Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7961FMCZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7961FMCZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board for the AD7961 16-bit, 5 MSPS differential SAR ADC. It integrates on-board ADR4520/4540/4550 voltage references (2.048 V/4.096 V/5.0 V), ADA4899-1/ADA4897-1 signal conditioning amplifiers, AD8031 reference buffers, and ADP7102/ADP7104/ADP124/ADP2300 power regulators - enabling low-noise analog signal acquisition and LVDS-based high-speed data capture in lab and system validation environments.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7961FMCZ pinout, EVAL-AD7961FMCZ application, or EVAL-AD7961FMCZ equivalent, this board supports rapid characterization of dynamic performance (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR), dc linearity (INL/DNL), and timing behavior (LVDS CLK±/DCO±/D± interface) using PC-controlled software and SMA-connected precision sources.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ interfaces via a 160-pin FMC-LPC connector (VITA 57 compliant) to the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z system demonstration platform, which provides FPGA-based LVDS serialization, Blackfin® processor control, and USB host communication. It implements three selectable reference options (2.048 V, 4.096 V, 5.0 V) routed through solder links JP7 and LK7, and supports both single-ended and fully differential analog input paths using configurable jumpers JP1–JP5 and ADA4932-1.

Power is derived from +12 V supplied by the SDP board: ADP7102 generates +7 V for amplifier +VS and ADR4550, ADP7104 delivers +5 V for VDD1 and reference ICs, ADP2300 produces −2.5 V for amplifier −VS, and ADP124 supplies 1.8 V for VDD2/VIO of the AD7961. All supplies are decoupled with ceramic capacitors at point-of-load.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7961FMCZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition prototyping, precision ADC validation, and mixed-signal system integration requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7961FMCZ 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.

The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ belongs to Analog Devices' Precision ADC Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for high-resolution, low-power SAR converters used in instrumentation, medical imaging, and automated test equipment.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ evaluation board is designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the performance of the AD7961 16-bit, 5 MSPS differential SAR ADC. It provides complete analog signal conditioning (with selectable references and amplifier configurations), regulated power delivery (+7 V, +5 V, −2.5 V, 1.8 V), LVDS interface routing, and PC-based software control - all integrated on a single FMC-form-factor board compatible with the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z platform. The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ enables accurate measurement of SNR, SINAD, THD, INL, DNL, and timing parameters without custom hardware development.

Which reference voltages does the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ support, and how are they selected?

The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ supports three on-board reference voltages: 2.048 V (ADR4520), 4.096 V (ADR4540), and 5.0 V (ADR4550). Selection is performed via hardware configuration: JP7 controls REFIN connection (A = VREF buffer output, B = GND), while LK7 routes the chosen reference to the AD8031 buffer input (A = +7 V → ADR4550, B = +7 V → ADR4540). The 2.048 V option uses ADR4520 and requires separate jumpering per the user guide. All selections are reflected in the AD7961's EN1/EN0 register bits and validated in the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ software.

How does the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ connect to a host PC and what hardware is required?

The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ connects to a host PC indirectly via the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z system demonstration platform, which serves as the USB-to-LVDS bridge. Required hardware includes: (1) EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board, (2) 12 V dc wall adapter (included with SDP), (3) USB cable, (4) SMA cables for analog input, and (5) optional bench-top ±Vs supplies. The EVAL-AD7961FMCZ mates to the SDP board via its 160-pin FMC-LPC connector (J7), and no direct USB or PCIe interface exists on the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ itself.

What software tools are provided for the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ and what analyses do they support?

Analog Devices provides the AD7960_61 Evaluation Software for Windows, installed separately for the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ and EVAL-SDP-CH1Z drivers. It offers four analysis tabs: Waveform (time-domain capture with amplitude/frequency reporting), Histogram (dc/ac code distribution, mean, std dev), FFT (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, harmonic analysis), and Summary (consolidated key metrics). All functions operate over the LVDS interface and require proper jumper configuration and reference selection before valid data acquisition.

Can the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ be used without the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board?

No - the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ has no standalone USB, Ethernet, or microcontroller interface. It relies entirely on the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z for power delivery (+12 V via FMC), digital control (SPI/FPGA logic), and LVDS serialization/deserialization. The SDP board hosts the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA, ADSP-BF527 Blackfin processor, and memory subsystem necessary to manage the AD7961's echo-clocked LVDS interface (CLK±, DCO±, D±). Attempting to operate the EVAL-AD7961FMCZ without the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z will result in no power, no communication, and no data capture capability.