ANALOG DEVICES EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ 4 Channel Evaluation Board User Guide

User Guide | EVAL-AD7386-4
UG-2168
Evaluating the AD7386-4 Family, 4-Channel, Simultaneous Sampling, Successive Approximation ADCs

FEATURES

• Full featured evaluation board multichannel, simultaneous sampling ADC
• On-board reference, reference buffer, and ADC driver
• On-board power supplies
• Board-compatible, high-speed system demonstration platform (SDP-H1) controller
• PC software for control and data analysis

EVALUATION KIT CONTENTS

• EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ evaluation board
• Instructions to download software

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• EVAL-SDP-CH1Z
• Signal source
• PC running Windows®
  Vista SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 7
  SP1 (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit), or Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit) with a USB 2.0 port

ONLINE RESOURCES

• AD7386-4 data sheet
• ACE evaluation software
• AD738x ACE plug-in
• AD7386-4 schematic
• AD7386-4 bill of materials (BOM)

EVALUATION BOARD CONNECTION DIAGRAM

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ is a full featured evaluation board that evaluates all features of the AD7386-4 analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The evaluation board can be controlled by the EVAL-SDPCH1Z via the 160-way system demonstration platform (SDP) connector, J4. The EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board controls the evaluation board through the USB port of a PC using the analysis, control, evaluation (ACE) software, which is available for download from the ACE software page.
Complete specifications for the AD7386-4 is provided in the AD7386-4 data sheet. Consult these specifications in conjunction with this user guide when using the evaluation board. Full details on the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z are available on the  SDP-H1 product page. The comprehensive ACE user guide is available on the ACE software page.
The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ can evaluate the AD7387-4 and the AD7388-4 by using the AD738x-4 ACE plugin found on the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ product page. The only difference is the number of SCLKs that clock out the conversion  results, which is dependent on the resolution and throughput rate for each generic. Figure1 shows the typical setup of the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ board. The setup for the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ board is the same as the EVAL-AD7380- 4FMCZ setup.

EVALUATION BOARD QUICK START GUIDE

The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ is powered by the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board by default. External power supplies can be applied. See Table 1 for a description of the connectors and Table 2 for the link configuration required. To evaluate the AD7386-4, take the following steps:

1. Download and install the ACE software, available on the AD7386-4 product page. Details of this installation are available on the internal label of the evaluation board box. Ensure that the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board is disconnected  from the USB port of the PC while installing the software. The PC may need to be restarted after the installation.
2. Ensure that the link options are configured as detailed in Table 2.
3. Connect the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board to the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ, as shown in Figure 2.
4. Connect the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board to the PC via the USB cable. Choose to automatically search for the drivers for the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board if prompted by the operating system.
5. Start the ACE evaluation software from the ACE subfolder in the Analog Devices folder in the All Programs menu in Windows.
6. Connect an input signal to Channel A or Channel B.

EVALUATION BOARD HARDWARE

QUAD CHANNEL AD738X-4 FAMILY DESCRIPTION
The 16-bit AD7386-4 is a quad, simultaneous sampling, highspeed, low power, successive approximation ADC that operates from a 3.3 V power supply and features a throughput rate of 4 MSPS. The analog input type is single-ended for  the AD7386-4.
The AD7386-4 can accept a wide common-mode input voltage and is sampled and converted on the falling edge of CS.
The AD738x-4 quad channel family of generics has an optional, integrated, on- chip oversampling block to improve dynamic range and reduce noise at lower bandwidths. An internal 2.5 V reference is included on the device. Alternatively,  an external reference up to 3.3 V can be used.
The conversion process and data acquisition use standard control inputs, that allow easy interfacing to microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs). The AD738x-4 quad channel family of generics is compatible with 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V interfaces using the separate logic supply.
The AD738x-4 quad channel family of generics is available in a 24-lead, 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package with operation specified from −40°C to +125°C.
POWER SUPPLIES
Ensure that all link positions are set according to the required operating mode before applying power and signals to the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ. See Table 2 for the complete list of link options.
The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ is powered by the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board by default. External power supplies can be applied to the  board. See Table 1 for a description of the connectors used and Table 2 for the link configurations required.

Table 1. Optional External Power Supplies

regulators
GND| P4-2| 0 V| Ground
VCC| P5-1| 3.0 V to 3.6 V| ADC analog power supply
GND| P5-2| 0 V| Ground
VLOGIC| P5-3| 1.65 V to 3.6 V| Digital serial peripheral input power supply
AMP_PWR+| P6-1| 5 V, ±5%| Amplifier positive power supply
GND| P6-2| 0 V| Ground
AMP_PWR−| P6-3| −2.5 V, ±5%| Amplifier negative power supply

LINK CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
Multiple link options must be set correctly to select the appropriate operating setup before using the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ. The functions of these options are detailed in Table 2.

