Analog Devices EVAL-AD9081 - User Manual

EVAL-AD9081/EVAL-AD9082/EVAL-AD9986/EVAL-AD9988
User Guide
UG-1829
One Technology Way • P. O. Box 9106 • Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A. • Te l: 781.329.4700 • Fax: 781.461.3113 • www.analog.com
Evaluating the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 Mixed Signal, Front-End RF
Transceiver
PLEASE SEE THE LAST PAGE FOR AN IMPORTANT
WARNING AND LEGAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Rev. 0 | Page 1 of 26
FEATURES
Fully functional evaluation boards for the AD9081, AD9082,
AD9986, AD9988, AD9207, AD9209, or AD9177
PC software for control with analysis, control, evaluate (ACE)
software
On-board clocking provided by the HMC7044 manages
device and FPGA clocking
Option to switch to external direct clocking
EVALUATION KIT CONTENTS
AD9081-FMCA-EBZ, AD9082-FMCA-EBZ, AD9986-FMCB-EBZ,
or AD9988-FMCB-EBZ evaluation boards
Subminiature push on female (SMP-F) to Subminiature
Version A female (SMA-F) cables (for only the AD908x-
FMCA-EBZ boards)
MicroSD cards
AD-FMC-SDCARD
ADS9V2-UZSD-MXFE
ADDITIONAL HARDWARE NEEDED
ADS9-V2EBZ FPGA-based data capture board
Signal generator for analog input
Spectrum analyzer (to measure DAC output)
SMA cable
SMA female to female adapter (optional)
Ethernet to USB adapter (optional)
PC with USB port and Ethernet port
Windows 7 or newer operating system
SOFTWARE NEEDED
Analysis, control, evaluate (ACE) software
DPGDownloaderLite software (included in ACE installation)
WinSCP (or similar Telnet software)
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, AD9988, AD9207, AD9209, or
AD9177 data sheet
ADS9-V2EBZ user guide
ACE software documentation
Serial Control Interface Standard (Rev 1.0)
AN-835, Understanding High Speed ADC Testing and
Evaluation
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This user guide describes the AD9081-FMCA-EBZ, AD9082-
FMCA-EBZ, AD9986-FMCB-EBZ, and AD9988-FMCB-EBZ
evaluation boards, which provide all of the support circuitry
required to operate the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, AD9988,
AD9207, AD9209, or AD9177 in their various modes and
configurations. The application software used to interface with
the devices is also described. These evaluation boards connect
to the Analog Devices, Inc., ADS9-V2EBZ for evaluation with
the ACE software.
These evaluation boards can also interface to commercially
available field-programmable gate array (FPGA) development
boards from Xilinx® or Intel®. Information on how to use these
platforms to evaluate the AD9081 or the AD9082 is available in
the Using the AD-FMC-SDCARD section.
The ACE software allows the user to set up the MxFE® in
various modes and to capture analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) data for analysis. The DPGDownloaderLite software
(included in ACE installation) generates and transmits vectors
to the digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which can then be
sent to a spectrum analyzer for further analysis.
For additional information, see the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986,
AD9988, AD9207, AD9209, or AD9177 data sheets and the
UG-1578, the device user guide, which must be consulted in
conjunction with this user guide when using the evaluation
boards.

Summary

General Description

Evaluation Board Photographs

Evaluation Board Overview

Board Models

Summary of different evaluation board hardware models and their specifications.

Installation of Heat Sink with Integrated Fan

Evaluation Board Software

ACE and DPGDownloaderLite

Steps for downloading and installing the ACE software and DPGDownloaderLite.

Introduction to the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 Plugin

Chip View

Setting Up the Micro Zed Connection

MicroSD Card for the Micro Zed Board

Instructions for inserting the microSD card into the Micro Zed board for proper connection.

Mode Jumper Connections for the Micro Zed Board

Details on setting the boot mode jumpers on the Micro Zed board.

