Evaluation Boards - Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AD9761-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD9761	3
AD9102-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD9102	0
EVAL-AD5420EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVALUATION FOR AD5420	1
AD9121-M5375-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	EVAL BOARD FOR AD9121 ADL5375	0
EVAL-AD5363EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVALUATION FOR AD5363	0
AKD4499 Asahi Kasei Microdevices / AKM Semiconductor	AK4499EQ EVALUATION BOARD	5
EVAL-AD5686RSDZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD5686R	13
DAC161S997EVM Texas Instruments	EVM MODULE FOR DAC161S997	1230
AD9742ACP-PCBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD9742ACP	1
AD9106-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD9106	0
EVAL-AD5504EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD EVAL FOR AD5504	3
EVAL-ADAU1966AZ Analog Devices, Inc.	EVAL BOARD 24BIT DAC ADAU1966A	1
AD9136-FMC-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	AD9136 EVALUATION BOARD W/ FMC C	2
MAX5217EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX5215/MAX5217	18
EVAL-AD5313RDBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	EVAL BOARD FOR AD5313R	0
DAC7573EVM Texas Instruments	EVALUATION MODULE FOR DAC7573	16
AD9162-FMCB-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	EVAL BOARD FOR AD9162	15
AD9164-FMCC-EBZ Analog Devices, Inc.	11X11 BGA MINI CIRCUITS AD9164 E	19
DAC3282EVM Texas Instruments	EVAL MODULE FOR DAC3282	310
DC1703A-B Analog Devices, Inc.	BOARD DAC LTC2655-16	1

Evaluation Boards - Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)

1. Overview

DAC Evaluation Boards are specialized hardware platforms designed to test and validate Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) performance in various applications. These boards convert digital signals to analog waveforms with precise control over parameters like resolution, sampling rate, and linearity. They play a critical role in developing systems requiring accurate signal generation, such as communication infrastructure, medical imaging, and industrial control systems.

2. Major Types & Functional Classification

Type	Key Features	Application Examples
Audio DAC Evaluation Boards	Low THD+N, 24-bit resolution, I2S interface	High-fidelity audio systems, studio equipment
High-Precision DAC Boards	16-24 bit resolution, 1 LSB INL/DNL, low drift	Test and measurement instruments, calibration devices
High-Speed DAC Evaluation Boards	12-bit resolution, >1 GSPS sampling rate, JESD204B interface	5G transmitters, radar systems, optical communication
Industrial DAC Evaluation Kits	4-20 mA output, industrial temperature range, EMC protection	PLC systems, process control valves

3. Structure & Components

Typical DAC Evaluation Board architecture includes:

DAC IC with protective circuitry
Microcontroller/FPGA for digital signal generation
Low-noise power supply regulation
Interface connectors (USB, SPI, I2C, JESD204B)
Onboard reference voltage sources
Debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD)
Expansion headers for peripheral integration

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description
Resolution	Number of bits (8-32 bits) determining dynamic range
Sampling Rate	Maximum output frequency (1 MSPS - 10 GSPS)
Integral Nonlinearity (INL)	Deviation from ideal transfer function ( 0.1-1 LSB)
Differential Nonlinearity (DNL)	Step size accuracy ( 0.1-1 LSB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)	Dynamic range measurement (60-100 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	Harmonic distortion level (-80 to -120 dBc)
Power Consumption	Operating current (10 mA - 1 A)

5. Application Domains

Primary application sectors include:

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, optical transceivers
Medical Equipment: MRI/CT scanners, patient monitoring systems
Industrial Automation: Precision actuators, sensor calibration tools
Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, VR headsets
Automotive: EV battery management systems, radar sensors

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Product Example	Key Specifications
Texas Instruments	DAC8830EVM	16-bit, 1 LSB INL, 10 MHz update rate
Analog Devices	AD9739ABCCZ	14-bit, 2500 MSPS, JESD204B interface
Maxim Integrated	MAX5134EVKIT	Dual 14-bit, 125 MSPS, LVDS interface
NXP Semiconductors	TEA5767HN	Audio DAC with RDS encoder, I2C control

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations for selection:

Match DAC resolution and sampling rate to application bandwidth requirements
Evaluate interface compatibility (SPI vs JESD204B vs I2C)
Verify power supply requirements and thermal management
Assess software ecosystem and development tools
Consider calibration features for precision applications
Check industrial/automotive certifications where applicable

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

Integration of DACs with FPGA fabric for adaptive systems
Development of 32-bit DACs with sub-ppm accuracy
Adoption of advanced packaging for multi-channel integration
Growing demand for radiation-hardened DACs in aerospace applications
Standardization of interface protocols for faster deployment