Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7903SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7903SDZ from Analog Devices is a daughterboard evaluation kit designed to demonstrate the AD7903 dual differential 16-bit, 1 MSPS PulSAR® ADC under real-world signal conditioning and system interface conditions. It integrates on-board ADR435 5.0 V reference, ADA4841-1 op-amp signal conditioners, ADP7104/ADP2301 power regulators, and interfaces via 120-pin connector to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform for USB-controlled data acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7903SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7903SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7903SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7903SDZ equivalent, this board supports time-domain waveform capture, FFT-based AC performance analysis, histogram-based DC accuracy validation, and configurable analog input scaling - all with PC-based software control and traceable hardware configuration.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7903SDZ implements a complete analog front-end for the AD7903 ADC, featuring dual independent SMA-input paths (J6/J7 and J10/J15), unity-gain buffered amplifiers (U12/U14/U16/U17), and precision 5.0 V reference (ADR435) with AD8031 buffer. Power is derived from a 9 V wall adapter or bench supply, generating +7.5 V, −2.5 V, +2.5 V, +3.3 V, and +5 V rails using ADP7104 and ADP2301 regulators.

It operates in two modes: SDP-controlled mode (via EVAL-SDP-CB1Z over USB with SPORT interface and level-shifting logic) or standalone mode (via J5 connector/test points). Solder links (SL1–SL4, LK3–LK12) enable flexible configuration of power routing, input selection, amplifier bypass, and common-mode biasing without PCB modification.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7903SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision ADC validation, sensor signal chain prototyping, and industrial data acquisition system development requiring stable component supply, full documentation traceability, and production-ready evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7903SDZ 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 RF technologies.

The EVAL-AD7903SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of low-power, high-accuracy SAR ADCs in demanding measurement, instrumentation, and industrial control applications.

FAQ

What is the required host controller for EVAL-AD7903SDZ operation?

The EVAL-AD7903SDZ requires the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform as its mandatory host controller for USB-based communication and power distribution. The EVAL-AD7903SDZ connects to EVAL-SDP-CB1Z via a 120-pin edge connector (J5), and the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z provides the SPORT interface, level shifting, and USB bridge functionality essential for EVAL-AD7903SDZ operation. Without EVAL-SDP-CB1Z or equivalent SDP-compatible controller, full functionality of EVAL-AD7903SDZ is not achievable.

Does EVAL-AD7903SDZ support standalone operation without EVAL-SDP-CB1Z?

Yes, EVAL-AD7903SDZ supports standalone mode via its J5 connector or test points, allowing direct connection to custom host controllers using the AD7903's SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface. However, standalone use requires external generation of CNV, SCK, SDI, SDO, and VIO signals, plus appropriate power sequencing and level translation - no on-board USB or DSP resources are available in this mode. The EVAL-AD7903SDZ user guide (UG-609) documents pin assignments and timing requirements for such implementations.

Which analog input configurations does EVAL-AD7903SDZ support out-of-the-box?

EVAL-AD7903SDZ ships configured for dual differential input operation: J6/J7 drives ADC1 and J10/J15 drives ADC2, with all op-amps (U12, U14, U16, U17) set as unity-gain buffers and common-mode voltage (VCM) sourced from a buffered reference divider. Solder links LK8/LK9 allow re-routing to single ADC usage, while LK6/LK7/LK10–LK12 enable amplifier bypass or inverting input grounding - all documented in Table 3 of UG-609 for verified configurations.

What power supplies are generated on EVAL-AD7903SDZ and how are they used?

EVAL-AD7903SDZ generates +7.5 V (positive rail for op-amps), −2.5 V (negative rail for op-amps), +2.5 V (AD7903 VDD), +3.3 V (VDRIVE digital logic), and +5 V (SDP power) from a 9 V input using ADP7104 and ADP2301 regulators. Each rail is locally decoupled and routed to designated ICs per the schematic (Figures 26–31 in UG-609); the +7.5 V/−2.5 V pair powers the ADA4841-1 amplifiers, while +2.5 V directly supplies the AD7903 core, ensuring optimal noise isolation and regulation stability.

Can EVAL-AD7903SDZ be used to evaluate other ADCs besides AD7903?

No - EVAL-AD7903SDZ is a purpose-built daughterboard for the AD7903 only. Its layout, power sequencing, reference routing, amplifier gain settings, and software driver stack are all optimized for the AD7903's pinout, timing, voltage domains, and serial interface protocol. While the physical J5 connector may mate with other SDP-compatible boards, no firmware, hardware, or documentation support exists for alternate ADCs. Analog Devices offers separate evaluation boards (e.g., EVAL-AD7902SDZ) for related devices.