Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7951EDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7951EDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the AD7951 - a 14-bit, 1 MSPS PulSAR® successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter with single-ended input support for ±10 V, ±5 V, 0–10 V, and 0–5 V ranges. It features on-board precision reference (AD780/ADR431/ADR435), buffered parallel (14-bit) and serial interfaces, signal conditioning op-amps, and compatibility with EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2/BRD3 controllers.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7951EDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7951EDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7951EDZ application, or EVAL-AD7951EDZ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, interface configuration options, power supply routing guidance, software-supported FFT/histogram testing, and hardware-level setup details for ADC characterization in lab and design validation environments.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7951EDZ implements flexible analog signal conditioning via dual op-amps (U6/U7), configurable for unity-gain buffering or custom gain/scaling, with selectable ±12 V, ±5 V, or GND analog supplies via JP3/JP8. It supports both stand-alone operation (using internal gate array U10 for CNVST generation and data buffering) and host-controlled mode via 96-pin DIN connector to EVAL-CONTROL-BRDX.

It provides dual interface paths: buffered 14-bit parallel output on 40-pin IDC P2 (BD[0:13]) and serial port access (SDOUT, SCLK, SYNC, RDERROR) at test points TP17–TP19 and T3–T6. The board enables iCMOS-compatible serial programmable port (SPP) configuration for AD7951 - allowing runtime selection of input range, coding format (straight binary/2's complement), and power-down states without hardware changes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7951EDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, industrial sensor interface validation, medical instrumentation prototyping, and embedded test equipment development requiring stable component supply and full-characterization tooling.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7951EDZ 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 systems.

EVAL-AD7951EDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate validation of high-speed, high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding applications such as automated test equipment, power quality monitoring, and scientific instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of EVAL-AD7951EDZ?

EVAL-AD7951EDZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7951 14-bit, 1 MSPS SAR ADC. It provides complete signal chain infrastructure - including precision reference, analog conditioning, parallel/serial interfaces, and PC software - enabling full dynamic and static performance characterization of the AD7951 under real-world conditions without custom hardware design.

Does EVAL-AD7951EDZ support both unipolar and bipolar input configurations for AD7951?

Yes, EVAL-AD7951EDZ supports both unipolar (0–5 V, 0–10 V) and bipolar (±5 V, ±10 V) input ranges for the AD7951. Configuration is achieved via S16 DIP switch settings and jumpers JP1–JP2, JP4, JP7–JP8, with factory default set for ±10 V operation. No solder modifications are required for range switching.

Can EVAL-AD7951EDZ operate without EVAL-CONTROL-BRDX?

Yes, EVAL-AD7951EDZ supports stand-alone operation using its onboard gate array (U10) for CNVST generation, data buffering, and mode control. In this mode, conversion is triggered internally, and 14-bit parallel data appears continuously on P2 after BUSY goes HIGH - eliminating dependency on external controllers for basic functional verification.

Which software tools are compatible with EVAL-AD7951EDZ?

EVAL-AD7951EDZ uses Analog Devices' ADC.exe software suite, which supports histogram analysis (transition noise), FFT-based AC performance metrics (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR), decimated averaging, and Serial Programmable Port (SPP) configuration. Software operation requires connection to EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2 or BRD3 - no standalone USB or PCIe interface is provided.

What power supplies are required to operate EVAL-AD7951EDZ?

EVAL-AD7951EDZ requires separate analog and digital supplies: ±12 V (or ±5 V) for analog circuitry (SJ1), and +5 V for digital logic (SJ2). On-board regulators derive AVDD, DVDD, OVDD, and reference buffer voltages. Linear supplies are recommended; R27 (20 Ω) must be installed if sharing analog/digital +5 V sources to prevent ground coupling.