Texas Instruments ADC3242EVM

Overview

ADC3242EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADC3242 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 50 MSPS serial LVDS analog-to-digital converter. It supports transformer-coupled single-ended or differential analog inputs, onboard 1.8-V LDO power regulation, and SPI-based GUI control via Mini USB. The EVM enables performance validation in high-speed data acquisition systems requiring precise timing and low-noise sampling.

For engineers reviewing the ADC3242EVM datasheet, ADC3242EVM pinout, ADC3242EVM application, or ADC3242EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options, jumper-controlled power paths, clock input flexibility (external or onboard), DC/AC coupling modifiability, and software-controlled register access for ADC3242-specific features including dither, chopper, digital gain, and test pattern generation.

Technical Context

The ADC3242EVM implements a dual-transformer analog input path for improved amplitude and phase balance, with default 50-Ω termination and support for both first- and second-Nyquist zone operation. Its clock interface accepts single-ended signals via SMA and uses a 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer to boost amplitude before differential conversion.

Power architecture integrates TPS62080 (DC/DC buck) and TPS7A4700 (low-noise LDO) to generate clean 1.8-V ADC supply from 5-V input; jumpers JP6/J7 select between LDO-only or switched-mode operation. The board includes HSMC connector (J13A/B) for interoperability with TI's TSW1400 data capture platform.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC3242EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, communications infrastructure prototyping, and radar signal chain development requiring stable component supply and full evaluation capability.

Supply support for ADC3242EVM 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 converters.

The ADC3242EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of precision, low-power, multi-channel ADCs in instrumentation, defense, and communications applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC3242EVM?

The ADC3242EVM is an evaluation module built to assess the performance and configuration of the ADC3242 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 50 MSPS serial LVDS analog-to-digital converter. It provides transformer-coupled analog inputs, regulated 1.8-V power, SPI-based GUI control, and HSMC connectivity to TI's TSW1400 capture platform. The ADC3242EVM enables engineers to validate dynamic performance, timing margins, and system-level integration before final PCB design.

Does the ADC3242EVM include an onboard clock generator?

No, the ADC3242EVM does not include an onboard clock generator. It accepts external single-ended clock signals via SMA connectors J9 (CLK_INP) and J10 (CLK_INM), which feed into a 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer to produce a differential clock for the ADC3242. Unlike JESD204B variants (e.g., ADC32JxxEVM), the ADC3242EVM lacks the LMK04828 clock synthesizer and relies entirely on external clock sources.

How is power delivered and regulated on the ADC3242EVM?

Power is delivered to the ADC3242EVM via a 5-V DC input through barrel jack J15. Onboard regulation uses the TPS62080 buck converter and TPS7A4700 low-noise LDO to generate a clean 1.8-V supply for the ADC3242. Jumpers JP6 and JP7 allow selection between LDO-only (default, pins 1–2) or bypassed-LDO (pins 2–3) operation, enabling direct switching-regulator output when noise sensitivity permits.

Can the ADC3242EVM support DC-coupled analog inputs?

Yes, the ADC3242EVM supports DC-coupled analog inputs through hardware modification. Per the user's guide, DC coupling requires swapping specific surface-mount resistors on the top side of the board - installing R135, R7, R120, R121, R138, R20, R144, and R141 while removing R3, R4, R14–R18, R142, and R139. This reconfigures the input path to pass baseband signals without AC-blocking capacitors, enabling sub-Hz signal acquisition.

Which software tools are compatible with the ADC3242EVM?

The ADC3242EVM is controlled using TI's ADC3xxxx GUI software, installed via ADC3xxxx_Installer_vxpx. The GUI provides tabbed register access: Common (reset, power-down, clock divider), ADC32xx (channel-specific dither, chopper, gain, test patterns), and device-specific settings. It communicates over Mini USB (J14) and supports real-time configuration, data capture alignment, and custom 14-bit test pattern injection for the ADC3242.