Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7321CBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7321CBZ from Analog Devices is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7321 13-bit software-selectable bipolar-input analog-to-digital converter, supporting single-ended and differential acquisition modes with up to 500 kSPS throughput. It integrates on-board AD780 voltage reference (2.5 V/3 V selectable) and AD797 op amps for analog signal conditioning, and interfaces via a 96-way edge connector compatible with EVAL-CONTROL BRD2 for PC-based control and data analysis.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7321CBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7321CBZ pinout, EVAL-AD7321CBZ application, or EVAL-AD7321CBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid functional validation of AD7321-based high-voltage data acquisition systems-particularly in test instrumentation, industrial process monitoring, and precision sensor interface designs requiring ±10 V input range and software-configurable input topology.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7321CBZ implements full hardware support for the AD7321's dual-supply operation (±12 V analog, +2.7 V to +5.25 V digital), including decoupled +12 V/−12 V power rails, AGND/DGND separation, and configurable REFIN sourcing via LK2. It provides SMB connectors for VIN0/VIN1 analog inputs, external SCLK/CS/DIN/DOUT signals, and flexible link-based configuration for standalone or controller-board operation.

On-board signal conditioning includes two AD797 op amps configured for input buffering and gain setting, with LK10/LK12 selecting between signal source or AGND at the noninverting input. Link LK27 enables mode-specific biasing: installed for single-ended operation (VINx to AGND), uninstalled for true differential (VIN0–VIN1), directly reflecting AD7321's internal ADD0/Mode[1:0] register mapping.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7321CBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for test instrumentation development, industrial sensor interface prototyping, and precision data acquisition system validation requiring stable component supply, traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7321CBZ 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 expertise spanning precision data conversion, amplification, and power management.

EVAL-AD7321CBZ belongs to Analog Devices' CB-series evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate functional verification and system-level integration of their precision ADCs-including software-configurable devices like the AD7321-into demanding measurement and control applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7321CBZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7321CBZ evaluation board is designed exclusively to evaluate the AD7321 13-bit software-selectable ADC. It provides complete hardware infrastructure-including analog buffering (AD797), precision reference (AD780), configurable power routing, and serial interface connectivity-to validate device functionality, timing, noise performance, and input mode behavior (single-ended/differential) under real-world conditions before system integration. The EVAL-AD7321CBZ does not operate as a standalone data acquisition product but serves as a controlled test platform for the AD7321 IC.

Does the EVAL-AD7321CBZ support both AD7321 and AD7322 devices?

No-the EVAL-AD7321CBZ is specifically optimized for the AD7321, which supports up to 500 kSPS. While the board shares mechanical and schematic compatibility with the AD7322 (1 MSPS variant), its default configuration files, firmware (AD7321.PRG), and documented timing margins are validated only for the AD7321. Using it with the AD7322 requires manual firmware and configuration updates and is not covered by Analog Devices' official support for EVAL-AD7321CBZ.

Can the EVAL-AD7321CBZ operate without the EVAL-CONTROL BRD2?

Yes-the EVAL-AD7321CBZ supports standalone operation using external supplies: +12 V, −12 V, and 2.7 V–5.5 V EXT_VDD applied via J2, J3, and J17 connectors. All control signals (SCLK, CS, DIN, DOUT) must be provided externally through SMB sockets (J5–J8), and analog inputs applied via VIN0/VIN1 (J9/J10). Link settings (e.g., LK3–LK8) must be manually configured to route signals correctly, as detailed in Table 2 of the user guide.

What software is included with the EVAL-AD7321CBZ and what does it do?

The EVAL-AD7321CBZ kit includes PC software delivered on CD-ROM that communicates with the EVAL-CONTROL BRD2 to configure, acquire, and analyze data from the AD7321. It provides a graphical interface with real-time oscilloscope display, FFT and histogram views, sample rate and depth control, raw/binary data export, and configuration file loading (e.g., AD7321.cfg). This software is required to drive the EVAL-AD7321CBZ when used with the controller board and is not compatible with direct USB or modern OS-native drivers.

Is the EVAL-AD7321CBZ RoHS compliant and suitable for production use?

Yes-EVAL-AD7321CBZ is RoHS compliant (denoted by "Z" suffix) and manufactured to Analog Devices' environmental standards. However, it is explicitly intended for evaluation and prototyping only-not for production deployment. The board carries no warranty, is supplied "as is," and is prohibited for use in life-support devices or safety-critical systems per Analog Devices' terms. Its components, layout, and thermal design are not qualified for continuous operational reliability in end-product environments.