SL0–SL15) and jumpers (LK1–LK20). It supports single-supply (7–9 V regulated/unregulated) and split-supply (±2.5 V) configurations.

Communication occurs over SPI (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/RDY) between the AD7173-8 and the ADSP-BF527 on the SDP-B controller board; standalone mode is enabled by removing R9–R13. The included AD717x Eval+ software provides register-level configuration, real-time sampling control, and post-acquisition analysis of dc performance metrics including INL, DNL, and RMS noise.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision sensor interface validation, industrial process monitoring system prototyping, and metrology-grade ADC performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ 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, with design and manufacturing operations worldwide.

The EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of high-resolution sigma-delta ADC applications in instrumentation, industrial automation, and scientific measurement systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the AD7173-8 24-bit, 31.25 kSPS sigma-delta ADC. It provides regulated power supplies (5 V, 3.3 V), precision reference (ADR445), configurable analog input routing, SPI interface to the SDP-B controller, and full software support via AD717x Eval+. Its purpose is to enable rapid characterization of dc accuracy, noise, settling, and channel-scanning performance without custom PCB design - directly supporting engineering validation of the AD7173-8 in real-world signal chains.

Which controller board is required to operate the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ requires the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (also known as SDP-B) system demonstration platform controller board for USB-connected PC operation. The SDP-B provides the SPI interface, USB enumeration, and firmware bridge between the host PC and the AD7173-8 on the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ. Without SDP-B, the board can operate in standalone mode only if external digital capture hardware is connected to test points for CS, SCLK, DIN, and DOUT/RDY - but full software functionality (including AD717x Eval+) depends on SDP-B presence and driver installation.

Does the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ support both single-supply and split-supply operation?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ supports both single-supply and split-supply configurations. Single-supply operation uses 7 V to 9 V input regulated to 5 V and 3.3 V (via ADP1720 LDOs) for AVDD1/AVDD2 and IOVDD. Split-supply operation enables ±2.5 V analog supplies by removing SL12–SL15 and configuring LK1/LK2/SL4/SL7 per UG-631 Table 3. This allows evaluation of the AD7173-8 under true bipolar input conditions - critical for applications like strain gauge or thermocouple front-ends where negative common-mode or differential signals are present.

What software is included with the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ, and what does it do?

The EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ ships with AD717x Eval+ software on CD, which provides full register-level configuration of the AD7173-8, real-time sampling control, and post-acquisition analysis including time-domain waveforms, histograms, noise metrics (RMS, peak-to-peak), and modeled performance estimation. It supports both hardware mode (connected to SDP-B) and simulation mode (no hardware required) for AD717x family devices. The software installs dependencies including SDP-B drivers, .NET Framework v3.5, and SVG plug-in - all essential for correct enumeration and GUI rendering of the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ interface.

Can the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ be used without connecting to a PC?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7173-8SDZ supports standalone operation. By removing zero-ohm resistors R9 through R13, the SPI lines (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/RDY) are disconnected from the SDP-B header, allowing connection to external digital capture hardware via test points. However, no onboard memory or display is provided - standalone use requires an external microcontroller, FPGA, or logic analyzer to drive the SPI interface and read conversion results. All configuration, visualization, and analysis capabilities of AD717x Eval+ remain unavailable without PC connection and SDP-B.