Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD7986EBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD7986EBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation board designed specifically for the AD7986 - an 18-bit, 2 MSPS differential-input PulSAR® SAR ADC. It integrates on-board ADR435 5.0 V reference, AD8032 reference buffers, AD8021 signal conditioning amplifiers, and an Altera FPGA for serial-to-parallel deserialization. The board enables high-accuracy dynamic performance testing (SNR, SINAD, SFDR) of the AD7986 in lab and development environments.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD7986EBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD7986EBZ pinout, EVAL-AD7986EBZ application, or EVAL-AD7986EBZ equivalent, this board supports USB-connected PC control via EVAL-CED1Z, standalone analog signal injection via SMB connectors, configurable reference selection (internal 4.096 V or external 5 V), and flexible power supply options (±5 V, +7 V, +12 V, +2.5 V).

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD7986EBZ interfaces with the AD7986 ADC through a 96-pin DIN connector to the EVAL-CED1Z capture board, delivering parallel 16-bit buffered outputs. Its on-board FPGA handles CNV timing generation, serial data deserialization, and busy-signal management (BBUSY) for synchronization.

Analog signal paths support both single-ended and fully differential configurations via JP3 solder pad selection; factory default is differential to match the AD7986's native input architecture. Signal conditioning includes unity-gain buffering (A2/A3), selectable amplifier supplies (VDRV+/VDRV−), and configurable gain/offset using discrete op-amps and resistive networks.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD7986EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution data acquisition, precision instrumentation, and industrial test equipment requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term design continuity.

Supply support for EVAL-AD7986EBZ 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.

This evaluation board belongs to Analog Devices' PulSAR® ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate validation and system integration of precision SAR ADCs in demanding measurement and control applications.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EVAL-AD7986EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7986EBZ is a dedicated evaluation platform for the AD7986 - an 18-bit, 2 MSPS differential-input SAR ADC. It provides calibrated analog signal conditioning, precise reference circuitry, FPGA-based interface logic, and PC software integration to enable accurate characterization of SNR, SINAD, THD, and SFDR. The EVAL-AD7986EBZ allows engineers to validate real-world ADC performance before committing to custom PCB designs.

Does the EVAL-AD7986EBZ require the EVAL-CED1Z to operate?

The EVAL-AD7986EBZ can operate in two modes: with EVAL-CED1Z for full PC-controlled data capture and analysis, or in standalone mode using external power supplies (±5 V, +7 V, +12 V, or +2.5 V applied at P4 or test points). Standalone use supports analog signal injection via SMB connectors J1/J2 but lacks USB data streaming and software-based FFT/histogram analysis unless interfaced with custom logic.

How is the reference configured on the EVAL-AD7986EBZ for the AD7986?

The EVAL-AD7986EBZ supports three reference configurations: (1) factory-default ADR435 5.0 V reference (buffered by AD8032), (2) AD7986's internal 4.096 V reference (enabled by jumper P12 = PDREF to GND), or (3) user-supplied external reference (applied to REF or VREF test points per jumper settings in Tables 3–6). BVDD must be set to 5 V when using the ADR435 or external 5 V source for optimal SNR.

Can the EVAL-AD7986EBZ evaluate other ADCs besides the AD7986?

Yes - the EVAL-AD7986EBZ is part of a shared platform supporting the AD7944 (14-bit, 2.5 MSPS) and AD7985 (16-bit, 2.5 MSPS) as well. Software selection and JP3 solder pad configuration determine device compatibility: JP3 top-to-middle enables AD7986 (differential), while bottom-to-middle configures for AD7944/AD7985 (single-ended). All share the same ADR435 reference, FPGA deserialization, and EVAL-CED1Z interface.

What software and OS versions are supported for the EVAL-AD7986EBZ?

The EVAL-AD7986EBZ uses Analog Devices' EVAL-PulSAR CED software, compatible with Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. It requires USB 2.0 connectivity and installs drivers automatically during setup. The software provides histogram, FFT (SNR/SINAD/THD/SFDR), decimation, and time-domain oscilloscope views - all calibrated for the AD7986's 18-bit twos-complement output format and 2 MSPS sampling rate.