Configure the Network Interface to the Micro Zed Board

Steps to configure the network interface between the PC and the Micro Zed board.

Checking the Connection to the Micro Zed Board

Procedure to verify the Ethernet connection to the Micro Zed board using Telnet.

Evaluation Board Hardware Setup

Determine the Clock Source

How to determine if the evaluation board uses an external or on-board clock source.

Default Clocking Scheme for AD9081-FMCA-EBZ, AD9082-FMCA-EBZ, AD9986-FMCB-EBZ, or AD9988-FMCB-EBZ

Explanation of the default clocking scheme using the on-chip PLL and HMC7044.

Set Up the Instrumentation

Using the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 Board View

Use Cases

Supported use cases for JESD204B and JESD204C modes, presented in tables.

Setting Up the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 in Full Bandwidth Mode

ADC Analysis and DAC Output Setup

Capture and Analysis of ADC Data

How to use ACE for capturing and analyzing ADC data using FFT analysis.

DAC Waveform Generation Using DPGDownloaderLite Software

Using the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 Chip View

Setting Up the AD9081 or the AD9082 in Full Bandwidth Mode with External Clocking

Instructions for setting up AD9081/AD9082 in full bandwidth mode using external clocking.

Additional Features

Using the AD-FMC-SDCARD

How to use the AD-FMC-SDCARD for evaluating devices with FPGA development boards.

Using the ADS9 V2-UZSD-MXFE

How to use the ADS9V2-UZSD-MXFE microSD card for evaluation.

Additional Use Cases and Customization

Overview of additional use cases and customization supported by the ACE plugin.

Troubleshooting Tips

Evaluation Board Functioning

Steps to troubleshoot if the evaluation board is not functioning properly.

ACE Speed Issues

How to address slow data capture or setup issues with the ACE software.

Data Captured Issues After Setup

Troubleshooting steps for issues related to data capture failures in ACE software.

HMC7044 Configuration Error

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Analog Devices EVAL-AD9081/EVAL-AD9082/EVAL-AD9986/EVAL-AD9988 User Guide (UG-1829) describes evaluation boards designed for testing the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 mixed-signal, front-end RF transceivers. These boards provide the necessary support circuitry to operate the transceivers in various modes and configurations, including the AD9207, AD9209, or AD9177 devices.

Function Description:

The evaluation boards facilitate the comprehensive testing and characterization of the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 transceivers. They are equipped with fully functional hardware that allows users to explore the capabilities of these high-speed mixed-signal devices. The core functionality revolves around providing a platform for:

• Data Acquisition and Analysis: The boards enable the capture of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) data, which can then be analyzed using the Analysis, Control, Evaluate (ACE) software. This allows for detailed performance evaluation of the ADC section, including parameters like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and total harmonic distortion (THD).
• Waveform Generation: The DPGDownloaderLite software, integrated with ACE, allows users to generate and transmit various digital waveforms to the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) on the transceiver. The output of these DACs can then be measured and analyzed using a spectrum analyzer, enabling the characterization of DAC performance.
• Clock Management: On-board clocking is provided by the HMC7044, which manages both the transceiver device and the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) clocking. This integrated solution simplifies the setup for many common use cases.
• Flexible Clocking Options: Users have the flexibility to switch to external direct clocking if specific clock frequencies or synchronization requirements are needed, allowing for more advanced testing scenarios.
• JESD204B/C Link Configuration: The boards support the configuration and evaluation of JESD204B and JESD204C modes, which are high-speed serial interfaces for data transfer between the transceiver and the FPGA. This includes setting parameters like number of lanes, virtual converters, bits per sample, and frame octets.

Usage Features:

The evaluation boards are designed for ease of use, providing both a high-level board view for quick setup and a detailed chip view for advanced customization.

