Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7928SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7928SDZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed to characterize the AD7928 12-bit, 8-channel, successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It integrates on-board power supplies (5 V LDO, ±10 V amplifier rails), precision voltage reference (AD780), signal conditioning amplifiers (AD8022, AD8066, ADA4000-2), and logic level translation (ADG3308), enabling standalone or SDP-controlled testing of DC/AC performance metrics including SNR, THD, SINAD, and code histogram distribution.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7928SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7928SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7928SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7928SDZ equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of high-fidelity data acquisition in industrial process control, medical instrumentation, and automated test equipment where 1 MSPS throughput, 0–2×REFIN input range, and low-noise analog front-end integrity are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7928SDZ interfaces exclusively with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform via a 120-way SDP connector (J9), enabling USB-based PC control through Analog Devices' proprietary evaluation software. It supports both unipolar (0 V to 2×REFIN) and bipolar (via VIN-A/VIN-B bias-up circuitry) analog inputs, with configurable reference selection (AD780 or REF192) and termination (51 Ω) options per channel.

Power architecture includes an ADP1613 boost regulator generating +10 V, an ADP7104ARDZ-5.0 LDO for clean 5 V AVDD, and ADM1185 for supply sequencing and monitoring. Signal path components include dual op-amps for buffering and gain-setting, with test points provided for direct probing of ADC inputs, reference nodes, and digital interface signals.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7928SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, medical diagnostic instrumentation, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and vendor-supported software toolchains.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7928SDZ 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 centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

This evaluation board belongs to Analog Devices' System Demonstration Platform (SDP) ecosystem, engineered to accelerate prototyping and validation of precision data converters by integrating reference circuits, calibrated power, and standardized PC interface firmware.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7928SDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7928SDZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for comprehensive functional and performance evaluation of the AD7928 12-bit, 8-channel SAR ADC. It provides regulated power, precision reference, signal conditioning, and digital interface circuitry - all pre-integrated and validated - to enable accurate measurement of parameters such as SNR, THD, INL/DNL, and code histogram distribution without requiring custom PCB design. The EVAL-AD7928SDZ requires connection to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board for USB communication with Windows-based evaluation software.

Which controller board is required to operate the EVAL-AD7928SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7928SDZ must be used with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform, which serves as the USB-to-digital-interface bridge between the PC and the evaluation board. The two boards connect via a 120-way SDP connector (J9), and the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z provides the necessary FPGA-based control logic, clocking, and protocol translation. No other controller board is supported or electrically compatible with the EVAL-AD7928SDZ.

Does the EVAL-AD7928SDZ support bipolar input signals?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7928SDZ supports bipolar input signals through dedicated bias-up circuitry connected to VIN-A (J4/J5) and VIN-B (J6/J7). This circuitry shifts bipolar signals into the AD7928's unipolar input range (0 V to 2×REFIN), enabling accurate digitization of ±1 V, ±2.5 V, or ±5 V inputs depending on reference selection and resistor configuration. The default bias-up setup assumes RANGE = 0 (0 V to 2×REFIN); for RANGE = 1 (0 V to REFIN), R21 and R23 must be changed to 3 kΩ.

What software is needed to use the EVAL-AD7928SDZ, and where is it obtained?

The EVAL-AD7928SDZ requires Analog Devices' proprietary AD7928 evaluation software, which runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7 with USB 2.0 support. This software provides full control over ADC configuration registers, real-time waveform capture, FFT spectral analysis, DC/AC histogram generation, and data export in CSV format. It is included on the evaluation kit CD and also downloadable from the official AD7928 product page on analog.com. Installation must precede hardware connection to ensure proper driver recognition of the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller.

Can the EVAL-AD7928SDZ be powered independently of the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7928SDZ can be powered independently using its included 7–9 V dc wall adapter connected to J100 or J101, eliminating reliance on power from the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z. However, digital communication still requires the SDP board: the EVAL-AD7928SDZ has no onboard USB or standalone microcontroller, and all register writes, data reads, and trigger commands are routed exclusively through the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z via the 120-pin interface. Powering the board separately improves noise isolation but does not enable autonomous operation.