AD4170-4 on SDP-K1 (EVAL-SDP-CK1Z)

The AD4170-4 evaluation board can be controlled and evaluated using the EVAL-SDP-CK1Z (SDP-K1) System Demonstration Platform controller board with a USB-C connection to a Windows PC running the ACE Plugin software.

Overview

The EVAL-SDP-CK1Z (SDP-K1) is a modern system demonstration platform featuring:

• USB-C connector for simplified connectivity

• Full ACE plugin support

• Arduino-compatible connectors for evaluation board attachment

• Compact form factor

• Universal driver support across Windows versions

Hardware Setup

Board Connection

Critical Warning: The evaluation software and drivers must be installed BEFORE connecting both the EVAL-AD4170-4ARDZ evaluation board and the EVAL-SDP-CK1Z controller board to the PC USB port. This ensures the evaluation system is correctly recognized by Windows.

Connection Procedure:

1. Install all software first (see Software Installation section below)

2. Do not connect the SDP-K1 to USB yet - complete installation first

3. Connect the EVAL-AD4170-4ARDZ to the EVAL-SDP-CK1Z using Arduino connectors

   

4. Verify default link/jumper positions on the evaluation board (see Hardware Guide section of User Guide)

5. Connect USB-C cable to the EVAL-SDP-CK1Z board (after software installation)

6. Allow Windows to detect and install drivers if needed

7. Launch ACE Plugin software to begin evaluation

Power and Connectivity

Power Supply:

• The SDP-K1 is powered via USB-C connector

• Most standard USB 3.0/3.1 ports provide sufficient power

• Use a quality USB cable to ensure stable connection

• No additional external power supply is required

USB Connection:

• Use the provided USB-C cable

• Supports USB 2.0 minimum (compatible with USB 3.0+ ports)

• Maintains backward compatibility with older USB hosts if adapter used

• Typical data communication rate: 12 Mbps (full-speed USB)

Software Installation and Configuration

Prerequisites

Before installing software, you need:

• Windows 7 or later operating system

• Administrator privileges on the PC

• Minimum 500 MB free disk space

• USB 2.0 or higher port available

• Internet connection (for downloading software)

Required Software Components

Install in this order:

1. ACE Software (Base platform)

2. SDP Controller Drivers (Universal for all SDP boards)

3. AD4170 Plugin (Device-specific plugin)http://beta-tools.analog.com/virtualeval/

Software Download Locations:

• ACE Software

• SDP Controller Drivers

• AD4170 ACE Plugin

Step 1: Install ACE Software

1. Download ACEInstall.exe to a temporary folder on your PC

2. Double-click ACEInstall.exe to begin installation

   • The program requests administrator permissions

   • Click “Yes” when the User Account Control (UAC) dialog appears

   • Default installation path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Analog Devices\ACE

3. Follow the ACE Setup Wizard:

   Step 1.1: Welcome Screen

   

   • Click “Next >” to continue

   Step 1.2: License Agreement

   

   • Read the software license agreement

   • Click “I Agree” to accept and continue

   Step 1.3: Installation Location

   

   • The default location is recommended

   • Click “Browse…” if you need to choose a different folder

   • Click “Next >” to continue

   Step 1.4: Components Selection

   

   • All ACE software components are pre-selected

   • Click “Install” to begin installation

   Step 1.5: Windows Security Prompt

   

   • Click “Install” to install required drivers and components

   Step 1.6: Installation in Progress

   

   • Wait for the installation to complete

   • No action required during this phase

   • This typically takes 1-3 minutes

   Step 1.7: Installation Complete

   

   • Click “Next >” when installation finishes

   • Click “Finish” to close the wizard

4. ACE software is now installed and ready to use

Step 2: Install SDP Controller Drivers

The SDP controllers (K1 and B1) use the same universal drivers.

1. Download SDPDrivers.exe from the link provided above

2. Double-click SDPDrivers.exe to begin driver installation

3. Follow the driver installation wizard:

   • Accept any UAC prompts

   • Click “Yes” or “Next” through all screens

   • Select “Automatically install drivers” if prompted

4. Restart your PC if prompted by the installation wizard

5. Driver installation is complete

Step 3: Install AD4170 Plugin

The AD4170 plugin extends ACE with device-specific features.

