Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7980SDZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7980SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed for the AD7980 - a 16-bit, 1 MSPS PulSAR® successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It provides full signal conditioning, on-board 5.0 V reference (ADR435), dual ADA4841-1 ADC drivers, and interfaces with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform via a 120-pin connector for PC-based control and analysis.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7980SDZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7980SDZ pinout, EVAL-AD7980SDZ application, or EVAL-AD7980SDZ equivalent, this board serves as a validated hardware platform to characterize dynamic performance (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR), evaluate dc accuracy (INL, DNL), validate analog input configurations (differential/single-ended), and verify SPI-compatible serial interface timing with the AD7980 under real-world power and layout conditions.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ implements a complete analog front-end optimized for high-resolution SAR ADC evaluation: dual unity-gain buffered amplifiers (ADA4841-1) drive the AD7980's differential inputs with ±7.5 V/–2.5 V rails, while a precision ADR435 5.0 V reference supplies the ADC's REF pin directly. The board supports both single-ended and fully differential input modes via factory-configured solder links (SL10).

It integrates a multi-rail power subsystem using ADP7102 (+7.5 V), ADP2301 (–2.5 V), and ADP7104 (+2.5 V/+5 V/+3.3 V) regulators, all decoupled per device. Communication occurs over SPORT interface from the ADSP-BF527 DSP on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z, with level-shifting logic (ADG3304 on 8-lead variant only) ensuring compatibility between the AD7980's 5 V logic and SDP's 3.3 V interface.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7980SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, industrial sensor interface, and test & measurement applications requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping validation, and repeatable ADC performance benchmarking across production batches.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7980SDZ 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, serving industrial, communications, automotive, and consumer markets with precision technology solutions.

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® evaluation board family, engineered specifically to accelerate development and characterization of their 14-/16-/18-bit SAR ADCs - emphasizing low-noise analog signal integrity, flexible input configuration, and seamless integration with the SDP ecosystem.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD7980SDZ?

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the AD7980 16-bit, 1 MSPS SAR ADC. Its primary function is to provide a fully characterized, ready-to-use hardware platform that enables engineers to measure dynamic performance metrics (including SNR, SINAD, THD, and SFDR), validate dc accuracy (INL/DNL), test analog input configurations (differential vs. single-ended), and verify SPI-compatible serial interface behavior - all without custom PCB design or signal conditioning circuit development. The EVAL-AD7980SDZ achieves this through integrated reference, buffering, power regulation, and SDP interface logic.

Which ADCs does the EVAL-AD7980SDZ support besides the AD7980?

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ is part of Analog Devices' universal 10-lead PulSAR evaluation platform and supports multiple 10-lead SAR ADCs including the AD7690 (18-bit), AD7691 (18-bit), AD7982 (18-bit), AD7984 (18-bit), AD7983 (16-bit), AD7988-5 (16-bit), AD7989-5 (18-bit), AD7915 (16-bit), and AD7916 (16-bit). However, the specific EVAL-AD7980SDZ board is shipped with the AD7980 pre-mounted as U1 and factory-configured for its optimal operating conditions - including SL10 set to B for single-ended input mode and reference voltage calibrated to 5.0 V.

Does the EVAL-AD7980SDZ require external power supplies or can it operate standalone?

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ operates from a supplied 9 V wall adapter and contains a complete on-board power subsystem - generating +7.5 V, –2.5 V, +5 V, +3.3 V, and +2.5 V rails using ADP7102, ADP2301, and ADP7104 regulators. It does not require external bench supplies to function. However, optional bench power input is supported via screw terminals J2/J3, which bypasses the wall adapter and internal regulators - requiring manual reconfiguration of solder links SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, and SL7 to position B before use.

How is the EVAL-AD7980SDZ connected to a PC for data acquisition?

The EVAL-AD7980SDZ connects to a PC via the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration platform: the evaluation board plugs into the SDP board using its 120-pin edge connector, and the SDP board then connects to the PC via a standard USB A-to-Mini-B cable. Communication uses the SPORT interface from the ADSP-BF527 DSP on the SDP board, with software drivers installed separately. The EVAL-AD7980SDZ itself has no direct USB interface - all control, configuration, and data transfer occur through the SDP bridge, enabling consistent firmware and GUI compatibility across Analog Devices' evaluation ecosystem.

What software tools are provided for the EVAL-AD7980SDZ?

Analog Devices provides a Windows-based GUI application for the EVAL-AD7980SDZ that supports waveform capture, FFT analysis (reporting SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, and noise floor), histogram testing (ac/dc), and summary reporting. It allows real-time streaming, adjustable sampling frequency (up to 1 MSPS), SCLK configuration (default 60 MHz), external reference voltage entry, and export of captured data in .tsv format. The software installs to C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\8 & 10 Lead PulSAR ADCs and includes example files, driver packages for the SDP board, and offline analysis mode when no hardware is connected.