Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7915SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7915SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the AD7915 16-bit, 1 MSPS PulSAR® successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It provides full signal conditioning, on-board 5.0 V ADR435 reference, ADA4841-1 ADC drivers, and interfaces via SPORT to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform for time- and frequency-domain analysis of precision data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7915SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7915SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7915SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7915SDZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of AD7915 performance in high-resolution industrial sensing, battery-powered instrumentation, and precision process monitoring - with configurable differential/single-ended input, FFT-based SNR/SINAD measurement, and PC-controlled streaming capture.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7915SDZ implements a complete analog front-end for 10-lead PulSAR ADCs, featuring dual ADA4841-1 op amps configured as unity-gain buffers with ±2.5 V/±7.5 V rails, a buffered ADR435 5.0 V reference, and level-shifting logic for 3.3 V SDP interface compatibility. It supports both differential and single-ended input modes via factory-configurable solder links (SL10).

Power is derived from a 9 V wall adapter using ADP7102 (+7.5 V), ADP2301 (−2.5 V), and ADP7104 (+2.5 V/+5 V/+3.3 V) regulators. Signal acquisition uses the ADSP-BF527 DSP's SPORT interface, clocked at up to 60 MHz, with automatic SCLK/sample-rate alignment enforced by PC software.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7915SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition validation, industrial sensor calibration, and battery-powered instrumentation prototyping requiring stable component supply and full technical documentation support.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7915SDZ 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, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

This evaluation board belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of high-speed, high-accuracy SAR converters in applications demanding low power, excellent linearity, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7915SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7915SDZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7915 16-bit, 1 MSPS PulSAR® SAR ADC. It provides all necessary analog signal conditioning, reference, power regulation, and digital interface circuitry to fully characterize the AD7915's dynamic and static performance - including SNR, SINAD, THD, and INL/DNL - without requiring custom hardware. The EVAL-AD7915SDZ integrates seamlessly with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z platform and its associated PC software.

Which ADCs does the EVAL-AD7915SDZ support besides the AD7915?

The EVAL-AD7915SDZ is part of the 10-lead PulSAR evaluation platform and supports multiple 10-lead SAR ADCs including the AD7690 (18-bit), AD7691 (18-bit), AD7982 (18-bit), AD7984 (18-bit), AD7989-5 (18-bit), AD7916 (16-bit), and others listed in UG-340 Rev. C. However, the EVAL-AD7915SDZ board shipped with U1 populated as AD7915 - its configuration (e.g., SL10 = A) and default firmware are optimized for that specific device.

Does the EVAL-AD7915SDZ require an external power supply?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7915SDZ requires a 9 V DC wall adapter (included) or an external bench power supply (9 V, 1 A min). Power is regulated onboard to generate +7.5 V, −2.5 V, +5 V, +3.3 V, and +2.5 V rails. When using bench supplies, solder links SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, and SL7 must be set to position B per UG-340 Section "Power Supplies".

Can the EVAL-AD7915SDZ operate without the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z?

No - the EVAL-AD7915SDZ relies on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z for digital control, data capture, and USB communication with the PC. The board lacks standalone microcontroller or USB interface; it connects exclusively via the 120-pin SDP interface. The PC software is designed to communicate only through the SDP platform, and no alternate interface (e.g., SPI direct, UART) is provided on the EVAL-AD7915SDZ.

What software tools are required to use the EVAL-AD7915SDZ?

The official Analog Devices "8 & 10 Lead PulSAR ADCs" Windows software is required - downloadable from the AD7915 product page. It includes drivers for the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, real-time capture controls, FFT/histogram analysis engines, and tabular summary views. Installation must precede hardware connection; the software validates detection of the AD7915 on the EVAL-AD7915SDZ and configures sampling parameters accordingly.