Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ

Overview

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for a 3-channel programmable LED driver based on AD5686 (quad SPI DAC), ADA4500-2 (rail-to-rail op amp), and ADR4520 (2.048 V precision voltage reference), supporting up to ~1.5 A per channel with 2 Ω load, designed for precise digital lighting control in architectural and museum illumination systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ datasheet, EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ pinout, EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ application, or EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of multichannel current-controlled LED driving using SPI-configurable DAC outputs, op-amp-based voltage-to-current conversion, and low-noise reference stability - critical for tunable white and RGB lighting calibration.

Technical Context

The EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ implements a three-channel, voltage-controlled constant-current LED driver architecture where each AD5686 DAC output drives an ADA4500-2 op amp configured as a transconductance amplifier, with MOSFETs (not populated on board) completing the current sink path. Each channel uses a 2 Ω sense resistor for feedback.

It interfaces directly with the SDP (System Development Platform) via 12-pin FMC-compatible connector, accepting SPI commands (SCLK, MOSI, CS, SYNC) and providing analog outputs (VOUTA/B/C) and reference inputs (VREF). The board includes decoupling (1 µF, 0.1 µF, 2 µF), RC compensation networks, and test points for all critical nodes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural lighting control, museum display illumination, RGBW color mixing, and tunable-white LED system prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ 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.

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ belongs to Analog Devices' Circuit Note (CN) evaluation platform series, designed to demonstrate verified, application-specific signal chain solutions - here, focused on digitally programmable, linear LED current control for high-fidelity lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ evaluation board?

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ is a reference design board that demonstrates a 3-channel programmable LED driver using AD5686 DACs, ADA4500-2 op amps, and ADR4520 reference to achieve precise, SPI-controlled constant-current drive for architectural and display lighting. It does not include MOSFETs or LEDs - those are user-supplied and connected externally to the board's test points and terminals.

Which components are pre-installed on the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ board?

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ comes with AD5686 (16-bit quad SPI DAC), ADA4500-2 (dual rail-to-rail op amp, one used per channel), ADR4520 (2.048 V precision reference), all passive decoupling and compensation components (1 µF, 0.1 µF, 2 µF capacitors; 1 kΩ resistors), and the 12-pin FMC connector for SDP interface. MOSFETs, LEDs, and main power MOSFET drivers are not populated.

Does the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ support RGB or tunable-white LED configurations?

Yes - EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ supports RGB and tunable-white LED systems by delivering three independently programmable current outputs (VOUTA/B/C), each scalable via external MOSFET selection and sense resistor value. Its 16-bit DAC resolution and low-drift reference enable accurate chromaticity and CCT control when paired with calibrated LEDs.

What software and tools are required to operate the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ?

EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ requires Analog Devices' SDP controller (SDP-B or SDP-S), evaluation software (available on analog.com/cn0348), and the CN0348 User Guide. No custom firmware is needed - the board operates via standard SPI commands sent from the SDP GUI or Python scripts using the provided API libraries.

Can the EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ be used without the SDP platform?

No - EVAL-CN0348-SDPZ relies on the SDP's standardized 12-pin FMC interface for SPI communication, power, and synchronization signals. It lacks onboard microcontroller or USB interface. To use it standalone, users must replicate the SDP's pinout, timing, and command protocol using an FPGA or MCU with precise SPI timing control and level-shifting for 3.3 V logic.