Option A: Direct Plugin Installation (Recommended)

1. Login to your myAnalog.com account

   • Navigate to myAnalog.com

2. Access your Dashboard

   • Click on “Dashboard” or similar menu option

3. Locate the AD4170 Plugin

   • Look under “Special Resources” section

   • Find “AD4170 ACE Plug In V X.X Software Download”

   • (Note: Version number may differ)

4. Download the Plugin:

   Step 3A.1: Plugin Download Page

   

   • A new tab/window opens with the download link

   Step 3A.2: Accept License

   

   • Read the software license agreement

   • Check the checkbox to accept terms

   • Click “I Accept”

   Step 3A.3: Start Download

   

   • Click “Download”

   • File downloads to your Downloads folder (typically)

5. Install the Downloaded Plugin

   • Locate the downloaded file (usually named AD4170_PluginXXX.zip)

   • Double-click the file to start installation

   • Follow any installation prompts

Option B: Manual Plugin Installation (Alternative)

If direct installation doesn’t work, install via ACE Plugin Manager:

1. Open ACE Software

   • Click Start > All Programs > Analog Devices > ACE > ACE.exe

2. Navigate to Plugin Manager

   • Click the “Plug-in Manager” tab in the top-left panel

3. Configure Plugin Source

   • Click “Settings…” button

   

   • Click the “+” button next to “Zipped Plug-in Sources”

   

4. Add Plugin Path

   • In the “Name” field, enter: AD4170

   • Click the “…” button under “Source”

   • Browse to the location where you extracted the AD4170 plugin

   • Click “Ok”

   • Click “Close”

5. Plugin is now installed and will appear in ACE

Launching and Using ACE with SDP-K1

Initial Launch

Before launching ACE:

1. Ensure software installation is complete (all three components)

2. Ensure EVAL-AD4170-4ARDZ is connected to EVAL-SDP-CK1Z

3. Ensure all jumpers/links are in default positions

4. Do not connect USB yet if this is your first time

Launch ACE Software:

1. Start > All Programs > Analog Devices > ACE > ACE.exe

2. ACE main window opens showing Plug-in Manager tab

3. Now connect the USB-C cable to your PC (if not already connected)

4. Windows detects the SDP-K1 device and prompts for driver confirmation

   • Allow driver installation if prompted

   • Windows will recognize the device

5. Wait 5-10 seconds for device enumeration

6. The AD4170 Eval Board icon appears in “Attached Hardware” section

   

   • If the icon does not appear, see Troubleshooting section

Board View Window

The Board View shows the hardware structure and provides access to all functions:

1. Double-click the AD4170 Eval Board icon to open Board View

   

2. The Board View window opens showing the system architecture

3. Apply default configuration to verify communication:

   • Double-click the AD4170 chip icon

   • Click “Software Defaults” button

   • Click “Apply Changes”

   

4. Successful configuration indicates proper SDP-K1 communication

Configuration Interface

The Chip View window provides full access to AD4170 configuration:

Key Buttons and Functions:

• Programmable Blocks (dark blue icons) - Click to configure functional blocks

  • Input channel configuration

  • Reference voltage selection

  • Data rate and filter settings

  • Output channel configuration

• Proceed to Memory Map - Access low-level register configuration

  • Direct register read/write

  • Bitfield configuration

  • Save/load register settings

• Proceed to Analysis - Access data capture and analysis

  • Real-time waveform display

  • Noise measurements

  • FFT analysis

  • Data export

Memory Map Tab

Access detailed AD4170 register configuration:

1. Click Memory Map button from Chip View

2. Register Tree displays on left side

3. Select any register to view/edit:

   

   • Register Value shows current value in hex

   • Individual Bits can be toggled or set directly

   • Bitfield Details show named fields and descriptions

   • Show Bitfield button expands field details

4. Save/Load Registers:

   • Save Button - Export all current register settings to file

   • Load Button - Import previously saved register configuration

   • Useful for storing different measurement configurations

5. Apply Changes - Write configuration to AD4170

6. Search Function - Find registers by name or address

Analysis Tab

The Analysis/Waveform tab displays real-time captured data:

Waveform Graph:

• Shows each successive ADC sample

• Mouse scroll wheel zooms in/out

• Magnifying glass icon for zoom controls

• Pan controls for scrolling through data

Capture Controls:

• Samples field - Sets number of samples per batch

• Run Once - Capture a single batch of samples

• Run Continuously - Continuous data capture (click again to stop)

Data Display Options:

• Codes Dropdown - Display as voltage or raw binary codes

• Axis Controls - Auto-scale or fixed axis ranges

• AC/DC Analysis - Select measurement type

Results Section:

Displays measured parameters for selected channel:

• Peak-to-Peak Noise

• RMS Noise

• Effective Number of Bits (ENOB)

• Signal Histogram

• Signal Statistics (min, max, mean)

FFT Plot:

View frequency domain analysis:

• Frequency spectrum display

• Harmonic content identification

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

• Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Export Data:

1. Click “Export” button in Results section

2. Choose save location in dialog

3. Data saved as Excel (.xlsx) file for further analysis

Demo Modes

Demo modes provide pre-configured setups for common measurement applications. Each demo automatically configures all necessary AD4170 settings.