• PC Software Control (ACE): The primary interface for controlling and evaluating the devices is the ACE software. This graphical user interface (GUI) provides a comprehensive environment for configuring the transceiver, capturing data, and analyzing results.
• Plug-in Marketplace: The ACE software features a plug-in marketplace, allowing users to easily download and install the specific plug-in for their evaluation board. This ensures that the software is always up-to-date and tailored to the hardware being used.
• Board View for Quick Setup: The board view in ACE offers a "QUICK CONFIGURATION" pane with predefined "Use Cases." These use cases allow users to rapidly set up the AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, or AD9988 for common operating modes, such as full bandwidth or specific data rates and I/Q configurations. This simplifies initial evaluation and reduces setup time.
• Chip View for Customization: For more advanced users or specific test requirements, the chip view provides granular control over various aspects of the transceiver's operation. This includes detailed clock source selection, JESD mode configuration, and TX/RX link parameter adjustments, going beyond the options available in the board view.
• Hardware Setup Guidance: The user guide provides clear instructions for connecting the evaluation board to the ADS9-V2EBZ FPGA-based data capture board, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers. It also details the necessary network interface configuration for the MicroZed board, which acts as the embedded remote procedure call (eRPC) server.
• MicroSD Card Support: The supplied AD-FMC-SDCARD and ADS9V2-UZSD-MXFE microSD cards enable evaluation using FPGA development boards from Xilinx or Intel, providing a Linux image with a publicly facing hardware description language (HDL) and software reference design for algorithmic prototyping and development.
• External Clocking Flexibility: The boards can be modified to accept direct external clocking by adjusting capacitor placements, offering greater control over clock frequencies for specialized testing.
• Comprehensive Documentation: The user guide references relevant data sheets (AD9081, AD9082, AD9986, AD9988, AD9207, AD9209, AD9177), the ADS9-V2EBZ user guide, ACE software documentation, and the Serial Control Interface Standard (Rev 1.0) for in-depth information. It also points to AN-835 for understanding high-speed ADC testing and evaluation.

Maintenance Features:

The evaluation boards incorporate features and guidelines to ensure proper operation and longevity.

• Heat Sink with Integrated Fan: A heat sink with an integrated fan is shipped with each evaluation board. This is crucial for active cooling of the IC, especially given that power consumption can reach up to 13 W, potentially causing the die temperature to exceed its maximum specified operating range. The guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for installing the heat sink, including removing the blue frame clip, exposing the adhesive surface, positioning the heat sink, and connecting the power supply cable. It also offers a troubleshooting tip for when the fan does not spin.
• Troubleshooting Tips: The user guide includes a dedicated troubleshooting section to address common issues encountered during evaluation. This covers:
  • Evaluation Board Functioning: Guidance on ensuring the board is properly seated in the FMC connector and verifying that power indicator LEDs are lit.
  • eRPC Server Connection: Steps to confirm a successful connection to the eRPC server on the MicroZed board, including power cycling and restarting software if the chip information reads 0x0.
  • ACE Speed Issues: Recommendations for improving ACE performance, such as using a USB 3.0 cable with a supported PC port and restarting software/hardware.
  • Data Capture Issues: Advice for resolving problems with data capture from the FPGA, including verifying instrumentation setup for external direct clocking and downloading a tone using DPGDownloaderLite to ensure all FPGA LEDs are lit.
  • HMC7044 Configuration Error: Explanations for configuration errors when using on-board clocking and on-chip PLL mode, advising users to ensure correct modes are selected or to switch to direct external clocking if necessary.
• MicroSD Card Management: Instructions are provided for properly connecting the microSD card to the MicroZed board and ensuring mode jumpers are correctly set for booting the image from the card.
• Network Interface Configuration: Detailed steps are outlined for configuring the network interface between the PC and the MicroZed board, which is essential for communication and control. This includes setting IP addresses and subnet masks.
• Secure Shell (SSH) Connection: The guide recommends using Telnet software (like WinSCP or Tera Term) to initiate a secure shell (SSH) connection to the MicroZed board, allowing users to verify the Ethernet connection and access the embedded system.

Analog Devices EVAL-AD9081 Specifications