Analog Devices: EVAL-AD9838SDZ Evaluation Board for the AD9838 Direct Digital Synthesis

Kit Overview

The EVAL-AD9838SDZEVAL-AD9838SDZ  Evaluation board is used in conjunction with a EVAL-SDP-CB1ZEVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP-B System Development Platform board (sold separately) available from Analog Devices, Inc and software allowing the AD9838AD9838 to be controlled from a SDP-B board. The USB-to-SPI communication to the AD9838 is completed using this Blackfin-based development board. A high performance, on-board 16 MHz trimmed general oscillator is available to use as the master clock for the AD9838 system. Various links and SMB connectors are also available on the EVAL-AD9838SDZ board to maximize usability.

The AD9838AD9838 is a 16 MHz low power DDS device capable of producing high performance sine and triangular outputs. It also has an on-board comparator that allows a square wave to be produced for clock generation. Consuming only 20 mW of power at 3 V makes the AD9838 an ideal candidate for power-sensitive applications.

The AD9838AD9838 is written to via a 3-wire serial interface. This serial interface operates at clock rates up to 40 MHz and is compatible with DSP and microcontroller standards. The AD9838 has a power-down pin (SLEEP) that allows external control of the power-down mode. Sections of the device that are not being used can be powered down to minimize current consumption. For example, the DAC can be powered down when a clock output is being generated.

Key Applications: Frequency stimulus/waveform generation, Frequency phase tuning and modulation, Low power RF/communications systems, Liquid and gas flow measurement, Sensory applications: proximity, motion, and defect detection, Test and medical equipment