Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-AD977CB

Overview

EVAL-AD977CB from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the AD977/AD977A 16-bit, 100 kSPS/200 kSPS BiCMOS successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter. It supports both AD977 (100 kSPS) and AD977A (200 kSPS) variants in 20-lead SOIC and 28-lead SSOP packages, features single 5 V supply operation, 100 mW max power dissipation, and configurable unipolar (0 V–10 V) or bipolar (±10 V) input ranges - enabling rapid prototyping for precision data acquisition in industrial process control systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-AD977CB datasheet, EVAL-AD977CB pinout, EVAL-AD977CB application, or EVAL-AD977CB equivalent, this board provides full access to the AD977/AD977A's high-speed serial interface, internal 2.5 V reference, on-chip clock, and dual-clock mode (internal/external DATACLK), with documented support for SYNC frame synchronization, TAG daisy-chaining, and power-down mode verification.

Technical Context

The EVAL-AD977CB implements a complete test platform for the AD977/AD977A ADC, including precision analog signal conditioning circuitry, decoupled 5 V analog/digital power domains (VANA/VDIG), and configurable jumpers for R1IN/R2IN/R3IN input range selection per Table 8 of the datasheet. It exposes all 20 or 28 pins of the target IC via test points and headers, supporting both internal clock mode (EXT/INT = LOW) and external clock mode (EXT/INT = HIGH) with SYNC output generation.

Board-level design incorporates a 2.2 µF tantalum capacitor at CAP and REF pins as required for stable internal reference buffering, accommodates external 2.3 V–2.7 V references, and maintains strict AGND1/AGND2/DGND separation per Analog Devices' grounding recommendations to preserve ±3 LSB INL and 83 dB SNR performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-AD977CB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, automated test equipment (ATE), and precision sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term evaluation board availability, and traceable sourcing for legacy BiCMOS ADC validation.

Supply support for EVAL-AD977CB 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and control applications.

The EVAL-AD977CB belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-accuracy, low-power 16-bit ADC systems in industrial automation and test instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-AD977CB evaluation board?

The EVAL-AD977CB evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the AD977 and AD977A 16-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converters. It enables engineers to verify key performance parameters-including 100 kSPS/200 kSPS throughput, ±3 LSB integral linearity, 83 dB SNR, and bipolar/unipolar input range configuration-under real-world conditions using either internal or external clocking modes. The EVAL-AD977CB provides full pin access, reference flexibility, and proper grounding to reproduce datasheet specifications.

Which AD977/AD977A package types does the EVAL-AD977CB support?

The EVAL-AD977CB supports both the 20-lead SOIC (R) and 28-lead SSOP (RS) packages of the AD977 and AD977A. The board includes dual footprints with matching pad layouts, test points, and routing optimized for each package's pinout and thermal characteristics as specified in the AD977/AD977A Rev. E datasheet Figures 3 and 4. This allows direct socketing or soldering of either variant without modification to the EVAL-AD977CB board.

Does the EVAL-AD977CB support external reference voltage sources?

Yes, the EVAL-AD977CB supports external reference voltage sources in the 2.3 V–2.7 V range, as specified for the AD977/AD977A. The board provides dedicated header pins and jumper options to disconnect the internal 2.5 V reference and route an external reference to the REF pin while maintaining the required 2.2 µF tantalum capacitor between REF and AGND2. This enables evaluation of system-level accuracy trade-offs when using precision external references.

How does the EVAL-AD977CB implement SYNC and TAG functionality for multi-device configurations?

The EVAL-AD977CB exposes both SYNC and TAG signals directly to test points and headers, enabling validation of daisy-chained ADC configurations. When EXT/INT = HIGH, the board routes SYNC as a frame-synchronization pulse synchronized to the external DATACLK, and TAG as a user-controllable logic level that appears on DATA after 16–17 clock periods - allowing time-aligned readout of conversion results from multiple EVAL-AD977CB boards sharing a single DATA bus.

Can the EVAL-AD977CB be used to verify power-down mode behavior of the AD977/AD977A?

Yes, the EVAL-AD977CB includes direct access to the PWRD pin and associated circuitry to verify the AD977/AD977A's 50 µW power-down mode. With PWRD asserted HIGH, the board maintains the last conversion result in the on-chip shift register while reducing supply current to specification limits. Current measurement test points allow validation of analog/digital supply current reduction under PWRD control, confirming recovery time of ≤1 ms after exit from power-down as stated in the AD977/AD977A datasheet Table 1.