Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7944FMCZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7944FMCZ from Analog Devices is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7944 14-bit, 2.5 MSPS PulSAR® successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It integrates on-board ADR4550/ADR4525/ADR3412 reference options, ADA4899-1/ADA4897-1/AD8021 signal conditioning amplifiers, AD8031 reference buffers, and ADP7118/ADP2370/ADM7160 power regulators - enabling full characterization of dynamic performance (SNR, THD, SFDR), DC accuracy (INL, DNL), and low-power turbo/normal mode operation in lab and design validation environments.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7944FMCZ pinout, EVAL-AD7944FMCZ application setup, or EVAL-AD7944FMCZ equivalent evaluation platforms, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC interface modes (3-wire/4-wire, read-during/read-after conversion), reference selection logic (5 V buffered, 4.096 V internal, 2.048 V external), jumper-controlled analog path routing (single-ended vs. differential), and SDP-based USB control architecture - all essential for rapid ADC evaluation and system integration.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ interfaces exclusively with the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z system demonstration platform via a 160-pin FMC-LPC (VITA 57) connector, leveraging its Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA and Blackfin ADSP-BF527 processor for real-time data acquisition and control. Communication occurs over LVCMOS-level serial signals (CNV, SCK, SDO, SDI, TURBO), with on-board level shifters ensuring safe voltage translation between the SDP's 3.3 V logic and the AD7944's 2.5 V DVDD/VIO domain.

Hardware flexibility is implemented through dual SMA analog inputs (J1/J2), configurable jumpers (JP1–JP12, LK1–LK16) for amplifier supply routing (+7.5 V/−3.0 V), reference selection (internal 4.096 V or external 5.0 V/2.048 V), ADC input topology (single-ended or fully differential via AD8139), and power source choice (FMC-supplied 12 V or external wall adapter). The board supports both time-domain waveform capture and frequency-domain FFT analysis up to 2.5 MSPS sampling.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7944FMCZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, medical instrumentation, industrial process control, and test & measurement applications requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7944FMCZ 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ belongs to ADI's PulSAR® evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development and validation of precision SAR ADCs in demanding applications where resolution, speed, and power efficiency are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform designed to evaluate the AD7944 14-bit, 2.5 MSPS PulSAR® SAR ADC. It provides complete signal chain infrastructure-including configurable reference sources (5.0 V/2.048 V/4.096 V), precision op-amp signal conditioning (ADA4899-1), regulated power supplies (+7.5 V/−3.0 V/2.5 V/5 V), and FMC-LPC interfacing to the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z-enabling full characterization of AC/DC performance, power modes (turbo/normal), and serial interface behavior without custom PCB design. The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ is not a standalone product but a validated test vehicle for the AD7944 IC.

Which system demonstration platform is required to operate the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ?

The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ requires the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z system demonstration platform for operation. It connects exclusively via the 160-pin FMC-LPC (VITA 57) connector (J7) to the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z, which provides USB host interface, FPGA-based digital control, and power distribution. The EVAL-SDP-CH1Z's Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA and ADSP-BF527 Blackfin processor handle command execution, data streaming, and timing synchronization for the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ. No other controller board is supported or validated for use with the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ.

Can the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ be used with ADCs other than the AD7944?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ is part of a shared hardware platform that supports three related PulSAR® ADCs: the AD7944 (14-bit, 2.5 MSPS), AD7985 (16-bit, 2.5 MSPS), and AD7986 (18-bit, 2 MSPS). Jumper JP7 configures input topology per device (A-to-center for AD7944/AD7985, B-to-center for AD7986), and reference/power settings are adjusted accordingly. However, the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ board itself is orderable as a distinct SKU and ships pre-configured for AD7944 evaluation; users must manually reconfigure jumpers and software settings when evaluating AD7985 or AD7986 devices.

What reference voltage options does the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ support for the AD7944?

The EVAL-AD7944FMCZ supports three reference configurations for the AD7944: (1) 5.0 V external reference using the ADR4550 with AD8031 buffer (factory default), (2) 2.048 V external reference using the ADR4525, and (3) the AD7944's internal 4.096 V reference enabled by grounding PDREF. Reference selection is controlled via jumpers LK2 (REFIN-to-GND), LK10 (internal/external), and LK3 (REF-to-BVDD coupling). The 5.0 V buffered option delivers optimal SNR; the internal reference eliminates external component dependency but trades off some dynamic range.

Does the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ include software, and what functions does it provide?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7944FMCZ is supported by Analog Devices' dedicated Windows evaluation software (AD7944_85_86 Evaluation Software), downloadable from the product page. It enables real-time control of sampling rate (200 kSPS to 2.5 MSPS), turbo/normal mode switching, 3-wire/4-wire interface selection, reference source choice, and comprehensive analysis including time-domain waveform capture, DC/AC histogram testing (INL/DNL/noise), FFT spectral analysis (SFDR, THD, SNR), and summary statistics export. All operations are executed over USB via the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z, with no additional drivers or firmware required beyond the bundled installation package.