Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD79X8CBZ

Overview

EVAL-AD79X8CBZ from Analog Devices is a full-featured evaluation kit for the AD7908 (8-bit), AD7918 (10-bit), and AD7928 (12-bit) 8-channel, 1 MSPS SAR ADCs. It provides on-board analog buffering, dual voltage references (AD780 and REF192), dual/quad op amps (AD712/AD713), and configurable link options for flexible signal conditioning and interface control.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD79X8CBZ datasheet, EVAL-AD79X8CBZ pinout, EVAL-AD79X8CBZ application, or EVAL-AD79X8CBZ equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of high-speed multichannel data acquisition in test benches, sensor interface prototyping, and precision analog front-end development - with standalone operation or integration via the 96-way edge connector to EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD79X8CBZ implements a modular analog signal path: eight BNC-input channels (VIN0–VIN7) feed into bias-up circuits for bipolar input support, then route through AD713 quad op amps (configurable via LK1–LK8) before reaching the socketed ADC. Reference selection (REF192 or AD780) is controlled by LK11, with AD780 output set to 2.5 V (LK16 removed) or 3.0 V (LK16 inserted).

Interface flexibility is achieved via 28 configurable links (LK1–LK28) and external SMB sockets for SCLK, CS, DIN, DOUT, REFIN, and VDRIVE. The 96-way edge connector (J1) delivers serial control signals (SCLK, DT/DR, TFS0/RFS0), ±12 V, AVDD, DGND, and AGND - enabling direct connection to EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2 or custom host systems.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD79X8CBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition validation, mixed-signal test bench setup, and SAR ADC performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-AD79X8CBZ 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 kit belongs to Analog Devices' precision data conversion product line, designed specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs in industrial, instrumentation, and medical applications.

FAQ

What ADC devices does the EVAL-AD79X8CBZ support?

The EVAL-AD79X8CBZ supports three pin-compatible ADCs: AD7908 (8-bit), AD7918 (10-bit), and AD7928 (12-bit), all in TSSOP-16 packages. Each device shares identical serial interface timing, control register structure, and channel sequencing capability - allowing direct socket replacement without hardware modification. The EVAL-AD79X8CBZ ships with one sample of each ADC pre-installed in its packaging.

Does EVAL-AD79X8CBZ require the EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2 to operate?

No - EVAL-AD79X8CBZ can operate as a standalone board using external supplies (2.7–5 V for EXT_VDD, ±12 V for op amps, and 2.7–5 V for VDRIVE) and external control signals applied via SMB sockets (SCLK, CS, DIN, DOUT, REFIN). Link settings (e.g., LK9/LK10/LK12/LK13/LK14/LK15/LK17/LK18) must be configured to "B" or "external" positions to enable standalone mode per Table 1.

How is analog input range configured on EVAL-AD79X8CBZ?

Analog input range is determined by reference selection (LK11) and bias-up circuit configuration. With LK11 in Position B, AD780 supplies 2.5 V to REFIN, setting a 0–2.5 V unipolar input range. Bipolar operation (±10 V) is enabled by connecting external signals to J4/J7 (bias-up inputs) and routing outputs J6/J8 to VIN0–VIN7 - with gain and offset set by onboard resistor networks per schematic Figures 6–7.

What software tools are included with EVAL-AD79X8CBZ?

EVAL-AD79X8CBZ includes PC software for Windows that communicates with the EVAL-CONTROL-BRD2 to configure sampling parameters, acquire data, and perform real-time analysis. Features include digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) display, fast Fourier transform (FFT) for SNR/THD calculation, histogram mode for INL/DNL assessment, and raw/binary/FFT data export - all driven by device-specific configuration files (AD7908.cfg, AD7918.cfg, AD7928.cfg).

Can EVAL-AD79X8CBZ evaluate differential input configurations?

No - EVAL-AD79X8CBZ is designed exclusively for single-ended analog inputs across VIN0–VIN7. The AD7908/AD7918/AD7928 ADCs themselves do not support true differential input modes; they feature pseudo-differential operation where one channel serves as reference for another, but the evaluation board's signal path (including bias-up circuits and op amp routing) is optimized for single-ended source connection via BNC jacks.