SETUP CONDITIONS
Ensure that all link positions are set as required by the selected operating mode before applying power and signals to the evaluation board. Table 2 shows the default positions of the links when the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ is packaged.

Table 2. Link Options for EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ

Connector J1 to the A1 buffer amplifier.
JP2| AINA−| 1 (SMD resistor)| Connect internal signal from A2 to ADC U10 Input AINA−.
JP3| AINA+| 1 (SMD resistor)| Connect internal signal from A2 to ADC U10 Input AINA+.
JP4| REFIO| 3 (SMD resistor)| The REFIO pin is driven with the external on- board reference.
JP5| VCC| 1| Use internal 3.3 V from U2 for VCC.
JP6| AINA+| 1 (SMD resistor)| Connect external SMB Connector J2 to the A1 buffer amplifier.

SMD resistor is a surface-mount device resistor.

EVALUATION BOARD CIRCUITRY
Sockets and Connectors
The connectors and sockets on the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ are described in Table 3.
The default interface to this evaluation board is via the 160-way connector, which connects the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ to the EVALSDP-CH1Z. If the EVAL- AD7386-4FMCZ is used in standalone mode, communication is achieved via the  P3 header pins.

Test Points
There are several test points and single in-line (SIL) headers on the EVAL- AD7386-4FMCZ. These test points provide access to the signals from the evaluation board for probing, evaluation, and debugging.

Table 3. On-Board Connectors

(LPC) connector
EXT_REF| External voltage reference

EVALUATION BOARD SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
Download the ACE evaluation software from the AD7386-4 product page and install on a PC before using the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ evaluation board.
There are two steps to the installation process as follows:

1. ACE evaluation software installation
2. EVAL-SDP-CH1Z driver installation

WARNING
The evaluation board software and drivers must be installed before connecting the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z to the USB port of the PC to ensure that the evaluation system is properly recognized when it is  connected to the PC.
INSTALLING THE ACE EVALUATION
SOFTWARE
To install the ACE evaluation software, take the following steps:

1. Download the ACE evaluation software to a Windows-based PC.

2. Double click the ACEInstall.exe file to begin the installation.
   By default, the software is saved to the following location:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Analog Devices\ACE.

3. A dialog box appears asking for permission to allow the program to make changes to the PC. Click Yes to begin the installation process.

4. Click Next > to continue the installation, as shown in Figure 4.

5. Read the license and click I Agree.

6. Choose the install location and click Next >.

7. The components to install are preselected. Click Install.

8. The Windows Security window appears. Click Install.

9. The installation is in progress. No action is required.

10. When the installation is complete, click Next >, and then click Finish to complete.

EVALUATION BOARD SETUP PROCEDURES
The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ connects to the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z. The EVAL-SDP-CH1Z is the controller board, which is the communication link between the PC and the EVAL- AD7386-4FMCZ. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the connections  between the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ evaluation board and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z.

After following the instructions in the Software Installation Procedures section, set up the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z as detailed in the Connecting the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z to a PC  section.
The evaluation software and drivers must be installed before connecting the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z to the USB port of the PC. Installing the software and drivers prior to connection ensures that the evaluation system is recognized when it is connected to the PC.
CONNECTING THE EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ AND THE EVAL-SDP-CH1Z TO A PC To connect the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z kit to a PC, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that all configuration links are in the appropriate positions, as detailed in Table 2.

2. Connect the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ board securely to the 160way connector on the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z.
   The EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ board does not require an external power supply adapter.

3. Connect the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board to the PC via the USB cable enclosed in the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z kit.

VERIFYING THE BOARD CONNECTION
To verify that the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z is connected properly, follow these steps:

1. Allow Found New Hardware Wizard to run after the EVALSDP-CH1Z board is plugged into the PC. Choose to automatically search for the drivers for the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z board if prompted by the operating system.
2. Confirm that the evaluation board is connected to the PC correctly using the Device Manager window. A dialog box may appear asking for permission to allow the program to make changes to the computer. Click Yes. The Computer  Management window appears. From the list labeled System Tools, click Device Manager.
3. If the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z driver software is installed and the board is connected to the PC correctly, Analog Devices SDPH1 appears nested under ADI Development Tools in the Device Manager window, as shown in Figure 11.

DISCONNECTING THE EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ
Always disconnect the 12 V DC wall wart power supply from the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z or press the reset tact switch located alongside the Mini-USB port before removing the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ evaluation board.

AD7386-4 EVALUATION SOFTWARE OPERATION
LAUNCHING THE SOFTWARE
After the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ and EVAL-SDP-CH1Z boards are correctly connected to the PC, start the ACE evaluation software.

