Texas Instruments ADS1148EVM

Overview

ADS1148EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to accelerate development with the ADS1148 - a 16-bit, 2-kSPS delta-sigma ADC featuring an 8-channel analog multiplexer, dual matched 50–1500 µA excitation current sources (IDACs), programmable gain amplifier (1–128 V/V), internal 2.048-V reference, burn-out detection, and 8 GPIOs. It supports RTD, thermocouple, and bridge sensor measurement in industrial process control and factory automation.

For engineers reviewing the ADS1148EVM datasheet, ADS1148EVM pinout, ADS1148EVM application, or ADS1148EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, supported sensor configurations, SPI communication setup, onboard reference and biasing options, and direct integration guidance for precision low-frequency analog front-ends.

Technical Context

The ADS1148EVM implements the full signal chain of the ADS1148 IC: it routes all 8 analog input channels (AIN0–AIN7) with selectable IEXC sourcing, provides jumper-configurable REFP/REFN reference paths (internal or external), enables VBIAS generation for thermocouples, and exposes all digital control lines (SCLK, DIN, DOUT/DRDY, CS, START, RESET) via headers compatible with standard logic analyzers and microcontrollers.

It integrates on-board decoupling (0.1 µF AVDD–AVSS, 1 µF–47 µF VREFOUT–VREFCOM), thermal pad grounding, and configurable GPIO pull-ups/pull-downs - enabling immediate validation of ADS1148 features including single-cycle settling at 20 SPS, simultaneous 50/60-Hz rejection, self/system calibration, and power supply monitoring without custom PCB design.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS1148EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, factory automation, temperature sensor prototyping, and precision analog front-end validation requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-test.

Supply support for ADS1148EVM 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-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and communications systems.

The ADS1148EVM belongs to TI's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered to simplify sensor signal conditioning design for RTD, thermocouple, and resistive bridge applications with integrated PGA, IDACs, and diagnostics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS1148EVM?

The ADS1148EVM is a fully assembled and tested evaluation module that enables rapid characterization and firmware development for the ADS1148 16-bit delta-sigma ADC. It provides physical access to all analog inputs (AIN0–AIN7), excitation current outputs (IEXC1/IEXC2), reference paths, GPIOs, and SPI control signals - allowing engineers to validate sensor interface topologies, calibration routines, and timing behavior without designing custom hardware. The ADS1148EVM directly supports the ADS1148's key capabilities including burn-out detection, VBIAS generation, and simultaneous 50/60-Hz rejection.

Does the ADS1148EVM support both internal and external voltage references?

Yes, the ADS1148EVM supports both internal and external voltage references. It routes the ADS1148's internal 2.048-V reference (VREFOUT/VREFCOM) to dedicated test points and allows selection of external references via REFP0/REFN0 or REFP1/REFN1 headers. Jumpers enable configuration of reference source and polarity, ensuring compatibility with unipolar (2.7–5.25 V) or bipolar (±2.5 V) analog supply modes. This flexibility lets users verify ADS1148 performance under real-world reference conditions before final system integration.

How are the excitation current sources (IDACs) implemented on the ADS1148EVM?

The ADS1148EVM exposes both IEXC1 and IEXC2 outputs from the ADS1148 IC through clearly labeled test points and screw terminals. Each IDAC supports six programmable current levels (50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 µA) with <±0.2% mismatch and <10 ppm/°C temperature drift matching. The board includes optional load resistors and routing options to configure 2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire RTD measurements, and supports burn-out detection by enabling current sourcing into open-circuit sensors. All IDAC functionality is controlled entirely through ADS1148 register writes over SPI.

Can the ADS1148EVM be used for thermocouple measurements?

Yes, the ADS1148EVM supports thermocouple measurements via its integrated VBIAS feature and cold-junction compensation capability. The board provides dedicated VBIAS output (tied to (AVDD + AVSS)/2) to bias thermocouple inputs, along with access to the ADS1148's internal temperature sensor (118 mV at 25°C, 405 µV/°C) for accurate cold-junction compensation. All 8 analog inputs (AIN0–AIN7) can be configured for thermocouple use, and GPIOs allow external thermistor or RTD-based CJC enhancement. The ADS1148EVM's layout maintains low thermal gradients to minimize measurement error.

What software and documentation accompany the ADS1148EVM?

The ADS1148EVM ships with TI's ADS1x48 GUI software, which provides real-time data capture, register configuration, calibration sequence execution (self/system), and FFT analysis. Full documentation includes the ADS1148EVM User's Guide (SLAU425), ADS1148 datasheet (SBAS453G), and application notes covering RTD linearization, thermocouple cold-junction compensation, and noise optimization. Firmware examples for MSP430 and C2000 microcontrollers are also available from TI's website to accelerate ADS1148EVM integration into custom host systems.