Maxim's 18-bit DAS Enables Faster Validation of FPGA-Based Control Systems

FPGA engineers can quickly evaluate and validate their FPGA-based control systems and get to market faster, using the high-speed MAXREFDES74# 18-bit data acquisition system (DAS) reference design from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Achieving high-precision, high-speed digital control loops is a challenge for designers. But now the MAXREFDES74# DAS provides an 18-bit acquisition analog input and output front end for applications demanding high precision and high-speed data conversion based on FPGA digital processing. The MAXREFDES74# plugs directly into a standard FPGA I/O expansion (FMC) and is fully equipped with complete hardware, firmware for Zynq FPGAs, Maxim's easy-to-use PC-GUI, and Gerber files. The powerful online GUI tool displays the performance of the signal chain and eliminates the need for scopes or other equipment to generate and analyze waveforms, greatly simplifying the evaluation and validation phase. The MAXREFDES74# is a ready-made solution for analog inputs and outputs built for FPGA-based systems. It is flexible and applicable for a wide range of industrial and medical applications, including test and measurement, instrumentation, industrial automation and process control markets.

Key Advantages

• Ease of design and faster time-to-market: high performance proven design and GUI simplifies system validation, calibration, and data analysis, offering a complete solution to optimize performance.
• Flexibility: pin compatible 16- or 18-bit signal path ICs provide the ability to tune designs for a variety of FPGA systems in different applications.
• High precision and high speed: 16- and 18-bit solutions provide excellent precision and accuracy; an integrated fast SAR data converter enables high speed data conversion.

Commentary

• "Our reference design helps designers achieve faster time to market thanks to a complete, high performance, proven board design as well as Maxim's powerful and easy-to-use GUI," said Carmelo Morello, Business Manager for precision converters at Maxim Integrated.
• "Proven analog I/O designs help design engineers unleash the power of SoCs and FPGAs," said Jim Beneke, VP, Global Technical Marketing at Avnet Electronics Marketing. "This solution from Maxim will help SoC and FPGA engineers validate their control systems quickly and easily when combined with Avnet's Zedboard™."

Availability and Pricing

• The board is available for $95 at Maxim's website and select franchised distributors. Evaluation software, GUI, and Gerber files are provided free with the board.
• For information on other reference designs, please visit Maxim's Reference Design Center.