Texas Instruments ADC32J44EVM

Overview

ADC32J44EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to assess the ADC32J44 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, JESD204B-compliant analog-to-digital converter with 125 MSPS sampling rate, 1.8-V single-supply operation, and onboard LMK04828 clock generator for deterministic SYSREF timing. It supports transformer-coupled AC-coupled analog inputs and JESD204B lane synchronization for high-speed data capture in radar and communications test systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADC32J44EVM datasheet, ADC32J44EVM pinout, ADC32J44EVM application, or ADC32J44EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options, power supply routing details, USB-SPI GUI control behavior, HSMC/FMC interface compatibility, and JESD204B lane validation procedures specific to the ADC32J44EVM revision.

Technical Context

The ADC32J44EVM implements a dual-ADC signal chain with two independent 14-bit, 125 MSPS ADC32J44 cores, each connected to its own differential analog input path via dual 1:1 baluns and configurable AC/DC coupling resistors. It integrates the LMK04828 ultra-low-jitter clock conditioner to generate synchronized ADC sampling clocks and SYSREF signals required for multi-device JESD204B system alignment.

Power delivery uses a dual-stage architecture: a TPS62080 buck converter steps 5 V down to 2.8 V and 4 V, feeding low-noise TPS7A4700 LDOs that produce clean 1.8 V for the ADC32J44 and 3.3 V for the LMK04828 and CPLD. Jumper-selectable LDO bypass enables direct DC/DC supply to the ADC under controlled noise conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC32J44EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, radar receiver prototyping, and 5G NR baseband testing requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for ADC32J44EVM 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies.

The ADC32J44EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate JESD204B-based system development for communications infrastructure, test equipment, and defense electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC32J44EVM?

The ADC32J44EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADC32J44 analog-to-digital converter. It provides full hardware and software support-including onboard clock generation, analog input conditioning, JESD204B data streaming, and GUI-controlled register access-to validate performance, verify timing alignment, and prototype signal chains prior to custom PCB design. The ADC32J44EVM enables rapid characterization of the ADC32J44's 14-bit, 125 MSPS, dual-channel JESD204B interface under real-world RF and baseband conditions.

Does the ADC32J44EVM include an onboard clock generator?

Yes, the ADC32J44EVM integrates the LMK04828 ultra-low-jitter clock conditioner. This device generates both the precise sampling clock for the ADC32J44 and the deterministic SYSREF frame clock required for JESD204B lane alignment. The LMK04828 is powered by a dedicated 3.3-V LDO rail and supports external reference inputs or internal VCXO operation, enabling repeatable, low-phase-noise timing critical for coherent multi-ADC systems. The ADC32J44EVM leverages this capability to eliminate external clock dependency during initial evaluation.

How is analog input coupling configured on the ADC32J44EVM?

The ADC32J44EVM defaults to AC-coupled analog inputs using dual 1:1 baluns and 50-Ω termination. For DC-coupled operation, users must perform a resistor swap on channels B and C per Table 7 in the SLAU579D user's guide-installing R137, R216, R225, R227–R228, R218, R232, and R235 while removing R217, R258, R226, R219, R233, and R234. The THS4541RGT amplifiers are pre-installed, so no bottom-side assembly is needed. This configuration enables baseband signal capture from 0 Hz without transformer saturation or DC offset drift.

Which host platforms is the ADC32J44EVM compatible with?

The ADC32J44EVM connects to host systems via its HSMC (High-Speed Mezzanine Card) interface (J13A/B), which is electrically and mechanically compatible with Texas Instruments' TSW14J56 high-speed data capture card and select FPGA development boards supporting JESD204B v1.1. It also supports USB-based SPI control through the mini-USB port using the HSDC Pro GUI. The ADC32J44EVM does not require FMC or PCIe carrier cards unless adapted via third-party interposers; native integration is optimized for TI's TSW14J56 and compatible JESD204B receivers.

Can the ADC32J44EVM operate with external clock and SYSREF sources?

Yes, the ADC32J44EVM provides dedicated SMA connectors for external clock (EXT_ADC_CLK, J9) and external SYSREF (EXT SYSREF+, J23; EXT SYSREF–, J24), allowing bypass of the onboard LMK04828 when system-level clock distribution is already established. These inputs accept single-ended 1.8-V LVCMOS signals and are impedance-matched to 50 Ω. When using external sources, jumpers JP9–JP10 and JP12–JP13 must remain in their default LDO positions, and the LMK04828 should be disabled via GUI or CPLD register to prevent contention. This mode is validated for deterministic multi-board synchronization in phased-array radar testbenches.