Texas Instruments ADC3423EVM

Overview

ADC3423EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADC3423 - a quad-channel, 12-bit, 80 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 for register configuration, dither/chopper enablement, and digital gain adjustment. It is used in high-speed data acquisition systems requiring precise multi-channel sampling.

For engineers reviewing the ADC3423EVM datasheet, ADC3423EVM pinout, ADC3423EVM application, or ADC3423EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options (AC/DC coupling), clock input circuit details (1:4 transformer interface), jumper-controlled power paths (JP6/JP7 for LDO/bypass), HSMC connector compatibility with TSW1400, and GUI-driven test pattern alignment - all essential for rapid ADC3423 validation and system integration.

Technical Context

The ADC3423EVM implements a dual-transformer analog input path for improved amplitude/phase balance across four channels, with default 50-Ω termination formed by two 25-Ω resistors tied to VCM. It accepts single-ended clock input via SMA, transformed to differential using a 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer to boost amplitude while presenting 50-Ω source load.

Power is derived from a 5-V input through an efficient DC/DC switching stage (TPS62080) followed by low-noise LDOs (TPS7A4700), delivering regulated 1.8-V to the ADC and USB circuits. Jumpers JP6 and JP7 select between LDO-supplied or switched 1.8-V operation, with resistor R79 required for switcher output configuration.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC3423EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, communications infrastructure prototyping, and radar signal chain development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform availability.

Supply support for ADC3423EVM 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies, with decades of expertise in precision ADC design and evaluation platforms.

The ADC3423EVM belongs to TI's ADC3xxx EVM family - purpose-built to accelerate evaluation of their high-speed, low-power, multi-channel ADCs targeting communications, instrumentation, and defense applications where channel density and interface flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC3423EVM?

The ADC3423EVM is an evaluation module that enables hardware and software validation of the ADC3423 - a quad-channel, 12-bit, 80 MSPS serial LVDS analog-to-digital converter. It provides transformer-coupled analog inputs, configurable 1.8-V power delivery, SPI-based GUI control, and HSMC connectivity to TSW1400 for real-time data capture. The ADC3423EVM does not perform conversion itself but serves as a complete reference platform to assess ADC3423 performance under real-world signal and timing conditions.

Which ADC device does the ADC3423EVM support?

The ADC3423EVM is specifically designed for the ADC3423, a quad-channel, 12-bit, 80 MSPS analog-to-digital converter with serial LVDS output. It is not compatible with JESD204B devices like ADC34Jxx series or dual-channel variants such as ADC3223 or ADC3243. The board's layout, jumper settings (e.g., JP6/JP7), transformer network, and GUI tab (ADC34xx) are all optimized exclusively for the ADC3423 and its sLVDS quad-channel architecture.

How is analog input configured on the ADC3423EVM?

The ADC3423EVM uses a dual-transformer input circuit with default 50-Ω termination per channel (via two 25-Ω resistors to VCM) and supports both AC-coupled single-ended and differential signaling. Inputs connect via eight SMA connectors (J1–J8), with J1/J4 for Channel A/B and J5/J8 for Channel C/D. For DC-coupling, specific resistor swaps (R217/R258/etc.) are required per Table 7 in the user's guide - no amplifier installation is needed since THS4541RGT is pre-installed only on JESD204B EVMs, not on ADC3423EVM.

What software is used to control the ADC3423EVM?

The ADC3423EVM is controlled using Texas Instruments' HSDC Pro GUI software, installed via ADC3xxxx_Installer_vxpx. The GUI provides dedicated ADC34xx tab with controls for per-channel dither disable, power-down, digital gain (0–6 dB), chopper disable, test pattern selection, and LVDS swing adjustment. Register-level access is also supported via the Advanced tab. The ADC3423EVM communicates over Mini-USB (J14) using an onboard SPI-to-USB bridge - no external programmer or JTAG is required.

Can the ADC3423EVM generate its own clock signal?

No, the ADC3423EVM does not include an onboard clock generator. It requires an external single-ended clock signal applied to the CLK_INP/CLK_INM SMA connectors (J9/J10), which is then transformer-coupled to produce a differential clock for the ADC3423. Unlike JESD204B EVMs (e.g., ADC34JxxEVM), it lacks the LMK04828 clock synthesizer. Clock signals must be supplied by a signal generator or system clock source, with recommended level of +10 dBm into 50 Ω for optimal ADC3423 performance.