Texas Instruments ADC3241EVM

Overview

ADC3241EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADC3241 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 25 MSPS serial LVDS analog-to-digital converter with single 1.8-V supply operation, internal clock dividers, and 1/f noise reduction features. It supports AC/DC-coupled analog inputs, onboard SPI control via USB, and interfaces with TSW1400 data capture hardware for performance validation in high-fidelity signal acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADC3241EVM datasheet, ADC3241EVM pinout, ADC3241EVM application, or ADC3241EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options, power architecture details, software GUI functionality, input coupling procedures, and system-level integration guidance specific to the ADC3241EVM platform.

Technical Context

The ADC3241EVM implements a transformer-coupled, dual-SMA analog input path with selectable 50-Ω termination and dual 1:1 baluns for amplitude/phase balance. It uses a 5-V input converted to 1.8-V (for ADC/USB) and 4-V (for LDO-derived 3.3-V logic) via TPS62080 DC/DC and TPS7A4700 low-noise LDOs.

Control is delivered through a Mini-USB interface connected to an onboard CPLD, enabling register-level programming of the ADC3241 via HSDC Pro GUI. The board supports both hardware reset (SW1 pushbutton) and software-initiated reset, with LED D1 indicating 5-V power presence.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC3241EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, RF receiver prototyping, and test equipment development requiring stable component supply, full documentation access, and TI-validated reference design support.

Supply support for ADC3241EVM 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision electronics.

The ADC3241EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation module family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of the ADC32xx series - targeting communications infrastructure, medical imaging, and instrumentation applications demanding low-noise, low-power digitization.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC3241EVM?

The ADC3241EVM is a dedicated evaluation platform for the ADC3241 dual-channel, 14-bit, 25 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides complete signal chain support - including transformer-coupled analog inputs, configurable power delivery (1.8-V ADC rail), USB-based SPI control, and HSMC interfacing to TI's TSW1400 - enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance, timing margins, and system-level integration of the ADC3241 in real-world applications.

Does the ADC3241EVM support DC-coupled analog inputs?

Yes, the ADC3241EVM supports DC-coupled operation, but requires hardware modification. For ADC3241EVM (revision B), users must install THS4541RGT amplifiers on the bottom side and replace surface-mount resistors per Table 6 in the SLAU579D user's guide - swapping R3/R4/R14–R18/R142/R139 for R135/R7/R120/R121/R138/R20/R144/R141. This reconfigures the input path from AC- to DC-coupled mode while preserving common-mode voltage integrity.

Which software tools are compatible with the ADC3241EVM?

The ADC3241EVM is fully supported by Texas Instruments' HSDC Pro GUI (v3.x or later), installed via the ADC3xxxx_Installer_vxpx package. This software provides tabbed register access - Common, ADC32xx, and Advanced - enabling full configuration of sampling rate, dither, chopper, gain, test patterns, and power-down modes. USB drivers install automatically during first connection, and firmware resides in the onboard CPLD.

What clocking options does the ADC3241EVM provide?

The ADC3241EVM accepts a single-ended clock input via SMA connector J9 (CLK_INP), which is transformer-coupled to generate a differential clock for the ADC3241. It does not include an onboard clock generator like the LMK04828 (found only on JESD204B EVMs such as ADC32JxxEVM). Users must supply an external 25-MHz (or harmonically related) clock source meeting jitter and amplitude requirements specified in the ADC3241 datasheet.

Can the ADC3241EVM be used with other ADC3xxx-family devices?

No - the ADC3241EVM is mechanically and electrically optimized for the ADC3241 only. While it shares layout conventions with other sLVDS dual-channel EVMs (e.g., ADC3221EVM, ADC3242EVM), differences in pin mapping, power sequencing, and register addressing prevent reliable operation with non-ADC3241 devices. Each EVM in the family is uniquely calibrated and validated for its target ADC part number.