Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD974CB

Overview

EVAL-AD974CB from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the AD974 4-channel, 16-bit, 200 kSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC), designed to demonstrate high-accuracy data acquisition performance with ±10 V, 0 V to +4 V, or 0 V to +5 V selectable input ranges per channel. It supports both serial and parallel buffered 16-bit outputs, integrates an AD780 +2.5 V precision reference and AD845 signal conditioning op amp, and interfaces directly with the EVAL-CONTROL BOARD via a 96-pin DIN connector for DSP and data acquisition system validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD974CB datasheet, EVAL-AD974CB pinout, EVAL-AD974CB application, or EVAL-AD974CB equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of ADC linearity (INL/DNL), SNR, THD, and code transition noise using included DOS-based PC software - critical for industrial sensor interfacing, precision instrumentation, and embedded data acquisition prototyping where resolution stability and flexible analog input configuration are required.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD974CB implements a four-layer PCB layout with segregated analog and digital ground planes to preserve 16-bit resolution, supporting independent jumper-configurable input ranges across all four channels. It incorporates on-board clock generation (74HC190 at 200 kHz), dual 8-bit shift registers (U4/U5) for parallel output buffering, and SMB/BNC connectors for low-noise analog inputs and external timing signals.

Power architecture includes three isolated supply domains: +5 V for AD974 VANA/VDIG pins (P1), +5 V for digital interface circuitry (P2), and ±12 V for analog signal conditioning (P3), each decoupled with 10 µF tantalum and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors. Jumper-controlled R/C, CS, WR1, WR2, EXT/INT, and PWRD signals allow full functional validation of the AD974's serial/parallel interface modes and power-down behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD974CB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision instrumentation, industrial sensor data acquisition, embedded test equipment, and academic research requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs for high-resolution ADC evaluation.

Supply support for EVAL-AD974CB 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 deep expertise in precision data conversion and signal conditioning.

The EVAL-AD974CB belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation board product line, specifically engineered to accelerate development and validation of the AD974 data-acquisition system in applications demanding 16-bit accuracy, multi-range analog input flexibility, and seamless host interface integration.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD974CB?

The EVAL-AD974CB is an evaluation board designed exclusively to characterize and validate the AD974 4-channel, 16-bit, 200 kSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides hardware infrastructure-including jumper-configurable input ranges, on-board reference and signal conditioning, parallel/serial output interfaces, and EVAL-CONTROL BOARD compatibility-to enable comprehensive performance testing of the AD974 in real system contexts. The EVAL-AD974CB itself contains no ADC; it hosts and exercises the AD974 IC.

Does the EVAL-AD974CB include the AD974 IC, or must it be purchased separately?

The EVAL-AD974CB evaluation board ships with the AD974 IC pre-mounted and factory-configured for ±10 V input range operation. No separate purchase of the AD974 is required to begin evaluation. All necessary passive components, buffers, reference, and clock generation circuitry are integrated on the board, making the EVAL-AD974CB a complete, ready-to-use platform for immediate functional and dynamic performance analysis.

Which software is provided with the EVAL-AD974CB, and what analyses does it support?

The EVAL-AD974CB includes DOS-based PC software that runs on 386+ systems with ≥500 kB base RAM. It supports three core analyses: Setup (channel selection, input range, sample rate, sample count), Histogram (code distribution, mean, standard deviation for DC inputs), and FFT (SNR, SNRD, THD). This software communicates via the EVAL-CONTROL BOARD and requires MS-DOS mode on Windows 95; it does not run natively under Windows 3.x or later GUI environments.

Can the EVAL-AD974CB operate without the EVAL-CONTROL BOARD?

Yes, the EVAL-AD974CB can operate as a stand-alone evaluation board using externally applied control signals (via 20-pin IDC connector P4) and external clock sources (via BNC connectors J1, J2, J5). It supports internal clock generation (200 kHz from U6) and configurable R/C, CS, WR1/WR2 logic states via onboard jumpers. However, full software functionality and automated data capture require connection to the EVAL-CONTROL BOARD.

What power supplies are required to operate the EVAL-AD974CB?

The EVAL-AD974CB requires three independent power domains: a +5 V supply for AD974 VANA/VDIG pins (connector P1), a +5 V supply for digital interface circuitry (P2), and ±12 V supplies for analog signal conditioning op amps (P3). All supplies are decoupled with 10 µF tantalum and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors. When used with the EVAL-CONTROL BOARD, P1/P2/P3 voltages are sourced from its 96-pin connector, eliminating need for external bench supplies.