Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7686SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7686SDZ from Analog Devices is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7686 - a 16-bit, 100 kSPS PulSAR® successive-approximation ADC in a 10-lead MSOP package. It provides full signal chain support including on-board ADR435 5.0 V reference, ADA4841-1 ADC drivers, and ±7.5 V/–2.5 V analog supply rails. Designed for precision DC and AC performance characterization of the AD7686 in lab and design validation environments.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7686SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7686SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7686SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7686SDZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, software interface behavior, power architecture, analog input conditioning options, and compatibility with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7686SDZ implements a dual-rail analog front-end with +7.5 V and –2.5 V supplies derived from an ADP7102 LDO and ADP2301 buck-boost converter, enabling true bipolar input operation. It supports both differential and single-ended analog input configurations via factory-set solder links (SL10 = B for AD7686).

Communication uses the SPORT interface from the ADSP-BF527 DSP on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, with level-shifting logic (ADG3304) ensuring 5 V ADC logic compatibility with the SDP's 3.3 V interface. The board accepts external SMA-sourced signals at J6/J10 and includes unity-gain buffered amplifiers for input scaling and common-mode control.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7686SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, sensor signal conditioning, and industrial instrumentation applications requiring stable component supply and validated ADC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7686SDZ 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-AD7686SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development for precision SAR ADCs used in test & measurement, medical imaging, and industrial process control systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7686SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7686SDZ is a dedicated evaluation board designed specifically to characterize and validate the performance of the AD7686 - a 16-bit, 100 kSPS PulSAR® ADC. It provides complete analog signal conditioning, precision reference, dual-rail power generation, and seamless interface to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller, enabling accurate time-domain and frequency-domain testing of the EVAL-AD7686SDZ target device under real-world conditions.

Which ADCs does the EVAL-AD7686SDZ support besides the AD7686?

The EVAL-AD7686SDZ is part of the 10-lead PulSAR® evaluation platform and supports multiple 10-lead SAR ADCs including AD7685, AD7687, AD7688, AD7690, AD7691, AD7693, AD7980, AD7982, AD7983, AD7984, AD7988-5, AD7989-5, AD7915, and AD7916. However, the EVAL-AD7686SDZ board shipped with U1 populated as AD7686 and configured for its specific timing, reference, and input mode requirements.

Does the EVAL-AD7686SDZ require an external SDP board to operate?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7686SDZ requires the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform to provide digital control, clocking (SCLK up to 60 MHz), and USB communication with the host PC. The board interfaces via a 120-pin connector (J5), and the SDP board hosts the ADSP-BF527 DSP that manages the SPORT protocol with the AD7686. Without EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, the EVAL-AD7686SDZ cannot perform live data capture or control.

How is analog input configured on the EVAL-AD7686SDZ for the AD7686?

The EVAL-AD7686SDZ is factory-configured for single-ended input mode for the AD7686, per jumper SL10 = B setting. Inputs enter via SMA connectors J6 (IN+) and J10 (IN–), are conditioned by ADA4841-1 op amps in unity-gain buffer configuration, and referenced to a midscale VCM generated from the ADR435 reference. The board supports differential mode only when reconfigured for compatible ADCs like AD7690 (SL10 = A).

What software tools are provided for the EVAL-AD7686SDZ?

Analog Devices provides a Windows-based GUI application for the EVAL-AD7686SDZ that supports waveform capture, FFT analysis (reporting SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR), DC/AC histogram testing, and summary metrics display. Data is saved in .tsv format for post-processing. The software requires prior installation of both the ADC evaluation suite and the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z drivers - and it can run in offline mode for file analysis without hardware connected.