Texas Instruments ADC124S021EVAL

Overview

ADC124S021EVAL from National Semiconductor is an evaluation board designed to support rapid performance characterization of the ADC124S021 - a 12-bit, 4-channel, serial-output SAR analog-to-digital converter with input multiplexer and SPI-compatible interface. It enables dynamic testing (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, ENOB) using WaveVision4 software and hardware, and supports configurable AC/DC coupling, adjustable supply voltage (2.7V–5.0V), and clock sourcing via onboard oscillator or external BNC input.

For engineers reviewing the ADC124S021EVAL datasheet, ADC124S021EVAL pinout, ADC124S021EVAL application, or ADC124S021EVAL equivalent, this board provides validated signal conditioning, reference management, clock synchronization, and digital interface routing for accurate ADC124S021 evaluation in lab and design-in environments.

Technical Context

The ADC124S021EVAL interfaces directly with the ADC124S021 in MSOP-10 package, supporting all four analog inputs via jumper-selectable BNC1/BNC2 routing and JP2/JP4 channel mapping. Signal conditioning includes 50 Ω input impedance, user-adjustable DC bias (VR2), and DUT supply regulation (VR1, TP1).

Digital interface uses SPI protocol with dedicated CS#, SCLK, DIN, and DOUT lines routed to LA1 logic analyzer header and FutureBus J2 connector. Clocking supports 1 MHz–20 MHz range via onboard TTL oscillator (Y1/Y2) or external source at BNC3, selected by JP6.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC124S021EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition system validation, high-resolution sensor interface prototyping, and mixed-signal IC qualification requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADC124S021EVAL 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 high-performance data converters, power management, and interface ICs.

The ADC124S021EVAL belongs to National's ADCxx4Sxx1 evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of their 8-/10-/12-bit serial-input SAR ADCs with integrated multiplexers for test instrumentation and industrial sensing applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC124S021EVAL evaluation board?

The ADC124S021EVAL evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for characterizing the ADC124S021 12-bit, 4-channel SAR ADC. It provides signal conditioning, adjustable power and bias, clock flexibility, and SPI interface routing to enable lab-based dynamic performance measurement (e.g., SNR, SINAD, THD) using WaveVision4 software and compatible capture hardware. The ADC124S021EVAL does not operate standalone-it requires connection to a WaveVision4 Capture Board (WAVEVSN BRD 4.0) and host PC.

Which ADC devices does the ADC124S021EVAL support besides ADC124S021?

The ADC124S021EVAL is part of a shared evaluation platform supporting multiple members of National Semiconductor's ADCxx4Sxx1 family, including ADC124S101, ADC124S051, ADC104S101, ADC104S051, ADC104S021, ADC084S101, ADC084S051, and ADC084S021. Physical compatibility is confirmed by identical board layout, jumper configuration (JP2/JP4), and schematic support for 4-input MSOP-10 ADC variants-though actual DUT must match top-mark codes (e.g., X21C for ADC124S021) and pinout.

How is the ADC124S021 powered and referenced on the ADC124S021EVAL board?

On the ADC124S021EVAL board, the ADC124S021 receives its analog supply voltage (VA) from TP1, adjustable between +2.7V and +5.0V using potentiometer VR1. This same voltage serves as the ADC reference (VREF), defining full-scale input range. Power for the evaluation board itself is +5.5V to +5.7V supplied via P1, which also powers the WaveVision4 Capture Board through diode D1 and J2 pins A1/B1/A2/B2.

Can the ADC124S021EVAL be used without the WaveVision4 Capture Board?

No-the ADC124S021EVAL is not a self-contained data acquisition system. Its digital outputs (DIN/DOUT/SCLK/CS#) are routed to LA1 and FutureBus J2 but lack onboard processing, memory, or USB interface. To acquire and analyze data, it must be paired with the WaveVision4 Capture Board (WAVEVSN BRD 4.0) and WaveVision4 software running on Windows. Standalone logic analyzer use is possible for timing verification, but full dynamic parameter extraction (ENOB, SFDR, etc.) requires the WaveVision4 ecosystem.

What clock sources are supported by the ADC124S021EVAL for driving the ADC124S021?

The ADC124S021EVAL supports two clock source options: an onboard TTL oscillator mounted at Y1 (through-hole) or Y2 (SMT), or an external clock injected via BNC3. JP6 selects between them-shorting pins 1–2 enables the onboard oscillator; shorting pins 2–3 routes BNC3 to the ADC clock input. Supported frequency range is 1 MHz to 20 MHz, and coherent sampling (integer cycles per record) is required for valid FFT-based dynamic testing using WaveVision4.