1. From the Start menu, select All Programs > Analog Devices > ACE > ACE.exe, which opens the window shown in Figure 12.
2. If the EVAL-AD7386-4FMCZ evaluation board is not connected to the USB port via the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z when the software is launched, the AD7386-4 Eval  Board icon does not appear in the Attached Hardware section. Connect the EVALAD7386-4FMCZ and the EVAL-SDP-CH1Z to the USB port of the PC and wait a few seconds, and then follow the instructions that appear in the dialogue box.
3. Double click the AD7386-4 Eval Board icon to view the window shown in Figure 13.
4. Double click the AD7386-4 chip icon to access the window shown in Figure 14.
5. Click Software Defaults, and then click Apply Changes.

AD7386-4 EVALUATION SOFTWARE OPERATION

DESCRIPTION OF CHIP VIEW
After completing the steps in the Software Installation Procedures section and the Evaluation Board Setup Procedures section, set up the system for data capture.

1. The dark blue block icons are programmable. Clicking a dark blue block icon opens a configurable pop-up window that allows customization for the data capture, as shown in the chip view in Figure 15.
2. Type the value of reference voltage in the Reference Voltage box when the external reference is selected. The default value for the external reference is set to 3.3 V, and 2.5 V for the internal reference.
   

DESCRIPTION OF MEMORY MAP WINDOW
Click Proceed to Memory Map in the chip view to open the window shown in Figure 16. The memory map shows all registers of the AD7386-4.
APPLY CHANGES
The registers are in default values when powered up. To implement the values changed in all of the registers, click Apply Changes to write to the registers.
APPLY SELECTED
To implement changes for a selected register when the values of every register have been changed, click Apply Selected to write the new value on the selected register to the AD7386-4.
READ ALL
Clicking Read All results in a read of the values of all the registers from the chip.
READ SELECTED
Clicking Read Selected results in a read of the values of the selected register from the chip.
RESET CHIP
Clicking Reset Chip causes the software to reset the AD7386-4. DIFF
Clicking Diff checks for differences in register values between software and chip.
SOFTWARE DEFAULTS
To revert the register values back to their defaults, click Software Defaults, and then click Apply Changes to write to the AD7386-4.

DESCRIPTION OF ANALYSIS WINDOW
Click Proceed to Analysis in the chip view to open the window, as shown in Figure 17. The analysis view contains the Waveform tab, the Histogram tab, and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) tab.
WAVEFORM TAB
The Waveform tab displays data in the form of time vs. discrete data values with the results, as shown in Figure 18. The CAPTURE pane contains capture settings, which are updated in the registers automatically before data capture.
Capture
General Capture Settings
The Sample Count list allows the user to select the number of samples per channel per capture.
The SPI Frequency list allows the user to select the SPI clock frequency used to transfer data between the FPGA device and the AD7386-4 during device register reads and writes and during data capture. This frequency must be set relatively higher than the set throughput rate.
The user can type the input sample frequency in kSPS in the Sampling Frequency(ksps) box. Refer to the AD7386-4 data sheet to determine the maximum sampling frequency for the selected mode.
Device Settings The Over Sampling Ratio list, when enabled, can be set between 2 and 32 and provides improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance. Refer to the AD7386-4 data sheet to determine the maximum oversampling ratio  for the selected oversampling mode.
Select 18-bit resolution to enter 18-bit resolution mode. The resolution boost is used in conjunction with the oversampling rate to provide two extra bits of resolution.
The Over Sampling Mode list allows the user to select the mode of oversampling. This setting is only applicable when oversampling is enabled.
Run Once Click Run Once to start a data capture of the samples at the sample rate specified in the Sample Count list. These samples are stored on the FPGA device and are only transferred to the PC when the sample frame is complete.
Run Continuously
Click Run Continuously to start a data capture that gathers samples continuously with one batch of data at a time.
Consequently, the Run Once operation runs continuously.
Results
Display Channels
Display channels, Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and Channel D, allow the user to select the channels to capture. The channel data is shown only if that channel is selected before the capture.
Waveform Results Waveform Results displays amplitude, sample frequency, and noise analysis data for the selected channels. Export Capture Data Click Export to export the captured data. The waveform, histogram, and FFT data are stored in .xml files along with the values of parameters at capture.
Waveform Graph
The Waveform graph data shows each successive sample of the ADC output. The user can zoom and pan the waveform using the embedded waveform tools. The channels to display can be selected in Display Channels.
Display Units and Axis Controls Click the Display Units  dropdown list to select whether the data graph displays in units of hex, volts, or codes. The axis controls are dynamic.
When selecting either y-scale dynamic or x-scale dynamic, the corresponding axis width automatically adjusts to show the entire range of the ADC results after each batch of samples.

