Texas Instruments ADC104S101EVAL

Overview

ADC104S101EVAL from National Semiconductor is an evaluation board designed to accelerate characterization and integration of the ADC104S101 - a 10-bit, 1 MSPS, 4-channel SAR analog-to-digital converter with integrated input multiplexer and SPI interface. It supports coherent sampling up to 20 MHz clock, delivers dynamic performance metrics (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, ENOB), and interfaces directly with WaveVision4 capture hardware for real-time waveform, FFT, and histogram analysis.

For engineers reviewing the ADC104S101EVAL datasheet, ADC104S101EVAL pinout, ADC104S101EVAL application, or ADC104S101EVAL equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of signal integrity, power supply sensitivity, reference tracking, and multiplexer channel switching behavior under controlled lab conditions using BNC analog inputs, adjustable bias/offset, and programmable clock sourcing.

Technical Context

The ADC104S101EVAL implements dual 50 Ω BNC analog inputs (BNC1/BNC2) with AC/DC coupling selection via JP1/JP3, user-adjustable input offset (VR2) and DUT supply voltage (VR1), and flexible clock routing through either on-board 8 MHz TTL oscillator (Y1) or external source (BNC3). It routes digital signals-including CS#, SCLK, DIN, DOUT-via LA1 logic analyzer header and FutureBus J2 for WaveVision4 compatibility.

Power is supplied as a single +5.5V to +5.7V rail (P1), delivering ≤15 mA to the board while also powering the connected WaveVision4 capture board via diode-isolated +5V distribution. The board accommodates ADC variants across 8-/10-/12-bit families (e.g., ADC084S101, ADC124S101), but ADC104S101EVAL is specifically configured and labeled for use with the ADC104S101 device (top mark X26C).

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC104S101EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-fidelity data acquisition system validation, mixed-signal IC design-in, and production test fixture development requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration paths, and documented reference performance.

Supply support for ADC104S101EVAL 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

National Semiconductor was a U.S.-based analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2011, known for precision data converters, power management ICs, and interface solutions.

The ADC104S101EVAL belongs to National's ADCxx4Sxx1 evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to streamline evaluation of quad-channel, serial-output SAR ADCs targeting instrumentation, industrial process control, and sensor signal conditioning applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC104S101EVAL evaluation board?

The ADC104S101EVAL evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the ADC104S101 - a 10-bit, 1 MSPS, 4-input multiplexed SAR ADC. It provides calibrated analog signal injection, configurable clocking, adjustable power and bias, and standardized digital interfacing to enable accurate measurement of dynamic performance parameters including SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, and ENOB. ADC104S101EVAL does not operate standalone; it requires connection to a WaveVision4 capture board or compatible logic analyzer.

Which ADC device is mounted on the ADC104S101EVAL board?

The ADC104S101EVAL board is populated with the ADC104S101 IC, confirmed by its top-mark "X26C" printed on the device and referenced in the official User's Guide. While the board's schematic and layout support multiple members of the ADCxx4Sxx1 family (e.g., ADC084S101, ADC124S101), ADC104S101EVAL is specifically designated, labeled, and validated for use with the ADC104S101 device.

Does the ADC104S101EVAL require an external capture board to operate?

Yes - the ADC104S101EVAL requires either a WaveVision4 capture board (National part number WAVEVSN BRD 4.0) or a logic analyzer connected to the LA1 header. It lacks onboard digitization or USB interface; its role is signal conditioning, clock management, and DUT interfacing. Data output from the ADC104S101 is routed to LA1 (for logic analyzers) and FutureBus J2 (for WaveVision4), making external acquisition hardware mandatory for functional testing.

How is the ADC reference voltage set on the ADC104S101EVAL?

The ADC104S101EVAL uses the DUT's analog supply voltage (VA) as its reference - meaning the full-scale range scales directly with the voltage applied to the ADC104S101's VA pin. That voltage is adjusted via potentiometer VR1 and monitored at test point TP1, with a valid range of +2.7V to +5.0V per the ADC104S101 datasheet. No separate reference IC or external VREF connection is provided on ADC104S101EVAL.

Can the ADC104S101EVAL evaluate all four input channels of the ADC104S101?

Yes - ADC104S101EVAL supports full 4-channel evaluation via jumper configuration. JP2 and JP4 determine which BNC input (BNC1 or BNC2) connects to which internal ADC channel (IN1–IN4); for example, shorting pins 5–6 on JP2 routes BNC1 to IN3, and pins 7–8 routes it to IN4. Channel selection is also software-controllable via WaveVision4, enabling sequential or multiplexed acquisition across all four inputs of the ADC104S101.