Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7946SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7946SDZ from Analog Devices is a dedicated evaluation board add-on module designed to interface 6-lead SOT-23 ADC driver amplifiers-including AD8061/AD8063-with 10-lead PulSAR® evaluation platforms for the AD7946 and other 14-/16-/18-bit SAR ADCs. It supports configurable single-ended or differential signal conditioning, features edge-mounted headers for rapid prototyping, and enables supply voltage adjustment via standalone power routing.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7946SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7946SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7946SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7946SDZ equivalent, this board provides validated signal chain integration for high-resolution data acquisition systems-particularly when evaluating amplifier performance driving the AD7946, AD7942, or compatible PulSAR ADCs in lab and design validation environments.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ is not a standalone IC but an add-on daughterboard that mounts directly onto 10-lead PulSAR evaluation boards (e.g., EVAL-AD7946SDZ base platform) using a 7-pin header. It accommodates dual SOT-23-6 op amps (AD8061/AD8063) and provides user-configurable resistor/capacitor networks to implement single-ended-to-single-ended or single-ended-to-differential driver topologies.

Signal routing requires removal of six specific resistors (R20, R21, R28, R35, R36, R40) on the host ADC evaluation board per UG-340 schematics. The board includes 3-pin power headers (VEE, GND, VCC), jumper-controlled power-down (PD), and 16 user-defined 0603 capacitors plus 30 user-defined 0603 resistors for flexible gain, bandwidth, and common-mode tuning.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7946SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution data acquisition validation, SAR ADC driver characterization, and mixed-signal prototype development requiring stable component supply and documented analog front-end integration paths.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7946SDZ 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.

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation ecosystem, engineered specifically to accelerate amplifier and ADC co-design verification for precision measurement applications up to 18-bit resolution.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7946SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ is an add-on evaluation board that enables system-level testing of SOT-23-6 operational amplifiers-such as the AD8061 or AD8063-as ADC drivers for the AD7946 and other 10-lead PulSAR® ADCs. It provides configurable signal conditioning paths, power routing, and physical mounting compatibility with Analog Devices' standardized evaluation platforms. The EVAL-AD7946SDZ does not contain active circuitry itself but serves as a validated interposer for amplifier performance characterization.

Which ADCs are explicitly supported by the EVAL-AD7946SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ is explicitly designed for use with the AD7946 (14-bit, 10-lead) and AD7942 (14-bit), as confirmed in UG-682's "Compatible PulSAR Evaluation Boards" section. It also supports broader 10-lead PulSAR platforms hosting 14-/16-/18-bit converters including AD7685, AD7686, AD7693, AD7980, AD7983, AD7988-5, AD7690, AD7691, AD7982, AD7984, and AD7989-5. Compatibility assumes matching mechanical and electrical interface requirements per UG-340.

Does the EVAL-AD7946SDZ include operational amplifiers, or must they be supplied separately?

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ is an unpopulated evaluation board-it does not include operational amplifiers. Users must solder their own SOT-23-6 amplifiers (e.g., AD8061 or AD8063) into the designated DUT footprints. The board provides all necessary passive components (resistors, capacitors), headers, and layout for signal routing, but the active driver ICs are customer-supplied and selected based on target bandwidth, noise, and drive capability requirements for the EVAL-AD7946SDZ application.

How is the EVAL-AD7946SDZ physically mounted to the host evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7946SDZ mounts to compatible 10-lead PulSAR evaluation boards (e.g., EVAL-AD7946SDZ base board) using an edge-mounted 7-pin header. Mechanical alignment is defined in Figures 1, 5, and 6 of UG-682. Successful mounting requires prior removal of six resistors (R20, R21, R28, R35, R36, R40) on the host board to prevent signal path conflicts-a step mandated in UG-682 Notes and cross-referenced to UG-340 schematics.

Can the EVAL-AD7946SDZ be used without modifying the host ADC evaluation board?

No-the EVAL-AD7946SDZ cannot be used without modifying the host ADC evaluation board. Per UG-682, six specific surface-mount resistors (R20, R21, R28, R35, R36, R40) must be removed from the host board to route inputs, outputs, and supplies correctly onto the EVAL-AD7946SDZ. This modification is mandatory for functional signal integrity and is documented in UG-682 Notes and referenced to UG-340 for schematic verification. Failure to perform this step will result in incorrect biasing or signal path shorts.