Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7796EBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7796EBZ from Analog Devices is a fully featured, USB-powered evaluation board for the AD7796 16-bit low-power sigma-delta ADC, designed specifically for bridge sensor signal conditioning. It integrates an on-board ADP3303 3.3 V regulator, SMB connectors for AIN+/AIN− and REFIN+/REFIN−, and supports update rates from 4.17 Hz to 123 Hz with simultaneous 50/60 Hz rejection at 16.7 Hz - enabling precision strain gauge and load cell characterization in lab environments.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7796EBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7796EBZ pinout, EVAL-AD7796EBZ application, or EVAL-AD7796EBZ equivalent, this board provides direct SPI-to-USB interface control via LabVIEW-based software, real-time noise analysis, register-level configuration of channel selection, update rate, and reference mode, and flexible power sourcing (USB 5 V, on-board 3.3 V, or external 3/5 V).

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7796EBZ implements a complete analog front-end test platform for the AD7796, featuring a Cypress CY7C68013A-56LFXC USB microcontroller for SPI bridging and firmware-controlled register access. It supports differential analog input ranges up to ±V_REF/128 and delivers 65 nV rms noise at 4.17 Hz update rate.

Hardware configurability includes five jumper links (LK1–LK5) for setting AVDD/2 biasing, internal vs. external reference selection, and AVDD source (USB 5 V, ADP3303 3.3 V, or J3 external supply), plus five SMB sockets for analog input, reference, and clock signals - all mapped directly to the AD7796BRUZ TSSOP-24 pinout.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7796EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for bridge sensor evaluation, precision instrumentation prototyping, and low-frequency ADC validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation board continuity.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7796EBZ 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, power management, and sensor signal conditioning.

The EVAL-AD7796EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of low-power, high-resolution measurement systems for industrial sensing, weigh scales, and medical transducer interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7796EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7796EBZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7796 16-bit sigma-delta ADC, providing hardware and software infrastructure to configure, test, and characterize the device's performance in bridge sensor applications. It enables rapid validation of key parameters including noise, line frequency rejection, gain accuracy, and offset stability - all without requiring custom PCB design or firmware development. The EVAL-AD7796EBZ includes all necessary power regulation, signal routing, and USB interface logic to operate the AD7796 out-of-the-box.

Does the EVAL-AD7796EBZ require an external power supply?

No - the EVAL-AD7796EBZ is fully powered via the USB Mini-B connector (J1), delivering 5 V to both the USB controller and the AD7796 through configurable link LK5. An external 3 V or 5 V supply can be applied via terminal block J3 only if LK5 is set to Position A; otherwise, the on-board ADP3303 regulator supplies 3.3 V to AVDD when LK5 is in Position B. All configurations are validated in the board's Rev. A documentation.

How does the EVAL-AD7796EBZ handle reference voltage selection?

The EVAL-AD7796EBZ supports both internal and external reference modes via jumpers LK3 and LK4. With LK3/LK4 installed, AVDD is routed to REFIN(+) and GND to REFIN(−), using the on-board 3.3 V supply as reference. Removing those links allows external reference voltages to be applied via SMB connectors REFIN+ and REFIN− - preserving the AD7796's specified ±V_REF/128 input range and enabling absolute accuracy testing against calibrated references.

Can the EVAL-AD7796EBZ be used with sensors other than bridge types?

Yes - while optimized for bridge sensors (e.g., strain gauges, load cells), the EVAL-AD7796EBZ supports any low-frequency, low-noise differential analog source compatible with the AD7796's input structure. Its AIN+/AIN− SMB connectors accept ±V_REF/128 signals, and its programmable gain, update rate, and filter settings allow adaptation to thermocouples, RTDs, or other ratiometric sensors - provided signal conditioning (e.g., excitation, filtering) is handled externally or via the prototype header J2.

Is the EVAL-AD7796EBZ RoHS compliant?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7796EBZ is RoHS compliant, as indicated by the "Z" suffix in the orderable part number EVAL-AD7796EBZ (per Analog Devices' Ordering Guide). All components listed in the Bill of Materials, including the AD7796BRUZ, ADP3303ARZ-3.3, and CY7C68013A-56LFXC, meet lead-free and hazardous substance restrictions defined in Directive 2011/65/EU.