Demo Mode Access

1. Open Chip View by double-clicking AD4170 in Board View

2. Locate Demo Wizard panel on left side of Chip View

   • May be collapsed/minimized

   • Click arrow to expand if needed

3. Available demos appear as selectable options

Available Demo Modes

• Noise Test Demo - ADC noise floor characterization

• 2-Wire RTD Demo - Two-wire resistance temperature detector

• 3-Wire RTD Demo - Three-wire RTD with better accuracy

• 4-Wire RTD Demo - Four-wire RTD highest accuracy measurement

• Thermocouple Demo - Thermocouple temperature sensor

• Thermistor Demo - Thermistor temperature measurement

• 4-Wire Bridge Demo - Four-wire load cell/bridge measurement

• 6-Wire Bridge Demo - Six-wire bridge with separate excitation

Running Noise Test Demo (Example)

Step 1: Select Demo Mode

• Click “Noise Test” in the Demo Wizard

Step 2: Review Settings

• Pre-configured settings display

• These are optimized for noise measurement

• Click “Apply” to write to AD4170

Step 3: Configuration Complete

• Demo confirms settings have been applied

Step 4: Open Chip View

• Double-click AD4170 chip icon to open full Chip View

Step 5: Access Analysis Tools

• Memory Map - Modify settings if needed

• Analysis - Begin data capture

Step 6: Capture and Analyze Data

1. Set Sample Count to desired value (e.g., 1000 samples)

2. Click Run Once to capture samples

3. Results display in waveform graph and analysis section

4. Measure noise metrics:

   • Peak-to-Peak Noise (voltage)

   • RMS Noise (voltage)

   • Effective Resolution (bits)

   • Noise Density (nV/√Hz)

Other Demo Modes

Similar procedure for other demos:

1. Select the demo from Demo Wizard

2. Review and apply the pre-configured settings

3. Open Chip View to access Analysis tools

4. Capture data according to application requirements

5. Review results to verify proper configuration

Each demo is optimized for its specific measurement type and provides good starting points for custom configurations.

Virtual Evaluation Tool

ADI provides a Virtual Evaluation Tool for software-only exploration:

Access Virtual Evaluation:

1. Open your browser and navigate to:

   Virtual Eval Tool

   OR

2. Visit the AD4170 product page at analog.com and find Virtual Eval link

Using Virtual Eval:

1. Navigate to “Precision ADC < 10MSPS” category

2. Find and select AD4170-4

3. Explore features and configurations

4. Simulate different measurement scenarios

5. Preview ACE software interface before hardware testing

Benefits:

• No hardware required

• Explore all features risk-free

• Preview what physical evaluation will show

• Plan measurements before running hardware tests

Reference Configuration

Default Reference Voltage (On-board ADR4525):

• Default setting: 2.5V external reference

• Set “Refin1(+/-)” field to 2.5V in Configuration tab

• Adjust this value if using different reference source

Reference Options:

See the Hardware Guide for detailed reference voltage options:

• Internal reference options

• External reference inputs

• Precision reference sources

• Reference bypassing and stability

Data Capture Best Practices

Before Capturing Data:

1. Verify Reference Setting - Must match actual reference voltage

2. Check Input Range - Ensure signal is within configured range

3. Verify Connections - All sensor/signal connections secure

4. Allow Warm-up - Let system stabilize for 30-60 seconds after power-on

During Capture:

1. Set Appropriate Sample Count - 1000+ samples for noise analysis

2. Use Run Once First - Verify system is working before continuous capture

3. Monitor Results - Watch for unexpected patterns or errors

4. Save Configuration - Use Save button to preserve working setup

After Capture:

1. Review Results - Check noise, SNR, and other metrics

2. Export Data - Save to Excel for further analysis

3. Document Settings - Record successful configurations

4. Repeat Measurements - Verify reproducibility

Troubleshooting

Device Not Recognized

Symptom: AD4170 Eval Board icon doesn’t appear in Attached Hardware

Solutions:

