This is an old revision of the document!
~~under construction~~
The AD9129-CBLTX-EBZ connects to a DPG2 to allow for quick evaluation of the AD9129, a high-speed, RF Digital to Analog converter (RF DAC). The DPG2 automatically formats the data and sends it to the AD9129-CBLTX-EBZ, simplifying evaluation of the device. The Evaluation Board (EVB) runs from +5 volt and +8 volt supplies. Figure 2 is an image of the top side of the AD9129 EVB.
The AD9129 Evaluation Board software has an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). It is included on the Evaluation Board CD, or can be downloaded from the DPG Web site at http://www.analog.com/dpg. This will install DPGDownloader (for loading vectors into the DPG2) and the AD9129 SPI Controller application.
Connect +5V to P3, GND to P4, and +8V to P5. The evaluation board connects to the DPG2 unit through connectors P1 and P2. The spectrum analyzer should connect to the N-connector at J1. Because cable systems are typically 75 Ω systems, the output of the board is also 75 Ω. For best results using a 50 Ω spectrum analyzer, a transformer should be used to transform the output impedance from 75 Ω to 50 Ω. The PC should be connected to the EVB using the mini-USB connector XP2 after installation of the Evaluation Board software.
Figure 1 - Block diagram of the AD9129 lab bench set-up
Figure 2 - Top view of AD9129-CBLTX-EBZ Evaluation Board
The PC software comes on the included Evaluation Board CD, but may also be downloaded from the DPG Web site at http://www.analog.com/dpg. The installation will include the DPG Downloader and ADF4350 programming software as well as all the necessary AD9129 files including schematic, board layout, data sheet, SPI GUI, and other files. The following procedure will set up a basic 1-carrier, 256-QAM signal.
1. Install the DPG Downloader, ADF4350, and AD9129 software and support files on your PC 2. Start the AD9129 Control Panel GUI (but don’t hit the run arrow yet) 3. Connect the EVB to your PC and lab equipment as shown in Figure 1 above. Use a USB cable to connect your PC to the EVB, and another USB cable to connect your PC to the DPG2 unit. Note that a DPG3 unit can also be used. 4. Start the ADF4350 SPI for AD9129 It is suggested that the basic set-up is verified before making any modifications to the evaluation board.