Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7386FMCZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7386FMCZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed to characterize the AD7386 4-channel, 16-bit, dual simultaneous sampling SAR ADC. It integrates on-board reference (ADR4533), reference buffer, ADC driver (ADA4896-2/ADA4807-1), and regulated power supplies (ADP166, ADP7104, ADP7182, ADP5075). The board supports real-time SPI-controlled data capture and analysis of high-speed analog signals up to 4 MSPS in industrial instrumentation and power quality monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7386FMCZ pinout, EVAL-AD7386FMCZ application, or EVAL-AD7386FMCZ equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, ACE software integration guidance, FMC-LPC interface compatibility with EVAL-SDP-CH1Z, supported ADC variants (AD7386/AD7387/AD7388/AD4684/AD4685), and test point access for signal integrity validation.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ implements a complete signal chain for dual-simultaneous 4-channel SAR ADC evaluation, featuring independent analog front-end paths for Channel A (AINA0/AINA1) and Channel B (AINB0/AINB1), each with configurable amplifier gain and common-mode biasing. It uses a 160-pin FMC-LPC connector (P7) for FPGA-based control via EVAL-SDP-CH1Z and supports both internal (2.5 V ADR4533) and external (2.5–3.3 V) voltage references.

Power architecture includes isolated analog (VCC = 3.3 V), digital logic (VLOGIC = 2.3 V), and dual-polarity amplifier supplies (AMP+ = +5 V, AMP− = −2.5 V), all derived from on-board LDOs and an inverting DC/DC regulator. Link options (LK1–LK6, JP1–JP6) enable hardware reconfiguration for external supply/reference injection, AMC mezzanine support, and standalone SPI operation via P3 header.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7386FMCZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial instrumentation, power quality analyzers, and motor control feedback systems requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7386FMCZ 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, serving precision measurement, industrial automation, and communications markets since 1965.

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-validation for high-resolution, multi-channel data acquisition systems in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ?

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7386 4-channel, 16-bit, dual simultaneous sampling SAR ADC. It enables full characterization of conversion performance-including SNR, THD, and channel matching-using integrated reference, amplifiers, and regulated supplies. Engineers use the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ with ACE software and EVAL-SDP-CH1Z to validate system-level behavior before integrating the AD7386 into final designs.

Which ADC models does the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ support beyond the AD7386?

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ supports AD7387, AD7388, AD4684, and AD4685 via the AD738x ACE plugin. Support is confirmed by Analog Devices' UG-1615 user guide, which states that only SCLK count differs between these variants due to resolution and throughput variations. All share identical pinout, power architecture, and interface timing, enabling reuse of the same EVAL-AD7386FMCZ hardware across the family.

Does the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ require an external power supply?

No-the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ is powered by the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z controller board by default via the 160-way FMC-LPC connector (P7). External 12 V power can be applied through P4 if higher current or isolation is needed, but it is not required for standard operation. Link LK3 configures the source (EVAL-SDP-CH1Z vs. external), and Table 1 in UG-1615 confirms P4-1 accepts 12 ±10% V.

How is the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ connected to a PC?

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ connects to a PC indirectly: it mates with the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z via the 160-pin FMC-LPC connector (P7), and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z connects to the PC via USB. ACE software communicates over USB to the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z's FPGA, which controls the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ through SPI and GPIO. Direct PC connection is not supported-the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z is mandatory for operation.

What software is required to operate the EVAL-AD7386FMCZ?

The EVAL-AD7386FMCZ requires Analog Devices' ACE (Analysis Control Evaluation) software with the AD738x plugin installed. ACE provides chip-level register configuration, oversampling control, memory map access, and analysis tools (FFT, histogram, waveform). The plugin must be manually copied to C:\ProgramData\Analog Devices\ACE\Plugins as specified in UG-1615 Section 7-no standalone GUI or vendor-agnostic tool is supported.