Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADAU1966AZ

Overview

EVAL-ADAU1966AZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the ADAU1966A 16-channel, low-power, multibit sigma-delta DAC. It supports I²C/SPI control, S/PDIF and SDP digital audio interfaces, standalone mode configuration via jumpers, and delivers analog outputs via eight stereo TRS mini jacks. The board enables full performance validation of high-fidelity audio conversion in professional audio systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ datasheet, EVAL-ADAU1966AZ pinout, EVAL-ADAU1966AZ application, or EVAL-ADAU1966AZ equivalent, this page provides verified hardware setup guidance, jumper configuration details for MCLK/PLL/audio format selection, USBi interface integration, differential output modification steps, and power supply routing for accurate system-level DAC characterization.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADAU1966AZ implements a complete signal chain around the ADAU1966A, including on-board 12 V to 5 V switching regulator and 5 V to 3.3 V LDO, S/PDIF receiver (RCA + optical), and configurable clock routing via J5 jumpers for MCLK source selection (S/PDIF, SMA, active oscillator, or SDP interface). Standalone mode is enabled by JP21, with SA_MODE pins (42–45, 31–32) routed to accessible jumpers for master/slave, 256×/384×f_S, I²S/TDM, and TDM slot configuration.

Digital audio routing uses SN74LVC1G125 buffers and SN74LVCH8T245 level shifters to interface between USBi, SDP connectors, and the ADAU1966A's DSDATA1–8, DBCLK, and DLRCLK pins. Analog outputs are single-ended by default, with documented PCB modifications for differential operation per channel using discrete RC filters and biasing components.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADAU1966AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for professional audio equipment development, studio monitor design, and high-resolution DAC qualification requiring stable component supply and full-feature evaluation capability.

Supply support for EVAL-ADAU1966AZ 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.

The EVAL-ADAU1966AZ belongs to Analog Devices' audio evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-fidelity, low-noise audio systems using their precision DACs and SigmaDSP processors.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-ADAU1966AZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the ADAU1966A 16-channel, low-power, multibit sigma-delta DAC. It provides full access to all digital interfaces (S/PDIF, SDP, I²C, SPI), configurable clock routing, standalone mode jumpers, and analog output test points/jacks-enabling comprehensive performance testing, register-level control, and system integration validation of the ADAU1966A in real-world audio applications.

Does the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ support both I²C and SPI communication with the host PC?

Yes, the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ supports both I²C and SPI communication via the USBi interface board (EVAL-ADUSB2EBZ). Jumper configurations on JP10, JP12, and JP22 determine whether the ADAU1966A is assigned to I²C (address 00) or SPI mode. The Automated Register Window Builder software communicates over either protocol depending on these physical settings, and the board's level-shifting circuitry ensures compatibility with standard USBi signaling levels.

How is the master clock (MCLK) selected on the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ?

The master clock (MCLK) source on the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ is selected using jumper block J5, which routes one of four inputs to the ADAU1966A's MCLKI/XTALI pin: S/PDIF receiver output, SMA connector, on-board 12.288 MHz active oscillator (enabled via JP8), or SDP interface (requires JP6 shorted for MCLK buffer enable). The board ships with S/PDIF selected by default, generating a 256×f_S I²S stream for immediate startup.

Can the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ be used to evaluate differential analog outputs?

Yes, the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ can be modified for differential analog output operation. The board ships with single-ended outputs, but Figure 19 and the "Modification for Differential Output" section in UG-564 provide explicit instructions per channel: remove R6 (0 Ω), change R1 to 237 Ω, add R2 (237 Ω), C3 (10 µF), and R4 (49.9 kΩ). These changes convert each DACP/DACN pair into a balanced output stage with appropriate common-mode bias and filtering.

What power supply requirements does the EVAL-ADAU1966AZ have?

The EVAL-ADAU1966AZ requires a +12 V DC input (±10%) at the barrel jack, drawing approximately 150 mA at higher sample rates with all 16 channels active. On-board regulators generate 5 V (switching) and 3.3 V (LDO) rails. AVDD and IOVDD are internally connected via 0 Ω resistors (R170–R177) to allow current measurement or external supply injection. The 12 V input must be grounded, and the board supports desktop 12 V supplies only-not 24 V.