Texas Instruments ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB

Overview

ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is an evaluation board designed to accelerate development with the ADC128S052 - a low-power, eight-channel, 12-bit serial-output analog-to-digital converter operating at up to 500 kSPS. It supports both stand-alone testing with logic analyzers and computer-based evaluation via the WaveVision4 software and WV4 Data Capture Board. The board features dual BNC analog inputs (INA/INB), configurable channel routing, AC/DC coupling options, and flexible clocking (onboard 16 MHz oscillator or external source).

For engineers reviewing the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB datasheet, ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB pinout, ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB application, or ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB equivalent, this evaluation kit enables rapid validation of dynamic performance metrics (SNR, SINAD, THD, SFDR, ENOB), timing compliance, and multi-channel signal acquisition in sensor interface, data logging, and industrial monitoring systems.

Technical Context

The ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB implements a complete test environment for the ADC128S052 IC, including configurable analog input paths (INA/INB), selectable channel mapping via DIP switches and jumpers (JP1–JP9), and dual clocking modes (internal crystal Y2 or external BNC J6). It provides independent analog (VA), digital (VD), and 3.3 V (3P3V) supplies with jumper-selectable sourcing and coupling options.

Signal conditioning includes 50 Ω input impedance, 4.9 V_P-P nominal analog range, and on-board filtering. Digital interface uses SPI-compatible signals (CSB, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) routed to header J3 and test points TP15, supporting both manual probing and automated capture via the WV4 system.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface validation, embedded data acquisition prototyping, and precision analog front-end design requiring stable component supply and full evaluation ecosystem support.

Supply support for ADC128S052EVAL/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 its precision analog portfolio, including high-performance data converters and evaluation platforms for industrial, automotive, and medical applications.

The ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB belongs to TI's legacy National Semiconductor ADC evaluation kit family, engineered specifically to simplify characterization and integration of the ADC128Sxx2 series - low-power, multi-channel SAR ADCs targeting space-constrained, battery-aware systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB?

The ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB is an evaluation board for the ADC128S052 analog-to-digital converter. It enables hardware and software validation of the ADC128S052's 12-bit, 8-channel, 500 kSPS performance using either stand-alone test equipment or the WaveVision4 software with the WV4 Data Capture Board. Its design supports flexible signal routing, clock configuration, and power supply management to replicate real-world system conditions during development.

Does the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB require the WV4 Data Capture Board to operate?

No - the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB supports two operational modes. In Stand-Alone mode, it interfaces directly with third-party equipment like function generators and logic analyzers via BNC connectors (J2/J4) and header J3. In Computer mode, it connects to the WV4 board via a 14-pin ribbon cable for automated capture and analysis using WaveVision4 software. Both modes fully exercise the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB's capabilities without dependency on the WV4 board.

What clock sources does the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB support?

The ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB supports two clock configurations: an onboard 16 MHz crystal oscillator (Y2), selected by shorting pins 1 & 2 of JP7; or an external square-wave source (2.5–5.0 V_P-P, 50 Ω) applied to BNC connector J6, selected by shorting pins 2 & 3 of JP7. The board includes AC-coupling and biasing circuitry for the external input and requires removal of the Y2 oscillator when using J6 to avoid noise coupling into the ADC128S052 conversion process.

How are analog input channels configured on the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB?

Analog inputs INA and INB are independently routed to the ADC128S052's eight channels using DIP1 (for INA) and JP2 (for INB). DIP1 switch positions map INA to specific channels (e.g., switch 1 → CH0); JP2 jumper pairs route INB (e.g., pins 1&2 → CH0, pins 7&8 → CH3). Coupling (AC/DC) and grounding are controlled via JP1 (INA) and JP3 (INB), enabling simultaneous multi-channel, multi-signal evaluation critical for sensor array and differential measurement use cases involving the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB.

What dynamic performance metrics can be measured using the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB and WaveVision4?

Using the ADC128S052EVAL/NOPB with WaveVision4 software, users can measure key dynamic performance parameters directly from captured data: Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR), Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Signal-to-Noise-and-Distortion (SINAD), and Effective Number of Bits (ENOB). These metrics are computed automatically from FFT and histogram analysis, providing objective validation of the ADC128S052's linearity, noise floor, and harmonic content under user-defined test conditions.