Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD976ACB

Overview

EVAL-AD976ACB from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the AD976A 16-bit, 200 kSPS BiCMOS analog-to-digital converter in SOIC package. It supports ±10 V analog input range, internal/external 2.5 V reference selection, parallel 16-bit binary two's complement interface, and operates from single +5 V supply. The board enables rapid prototyping of precision data acquisition systems for industrial instrumentation and automated test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD976ACB datasheet, EVAL-AD976ACB pinout, EVAL-AD976ACB application, or EVAL-AD976ACB equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, hardware configuration details, supported ADC variants (AD976A), interface timing validation, and direct integration guidance with DSP/microcontroller host systems.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD976ACB implements a complete signal chain interface for the AD976A ADC, including precision analog input conditioning with 200 Ω series resistor and 2.2 µF tantalum decoupling on REF/AGND1, dedicated AGND1/AGND2 separation, and buffered CAP node connection. It routes all 16 data lines (D0–D15), R/C, CS, BUSY, BYTE, and dual power rails (VANA/VDIG) to accessible headers.

Board-level design enforces strict analog/digital ground partitioning, provides test points for VIN, REF, CAP, and BUSY signals, and supports both internal reference operation (2.5 V ±20 mV) and external reference injection. Timing-critical signals are laid out with controlled impedance and minimal stub length to preserve 200 kSPS conversion integrity.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD976ACB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial instrumentation, automated test equipment, and precision data logging applications requiring stable component supply and validated reference design access.

Supply support for EVAL-AD976ACB 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 Wilmington, MA.

The EVAL-AD976ACB belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-fidelity, low-noise measurement systems using their BiCMOS ADC portfolio.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD976ACB evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD976ACB evaluation board is specifically designed to evaluate the AD976A 16-bit, 200 kSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform with proper analog signal conditioning, reference management, and parallel digital interface routing - enabling immediate validation of conversion accuracy, timing behavior, and system integration without custom PCB design. The EVAL-AD976ACB supports both internal and external reference configurations per AD976A datasheet specifications.

Which ADC variants are compatible with the EVAL-AD976ACB?

The EVAL-AD976ACB is configured for the AD976A (200 kSPS) in SOIC-28 package, as confirmed by its silk-screened labeling, SOIC-28 footprint, and documented support for AD976A-specific timing (t7 = 4.0 µs, throughput = 200 kHz). While mechanically similar to AD976 boards, the EVAL-AD976ACB is not validated for AD976 (100 kSPS) operation - its layout, decoupling, and timing margins are optimized for AD976A performance per Analog Devices' official documentation.

Does the EVAL-AD976ACB support external reference input?

Yes, the EVAL-AD976ACB supports external reference input via a dedicated REF header pin and onboard jumper configuration. When the jumper is set to "EXT," the board disconnects the internal 2.5 V reference and accepts an external 2.3–2.7 V reference source, maintaining full AD976A specification compliance for linearity and full-scale error. This allows users to evaluate system-level accuracy with higher-precision references or match existing system reference domains.

How is analog/digital ground separation implemented on the EVAL-AD976ACB?

The EVAL-AD976ACB implements strict analog/digital ground separation using physically isolated copper pours for AGND1 (reference ground), AGND2 (CAP buffer ground), and DGND (digital ground), joined at a single-point star ground near the ADC's ground pins. This matches the AD976A's dual-analog-ground architecture and prevents digital switching noise from corrupting analog measurements - critical for achieving specified 85 dB S/(N+D) and <±2 LSB INL performance.

Can the EVAL-AD976ACB be used with microcontrollers or DSPs directly?

Yes, the EVAL-AD976ACB provides direct 0.1" header access to all AD976A control and data signals - including R/C, CS, BUSY, BYTE, D0–D15, and power rails - enabling seamless connection to microcontrollers or DSPs with parallel I/O capability. Its timing-compliant layout ensures reliable 200 kSPS data capture when interfaced with standard GPIO or memory-mapped peripherals, provided host firmware adheres to AD976A's BUSY-driven read protocol and minimum pulse width requirements.