Texas Instruments ADC3424EVM

Overview

ADC3424EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to assess the ADC3424 - a quad-channel, 12-bit, 125 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 USB-based SPI control via HSDC Pro GUI for register configuration and data capture. The EVM enables performance validation in high-speed data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADC3424EVM datasheet, ADC3424EVM pinout, ADC3424EVM application, or ADC3424EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration options, jumper-controlled power paths, clock input circuit details, DC/AC coupling resistor swap guidance, and software-controlled test pattern generation - all specific to the ADC3424EVM revision used with the ADC3424 device.

Technical Context

The ADC3424EVM implements a dual-transformer analog input path for improved amplitude and phase balance across four channels, with default 50-Ω termination formed by paired 25-Ω resistors referenced to VCM. Clock input uses a 1:4 impedance-ratio transformer to boost signal amplitude, targeting +10 dBm source drive.

Power is derived from a 5-V barrel connector, regulated internally via TPS62080 (DC/DC) and TPS7A4700 (low-noise LDO) to generate stable 1.8-V for the ADC and USB interface. Jumpers JP6 and JP7 select between LDO-supplied or switched-mode 1.8-V operation, with feedback resistor R79 required when bypassing the LDO.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADC3424EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, communications infrastructure prototyping, and radar receiver development requiring stable component supply and full evaluation capability.

Supply support for ADC3424EVM 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, delivering analog, embedded processing, and high-performance analog products for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ADC3424EVM belongs to TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of quad-channel, LVDS-output ADCs operating up to 125 MSPS in demanding RF and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADC3424EVM?

The ADC3424EVM is a hardware evaluation platform for the ADC3424 analog-to-digital converter. It provides signal conditioning, power regulation, clock interface, and USB-based control to enable functional verification, AC/DC performance testing, and system-level integration of the quad-channel, 12-bit, 125 MSPS sLVDS ADC. The ADC3424EVM does not contain the ADC3424 IC itself but hosts it as a socketed or soldered device depending on configuration.

Does the ADC3424EVM include an onboard clock generator?

No, the ADC3424EVM does not include an onboard clock generator such as the LMK04828. That feature is exclusive to the JESD204B variants (e.g., ADC34JxxEVM). The ADC3424EVM requires an external single-ended clock source delivered via SMA connectors J9 (CLK_INP) and J10 (CLK_INM), transformer-coupled to meet the ADC3424's differential clock input requirements.

How is DC-coupling enabled on the ADC3424EVM?

DC-coupling is not natively supported on the ADC3424EVM. Unlike the ADC34JxxEVM, which ships with THS4541RGT amplifiers preinstalled, the ADC3424EVM requires discrete amplifier components (e.g., THS4541RGT) to be added to the bottom side of the board, followed by resistor swaps on the top layer (per Table 6 in the user's guide). These modifications are documented for ADC32xxEVM but apply similarly to ADC3424EVM with channel-specific adaptation.

Which software is used to control the ADC3424EVM?

The ADC3424EVM is controlled using Texas Instruments' High-Speed Data Converter Pro (HSDC Pro) GUI software. This application provides tabbed register access - including Common, ADC34xx, and Advanced modes - enabling real-time configuration of dither, gain, chopper, test patterns, LVDS swing, and power-down states. Firmware and drivers are installed via the ADC3424EVM-specific installer package.

What power architecture does the ADC3424EVM use?

The ADC3424EVM derives all internal voltages from a 5-V input supplied through J15. It employs a two-stage power architecture: a TPS62080 buck converter steps down 5 V to ~2.8 V, which feeds a TPS7A4700 low-noise LDO to produce the critical 1.8-V supply for the ADC3424 and USB interface. JP6 and JP7 jumpers allow selection between LDO-regulated or direct switched-mode 1.8-V operation, with R79 required if bypassing the LDO.