Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7949EDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7949EDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the AD7949 14-bit, 8-channel, 500 kSPS PulSAR® successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It supports stand-alone operation or integration with the EVAL-CED1Z USB data capture board, features on-board ADR435 precision reference, FPGA-based serial-to-parallel conversion, and configurable analog signal conditioning for IN0–IN7 channels.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7949EDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7949EDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7949EDZ application, or EVAL-AD7949EDZ equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, ADC configuration workflow, reference selection options, analog input flexibility (unipolar/bipolar), and software-controlled test modes including histogram, FFT, and oscilloscope views - all critical for high-resolution ADC validation in industrial and instrumentation systems.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7949EDZ implements a 6-layer PCB layout optimized to isolate analog and digital ground return paths beneath the ADC, minimizing noise coupling. It integrates an on-board Spartan-3E FPGA (U6) that generates CNV timing, buffers serial ADC output into 16-bit parallel transfers, and manages SPI-compatible configuration of the AD7949's input mode, bandwidth filter, channel selection, and reference source.

Analog front-end circuitry includes eight independently configurable op-amp stages (U13–U20) supporting unity-gain buffering, gain scaling, DC biasing (VBIAS = VREF/2), and bipolar/unipolar input range setup via jumper-selectable VDRV+ (7 V) and VDRV− (−5 V) supplies. Reference options include internal bandgap (2.5 V or 4.096 V), buffered ADR435 (4.096 V), or external source at TP17.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7949EDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, sensor signal conditioning, and industrial process monitoring requiring stable component supply and validated ADC performance characterization.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7949EDZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and control applications.

EVAL-AD7949EDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development and validation of SAR ADCs in high-resolution instrumentation, automated test equipment, and industrial PLC analog input modules.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7949EDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7949EDZ evaluation board is a hardware platform designed exclusively to evaluate the AD7949 14-bit, 8-channel, 500 kSPS SAR ADC. It provides full signal chain support-including configurable analog input conditioning, precision reference, FPGA-managed serial interface, and PC-based software analysis-enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, SINAD, THD), DC accuracy, and system-level integration before final design implementation. The EVAL-AD7949EDZ does not operate as a standalone data acquisition system but serves as a controlled test environment for the AD7949 IC.

Does the EVAL-AD7949EDZ support both unipolar and bipolar input configurations for the AD7949?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7949EDZ supports both unipolar and bipolar input modes for the AD7949. Unipolar operation sets the common-mode voltage (COM) to GND using jumper P8 (GND position), while bipolar mode configures COM to VREF/2 using P8 (VCM position). Input amplifiers U13–U20 are factory-set as unity-gain buffers and can be reconfigured via solder jumpers SB0–SB7 and VDRV+/VDRV− supplies to accommodate ±5 V or 0–10 V ranges. This dual-mode capability is confirmed in the "Analog Inputs" section of the Preliminary Technical Data Rev. PrD.

Can the EVAL-AD7949EDZ be used without the EVAL-CED1Z USB interface board?

Yes, the EVAL-AD7949EDZ supports stand-alone operation. In this mode, the on-board FPGA (U6) buffers the AD7949's 4-wire SPI interface and makes it accessible via the 40-pin IDC header P3 (pins 2, 4, 6, 8) or direct test points TP24 (SDO), TP25 (SCK), TP26 (DIN), and TP27 (CNV). Power must be supplied separately: +12VA/+5VA analog rails, −5VA, and +3.3V to +5.5V for VDIG. Stand-alone use requires external logic to drive CNV and read serial data, as no PC software control is available without EVAL-CED1Z and the PulSAR Evaluation Software.

Which reference options are available on the EVAL-AD7949EDZ for the AD7949?

The EVAL-AD7949EDZ offers three reference options for the AD7949: (1) internal ADC bandgap reference (selectable 2.5 V or 4.096 V output, enabled via software), (2) on-board ADR435 precision reference (4.096 V, buffered output at P5/P6/P7), and (3) external reference applied to TP17 (EXTREF). Jumper P5 selects source, P6 selects buffer/no-buffer, and P7 chooses REF vs. REFIN routing. The default configuration uses the ADR435 with buffered output, as documented in the "Reference" section of the Preliminary Technical Data Rev. PrD.

What software tools are required to operate the EVAL-AD7949EDZ with the EVAL-CED1Z?

The EVAL-AD7949EDZ requires Analog Devices' PulSAR Evaluation Software (v.x.x), compatible with Windows XP and installed via CD-ROM or website download. This software provides GUI-driven control for ADC configuration (channel, BW filter, reference, input mode), real-time data capture, and analysis including histogram (DC noise), FFT (SNR/SINAD/THD/SFDR), decimation, and time-domain oscilloscope view. USB drivers for the EVAL-CED1Z are bundled with the software installer. No third-party or open-source tools are supported or validated for use with the EVAL-AD7949EDZ.