Texas Instruments ADC081C02XEB/NOPB

Overview

ADC081C02XEB/NOPB from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is an evaluation board designed to accelerate prototyping and performance validation of the ADC081C021 - an I²C-compatible, 8-bit analog-to-digital converter with programmable alert output. It supports standalone logic analyzer testing or computer-based data capture via WaveVision 4 software, delivers up to 188.9 kSPS conversion rate, operates from 2.7V to 5.5V analog supply, and integrates precision reference (LM4050-4.1), input buffer (LMP7731), and configurable I²C pull-ups for lab-grade signal integrity.

For engineers reviewing the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB datasheet, ADC081C02XEB/NOPB pinout, ADC081C02XEB/NOPB application, or ADC081C02XEB/NOPB equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification of alert-triggered monitoring, automatic conversion timing, register-level configuration, and dynamic performance metrics (SNR, THD, ENOB) in embedded sensor interface and industrial control design contexts.

Technical Context

The ADC081C02XEB/NOPB implements a complete hardware test environment for the ADC081C021 IC, featuring dual power selection (external VA_EXT or on-board LM4050-4.1 shunt reference), jumper-configurable analog input paths (DC-coupled, AC-coupled, or buffered via LMP7731 op-amp), and flexible I²C interface routing (SCL/SDA accessible at J1 header or vias). It supports both Stand Alone mode (logic analyzer-driven) and Computer mode (WV4 USB interface).

Board-level functionality includes programmable alert monitoring at VIA5, configurable I²C slave address (0x54 fixed for ADC081C021 variant), automatic conversion mode activation via Configuration Register D[7:5], and full register read/write access through WaveVision 4 software - enabling real-time VHIGH/VLOW threshold setup, Alert Status inspection, and Conversion Result analysis.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC081C02XEB/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface validation, embedded system bring-up, and precision ADC performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ADC081C02XEB/NOPB includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments acquired National Semiconductor in 2011 and maintains full technical and supply chain responsibility for legacy evaluation platforms including the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB.

This board belongs to TI's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to simplify characterization of low-power, I²C-based ADCs in sensor signal chains, battery-powered instrumentation, and industrial process monitoring systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB evaluation board?

The ADC081C02XEB/NOPB evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the ADC081C021 - an 8-bit, I²C-compatible analog-to-digital converter with alert output. It enables engineers to validate conversion accuracy, alert response timing, register configuration, and dynamic performance (e.g., SNR, THD, ENOB) using either standalone test equipment or TI's WaveVision 4 software. The ADC081C02XEB/NOPB includes all necessary support circuitry: precision reference (LM4050-4.1), input buffer (LMP7731), configurable jumpers, and SMA-compatible analog input.

Does the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB support both ALERT and ADDRESS variants of the ADC081C021 family?

No - the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB ships pre-populated with the ALERT-option ADC081C021 (I²C address 0x54), not the ADDRESS-option ADC081C027. To evaluate the ADC081C027 variant, users must desolder U3 and replace it with the ADC081C027, then configure the ADDR pin via VIA5 per the User's Guide. National Semiconductor explicitly states that the board "comes stuffed with the ALERT option" and directs users to order ADC081C027 samples separately from ti.com.

How is the analog input configured on the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB?

The ADC081C02XEB/NOPB offers three analog input configurations: (1) Direct DC-coupled input at J2 (default), (2) AC-coupled input enabled by adding R1/R4 (4.99kΩ) and replacing C1 with 1.0µF, and (3) Buffered input via LMP7731 op-amp, activated by moving JP1 to pins 2–3. All configurations maintain GND-to-VA input range compliance, and SMA footprint J2 supports high-fidelity dynamic testing when populated with appropriate connector.

What software and hardware are required to use the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB in Computer Mode?

In Computer Mode, the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB requires the WaveVision 4 Data Capture Board (WAVEVSN BRD 4.1 or higher), USB cable, TI's WaveVision 4 software v4.4+, and a Windows PC. The boards connect via J1 (WV4S header), with JP1, JP2, and JP5 set to specific positions (pins 1–2, 1–2, and 3–4 respectively). Power is supplied through the WV4 board's 5.0V rail, and analog input is applied to J2. No additional drivers or firmware installation is needed beyond the standard WaveVision 4 package.

Can the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB be used without the WaveVision 4 system?

Yes - the ADC081C02XEB/NOPB fully supports Stand Alone mode. Users can drive SCL/SDA directly at J1 or via soldered wires to VIA1/VIA2, monitor ALERT at VIA5, and capture conversion data using any I²C-compliant logic analyzer or microcontroller. Pull-up resistors (R8/R9) are enabled via JP2, and VA is supplied externally to TP7. This mode eliminates dependency on proprietary tools while preserving full register access and alert functionality for custom firmware validation.