Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7291SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7291SDZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed to accelerate prototyping and validation of the AD7291 8-channel, I²C-compatible, 12-bit SAR ADC with integrated temperature sensor. It supports bipolar analog input bias-up, on-board 3.3 V regulation (ADP1706), dual op-amp signal conditioning (AD8022, AD8066), and PC-based control via SDP interface for real-time ADC conversion and thermal monitoring in industrial data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7291SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7291SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7291SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7291SDZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, link option guidance, software operation workflow, and component-level BOM context - all specific to standalone or SDP-coupled evaluation of the AD7291's sequenced channel sampling, alert-limit programming, and internal 2.5 V reference usage.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7291SDZ implements a complete signal chain for the AD7291, including SMB-connected analog inputs (VIN0–VIN7), on-board bias-up circuitry (U10) for bipolar-to-unipolar translation, and buffered reference output (VREF_BUFF). It interfaces exclusively via the 120-pin SDP connector (J1), relying on external ±5 V supplies (J2) and SDP-provided VDRIVE for digital logic level alignment.

Hardware configurability is achieved through 14 jumper links (LK1–LK14) and 4 solder links (SL1–SL4), enabling selection of power sourcing (on-board regulator vs. external), reference routing (internal/external), amplifier path inclusion (VIN0/VIN1/VIN7), and input grounding options - all documented in UG-253 Table 1 and Table 2.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7291SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface validation, embedded thermal monitoring development, and precision analog front-end characterization requiring stable component supply and full functional evaluation capability.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7291SDZ 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-AD7291SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to simplify rapid verification of SAR ADC performance, I²C register control, and system-level thermal-aware signal chain design.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7291SDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7291SDZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the AD7291 8-channel, 12-bit SAR ADC with integrated temperature sensor. It provides full access to all device features - including I²C register control, programmable channel sequencing, alert limit setup, and internal reference usage - via PC software and SDP interface. The EVAL-AD7291SDZ enables rapid validation of analog input conditioning, bias-up circuitry, and thermal measurement accuracy without custom PCB design.

Which software and host environment are required to operate the EVAL-AD7291SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7291SDZ requires the official AD7291 evaluation software, distributed on CD with the kit and compatible with Windows XP (SP2) and Windows Vista (32-bit). Operation depends on connection to a PC via USB using the System Demonstration Platform (SDP) board, which bridges the EVAL-AD7291SDZ's J1 connector to the host. The software provides real-time control of the command register, alert limits, continuous/sampled acquisition, and graphical display of ADC and temperature results - all verified in UG-253 Rev. A.

How does the EVAL-AD7291SDZ handle bipolar analog inputs?

The EVAL-AD7291SDZ uses an on-board analog bias-up circuit (U10) to translate bipolar input signals applied to the VIN SMB connector into unipolar levels suitable for the AD7291's 0 V to VREF input range. The biased output appears at BIASED_VIN2 and can be routed to any VINx input using an SMB-SMB cable. Link LK9 and LK20 configure the reference division and bias source, ensuring accurate level-shifting - a capability explicitly confirmed in UG-253 Section "Evaluation Board Description" and Figure 1.

What power supplies are needed to operate the EVAL-AD7291SDZ independently of the SDP board?

To operate the EVAL-AD7291SDZ without the SDP board, +5 V and −5 V must be applied to terminal block J2, while VDRIVE must be supplied externally (e.g., from a microcontroller I/O rail) and linked via LK7 Position B. LK6 must be set to Position B to disable the on-board ADP1706 regulator and enable external VCC. These configurations are defined in UG-253 Table 1 and "Link Options" section - confirming that standalone operation requires precise jumper reconfiguration and dual-rail analog power.

Does the EVAL-AD7291SDZ include components for reference voltage management?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7291SDZ includes direct access to the AD7291's internal 2.5 V reference via J12 and VREF_BUFF SMB connectors. Link LK8 connects VREF to a test point, and LK9 routes the buffered reference to U10's bias input after division by 3. The board also supports external reference injection via the EXT_OFFSET SMB jack. These capabilities - documented in UG-253 Tables 1–2 and Figure 1 - allow engineers to validate both internal reference stability and external reference integration scenarios with the EVAL-AD7291SDZ.