1. Verify driver installation:

   • Check Windows Device Manager for unknown/error devices

   • Re-run SDPDrivers.exe if needed

   • Restart Windows if drivers were just installed

2. Check USB connection:

   • Verify USB-C cable is firmly connected

   • Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 port)

   • Try a different USB cable (known good cable)

   • Avoid USB hubs - connect directly to PC

3. Verify evaluation board connection:

   • Ensure EVAL-AD4170-4ARDZ is properly seated on SDP-K1

   • Check that Arduino connectors are fully inserted

   • No loose or missing jumpers

4. Restart the system:

   • Disconnect USB cable

   • Close ACE software completely

   • Wait 10 seconds

   • Reconnect USB

   • Restart ACE

5. Check Windows Logs:

   • Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices

   • Look for unknown or error devices

   • Right-click > Update Driver

Communication Errors

Symptom: “Cannot communicate with device” or similar error message

Solutions:

1. Verify power and connections:

   • Check USB power is adequate

   • Verify all Arduino connector pins are aligned

   • Ensure evaluation board is fully seated

2. Check jumper settings:

   • Verify all hardware links are in default positions

   • Review Hardware Guide for correct configurations

3. Power cycle the system:

   • Disconnect USB cable

   • Wait 5 seconds

   • Reconnect USB and allow device detection

4. Apply default settings:

   • Click “Software Defaults”

   • Click “Apply Changes”

   • Wait for confirmation

Software Crashes

Symptom: ACE software crashes or freezes

Solutions:

1. Graceful shutdown:

   • Disconnect USB cable from SDP-K1

   • Close all ACE windows

   • Wait 5-10 seconds

   • Restart ACE

   • Reconnect USB after ACE opens

2. Clear cached data:

   • Close ACE completely

   • Delete ACE temporary files (if known location)

   • Restart ACE and reconnect device

3. Reinstall plugin:

   • If crashes persist, uninstall AD4170 plugin

   • Restart ACE

   • Reinstall AD4170 plugin fresh

Data Capture Issues

Symptom: No waveform appears or data looks incorrect

Solutions:

1. Verify reference voltage:

   • Check “Refin1(+/-)” setting matches actual reference

   • Default is 2.5V for on-board reference

   • Measure reference voltage if uncertain

2. Check input signal:

   • Verify signal is present at input connector

   • Check signal is within configured input range

   • Verify sensor/signal connections are secure

3. Run demo mode first:

   • Use Noise Test demo to verify basic operation

   • This confirms AD4170 is responding correctly

   • Then configure custom measurements

4. Check PGA setting:

   • Ensure gain is appropriate for signal level

   • Lower gain if signal is too large

   • Increase gain if signal is very small

5. Review data rate setting:

   • Some data rates may cause display issues

   • Try different data rate settings

   • Refer to datasheet for recommended rates

No Data Display

Symptom: Waveform graph shows no data even after “Run Once”

Solutions:

1. Apply default settings:

   • Click “Software Defaults”

   • Click “Apply Changes”

   • Verify with Noise Test demo first

2. Check sample count:

   • Ensure Samples field has reasonable value (e.g., 100)

   • Very large values may take time to acquire

   • Start with smaller samples (100-500) for testing

3. Verify channel is enabled:

   • Check that input channel is enabled in configuration

   • Verify in Memory Map that channel is active

4. Check data rate:

   • Some data rates may prevent data display

   • Try slower data rates first (e.g., 1 kSPS)

   • Refer to AD4170 datasheet for valid combinations

Recommended Next Steps

After successful evaluation with SDP-K1:

1. Save your configuration:

   • Use Memory Map > Save button

   • Store register configuration files for future use

2. Explore additional demo modes:

   • Test each demo relevant to your application

   • Compare noise performance across configurations

3. Create custom configurations:

   • Use Memory Map for register-level customization

   • Design for your specific sensor/measurement type

4. Consider Linux integration:

   • See Quick start guides for Linux driver guides

   • Plan transition to embedded system if needed

5. Review complete documentation:

   • AD4170-4 Datasheet

   • Evaluation Guide UG-2243

   • User Guide

Technical Support

For additional assistance:

• EngineerZone Forums - Community support

• AD4170-4 Product Page - Product information

• Technical Datasheet - Device specifications

Related Documentation

• User Guide - Hardware configuration details

• Prerequisites - System requirements

• SDP-B - SDP-B1 alternative controller board

• Quick start guides - Other platform guides