HISTOGRAM TAB
The Histogram tab contains the histogram graph and the results pane, as shown in Figure 19.
Results
The RESULTS pane displays the information related to the DC performance.

Histogram Graph
The Histogram graph displays the number of hits per code within the sampled data. This graph is useful for DC analysis and indicates the noise performance of the device.

FFT TAB
Figure 20 shows the FFT tab, which displays FFT information for the last batch of samples gathered.

Analysis
General Settings
The General Capture Settings pane in Figure 17 allows the user to set up the preferred configuration of the FFT analysis, including how many tones are analyzed. The fundamental is set manually.
Windowing
The Windowing pane allows the user to select the windowing type used in the FFT analysis, the number of harmonic bins, and the number of fundamental bins that must be included.
Single Tone Analysis and Two Tone Analysis
The Single Tone Analysis and Two Tone Analysis panes allow the user to select the fundamental frequency included in the FFT analysis. Use Two Tone Analysis when there are two frequencies that must be analyzed.

Results
Signal
The Signal pane displays the sample frequency, fundamental frequency, and fundamental power.
Noise
The Noise pane displays the SNR and other noise performance results.
Distortion
The Distortion pane displays the harmonic content of the sampled signal and DC power when viewing the FFT analysis.
EXITING THE SOFTWARE
To exit the software, click File and then click Exit.

ESD Caution
ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Charged devices and circuit boards can discharge without detection. Although this product features patented or proprietary protection circuitry, damage may occur on devices subjected to  high energy ESD. Therefore, proper ESD precautions should be taken to avoid performance degradation or loss of functionality.
Legal Terms and Conditions
By using the evaluation board discussed herein (together with any tools, components documentation or support materials, the “Evaluation Board”), you are agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth below (“Agreement”)  unless you have purchased the Evaluation Board, in which case the Analog Devices Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale shall govern. Do not use the Evaluation Board until you have read and agreed to the Agreement. Your use of the  Evaluation Board shall signify your acceptance of the Agreement. This Agreement is made by and between you (“Customer”) and Analog Devices, Inc. (“ADI”), with its principal place of business at Subject to the terms and conditions of  the Agreement, ADI hereby grants to Customer a free, limited, personal, temporary, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable license to use the Evaluation Board FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES ONLY. Customer understands  and agrees that the Evaluation Board is provided for the sole and exclusive purpose referenced above, and agrees not to use the Evaluation Board for any other purpose. Furthermore, the license granted is expressly made subject to the  following additional limitations: Customer shall not (i) rent, lease, display, sell, transfer, assign, sublicense, or distribute the Evaluation Board; and (ii) permit any Third Party to access the Evaluation Board. As used herein, the term  “Third Party” includes any entity other than ADI, Customer, their employees, affiliates and in-house consultants. The Evaluation Board is NOT sold to Customer; all rights not expressly granted herein, including ownership of the  Evaluation Board, are reserved by ADI. CONFIDENTIALITY. This Agreement and the Evaluation Board shall all be considered the confidential and proprietary information of ADI. Customer may not disclose or transfer any portion of the  Evaluation Board to any other party for any reason. Upon discontinuation of use of the Evaluation Board or termination of this Agreement, Customer agrees to promptly return the Evaluation Board to ADI. ADDITIONAL  RESTRICTIONS. Customer may not disassemble,  decompile or reverse engineer chips on the Evaluation Board. Customer shall inform ADI of any occurred damages or any modifications or alterations it makes to the Evaluation Board,  including but not limited to soldering or any other activity that affects the material content of the Evaluation Board. Modifications to the Evaluation Board must comply with applicable law, including but not limited to the RoHS Directive.  TERMINATION. ADI may terminate this Agreement at any time upon giving written notice to Customer. Customer agrees to return to ADI the Evaluation Board at that time. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. THE EVALUATION  BOARD PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ADI MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO IT. ADI SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATIONS,  ENDORSEMENTS, GUARANTEES, OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATED TO THE EVALUATION BOARD INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. IN NO EVENT WILL ADI AND ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR  CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM CUSTOMER’S POSSESSION OR USE OF THE EVALUATION BOARD, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DELAY COSTS, LABOR COSTS OR LOSS OF   GOODWILL.
ADI’S TOTAL LIABILITY FROM ANY AND ALL CAUSES SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS ($100.00). EXPORT. Customer agrees that it will not directly or indirectly export the Evaluation  Board to another country, and that it will comply with all applicable United States federal laws and regulations relating to exports. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the  substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding conflict of law rules). Any legal action regarding this Agreement will be heard in the state or federal courts having jurisdiction in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and  Customer hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement and is expressly disclaimed.

****©2023 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
One Analog Way, Wilmington, MA 01887-2356, U.S.A.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>