Texas Instruments ADC3244EVM

Overview

ADC3244EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to assess the ADC3244 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 125 MSPS analog-to-digital converter with serial LVDS interface. It supports transformer-coupled single-ended or differential analog inputs, onboard 1.8-V ADC supply regulation, and USB-based SPI control via HSDC Pro GUI. The EVM enables performance validation in high-speed data acquisition systems requiring precise timing and low-noise sampling.

For engineers reviewing the ADC3244EVM datasheet, ADC3244EVM pinout, ADC3244EVM application, or ADC3244EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options, power path selection (LDO vs. DC/DC), clock input flexibility (external SMA or internal LMK04828-derived), dc-coupling modification guidance, and JESD204B-compatible test setup interoperability with TSW14J56.

Technical Context

The ADC3244EVM implements a dual-transformer analog input circuit for improved amplitude and phase balance, defaulting to 50-Ω termination across two Nyquist zones. Its clock path supports either external single-ended SMA input (via 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer) or onboard LMK04828 clock generation for JESD204B variants - though ADC3244 itself uses sLVDS, so the LMK04828 is not active on this specific EVM.

Power architecture includes dual-output DC/DC conversion (TPS62080) stepping 5 V down to 4 V and 2.8 V, followed by low-noise LDOs (TPS7A4700) generating 3.3 V (for logic/SPI) and 1.8 V (for ADC core). Jumpers JP6/JP7 select between LDO-regulated or switched 1.8-V supply, with resistor R79 required if bypassing the LDO.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC3244EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, radar signal processing, communications infrastructure, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply and rapid ADC characterization.

Supply support for ADC3244EVM 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 ADC3244EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate validation of precision, low-power, multi-channel ADCs in RF, instrumentation, and digital receiver applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC3244EVM?

The ADC3244EVM is an evaluation module built to characterize the ADC3244 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 125 MSPS analog-to-digital converter with serial LVDS output. It provides transformer-coupled analog inputs, regulated 1.8-V ADC supply, USB-based SPI control, and configurable power paths. Engineers use the ADC3244EVM to validate dynamic performance, timing margins, and system integration before final PCB design. The ADC3244EVM does not include JESD204B functionality, as the ADC3244 uses sLVDS interface exclusively.

Does the ADC3244EVM support JESD204B interface testing?

No, the ADC3244EVM does not support JESD204B interface testing. It is specifically configured for the ADC3244, which features a serial LVDS (sLVDS) output interface - not JESD204B. While the board shares mechanical layout with JESD204B-capable variants (e.g., ADC32J44EVM), the LMK04828 clock generator remains unconfigured for ADC3244 operation, and the digital output routing, SERDES lanes, and SYSREF handling are absent. JESD204B evaluation requires the ADC32J44EVM or equivalent J-series EVM.

How do I configure the ADC3244EVM for dc-coupled analog input?

To configure the ADC3244EVM for dc-coupled analog input, install resistors R135, R7, R120, R121, R138, R20, R144, and R141 on the top side of the board, while removing R3, R4, R14, R18, R142, and R139. This reconfigures the THS4541-based front-end amplifier stage for direct-current signal passage. The modification is documented in Table 6 of the SLAU579D user's guide and requires soldering surface-mount components. No bottom-side amplifier installation is needed - the ADC3244EVM ships without THS4541 amplifiers, unlike J-series variants.

What clock sources are compatible with the ADC3244EVM?

The ADC3244EVM accepts only external single-ended clock signals via SMA connector J9 (CLK_INP), with J10 (CLK_INM) left unpopulated (DNI). The clock passes through a 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer to boost amplitude, presenting a 50-Ω load to the source. Signal generators should be set to ~+10 dBm output. Unlike JESD204B EVMs, the ADC3244EVM does not utilize the onboard LMK04828 - that IC is physically present but inactive and unconnected for ADC3244 operation.

Can the ADC3244EVM be used with the TSW14J56 data capture card?

No, the ADC3244EVM is not compatible with the TSW14J56 data capture card. The TSW14J56 is designed for JESD204B lane-based interfaces (e.g., ADC32Jxx devices), whereas the ADC3244EVM outputs serialized LVDS data over two 2-wire sLVDS lanes. The correct companion capture platform is the TSW1400, which supports sLVDS input formats and matches the ADC3244EVM's data rate and framing structure. Using TSW14J56 would require protocol translation hardware not provided on the ADC3244EVM.