Analog Devices ADA4356 Current-Input µModule Evaluation Board - Unboxing | DigiKey

We take a look at the ADA4356 Current-Input µModule evaluation board from Analog Devices. The ADA4356 performs direct conversion of small signal currents into high-speed digital data in time-of-flight, LIDAR and other optical sensing systems. Inside the box, you’ll find the ADA4356 evaluation board, an SD card pre-imaged with a version of Kuiper Linux for use with the board, and mounting hardware. In this demo we’re going to connect the eval board to a Digilent ZedBoard, then use a function generator to drive the on-board Buffered Howland Current Source, or BHCS and view the ADC output using ADI’s Scopy software. Follow the user guide instructions to copy new boot files to the SD card and install it in the ZedBoard. Connect the eval board to the FMC connector and install the mounting hardware. Connect the ZedBoard to your network using the ethernet port and connect it to your PC using the USB UART port. Connect the function generator to the J1 port on the eval board, but don’t enable its output yet. Plug in the ZedBoard power supply and turn it on. The blue LED lights up once the board finishes booting. In Scopy, search for the board. You can find it via its IP address or its USB serial port. Verify it, add it, then connect to it. Enable your function generator output. We’re using a 1 megahertz 2.5 volt output with a 1.1 volt DC offset. This drives the BHCS, which connects to a current divider circuit and then to the input of the ADA4356. The ADC time module will show the current value in time like a scope view, with the ADA4356 including a programmable TIA, fully differential amplifier, and low pass filter before reaching the 14-bit ADC. You can also view this as an FFT.