Texas Instruments ADS1246EVM

Overview

ADS1246EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to accelerate development and validation of the ADS1246 24-bit, 2-kSPS delta-sigma ADC for precision sensor measurement applications. It provides full access to all pins of the ADS1246 in a 16-pin TSSOP package, supports external reference configuration, includes onboard test points for analog inputs (AINP/AINN), digital interface signals (SCLK/DIN/DOUT/DRDY/CS/START), power rails (AVDD/AVSS/DVDD), and integrates jumpers for flexible biasing, clock source selection (internal oscillator or external CLK), and reference routing.

For engineers reviewing the ADS1246EVM datasheet, ADS1246EVM pinout, ADS1246EVM application, or ADS1246EVM equivalent, this module enables rapid prototyping of RTD, thermocouple, and bridge-based sensing systems with verified signal chain integrity, SPI-compatible timing compliance, and calibrated low-noise PGA performance up to 128× gain - critical for industrial temperature and pressure measurement designs requiring <15 ppm INL and single-cycle settling at 20 SPS.

Technical Context

The ADS1246EVM implements a complete hardware reference design for the ADS1246 ADC, featuring direct connection to its 16-pin TSSOP footprint, configurable analog input termination, decoupling capacitors per TI-recommended layout (0.1 µF AVDD-to-AVSS, 0.1 µF DVDD-to-DGND), and selectable clock source via jumper JP1 (internal oscillator enabled by grounding CLK or external 1–4.5 MHz signal applied to CLK pin). It supports unipolar (2.7–5.25 V) and bipolar (±2.5 V) analog supply operation.

Signal integrity is maintained through dedicated ground planes, isolated analog/digital power domains, and routed traces matching TI's layout guidelines for 24-bit delta-sigma converters - including minimized loop area for AINP/AINN, guard rings around high-impedance inputs, and star-point grounding at AVSS/DGND. The board does not include IDACs, GPIOs, or internal voltage reference circuitry, as those features are absent in the ADS1246 device itself.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS1246EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial temperature sensing, pressure transducer evaluation, and factory automation system validation requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration support, and documented layout-compliant reference designs.

Supply support for ADS1246EVM 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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision data acquisition and industrial interface solutions.

The ADS1246EVM belongs to TI's precision ADC evaluation module product line, engineered specifically to de-risk sensor front-end design for high-resolution industrial measurement systems using the ADS124x family - emphasizing layout fidelity, noise floor validation, and register-level functional verification.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS1246EVM?

The ADS1246EVM is an evaluation module that provides a ready-to-use hardware platform for testing and validating the ADS1246 24-bit delta-sigma ADC. It enables engineers to evaluate key performance metrics - including INL (<15 ppm), offset drift (<15 µV after calibration), and 50/60-Hz rejection at 20 SPS - using real-world sensor signals. The ADS1246EVM supports full SPI register access, external reference configuration, and TI-recommended power/ground partitioning to ensure accurate characterization of the ADS1246 in actual system conditions.

Does the ADS1246EVM support internal voltage reference or IDACs?

No, the ADS1246EVM does not support internal voltage reference or IDAC functionality because the underlying ADS1246 device lacks those features. Unlike the ADS1247 and ADS1248, the ADS1246 requires an external differential reference (REFP/REFN) and has no programmable excitation current sources. The ADS1246EVM reflects this architecture precisely - it provides only REFP/REFN input terminals and no IEXC1/IEXC2 outputs or VREFOUT/VREFCOM connections. Users must supply an external precision reference such as the REF5025.

Which pins of the ADS1246 are accessible on the ADS1246EVM?

All 16 pins of the ADS1246 in TSSOP-16 package are fully accessible on the ADS1246EVM: AINP, AINN, REFP, REFN, AVDD, AVSS, DVDD, DGND, CLK, RESET, CS, START, SCLK, DIN, DOUT/DRDY, and DRDY. Each pin is routed to test points or headers, with dedicated ground planes and decoupling. Notably, pins like AIN0/IEXC or GPIO functions present on ADS1247/ADS1248 are omitted - confirming the ADS1246EVM's strict alignment with the ADS1246's single-differential-input, no-GPIO, no-IDAC feature set.

Can the ADS1246EVM be used with other devices in the ADS124x family?

The ADS1246EVM is mechanically and electrically optimized exclusively for the ADS1246 and is not compatible with ADS1247 or ADS1248. Those devices use 20-pin and 28-pin TSSOP packages respectively, with different pinouts, additional I/Os (GPIO0–GPIO7), dual IDACs, internal reference outputs, and multiplexed analog inputs - none of which are supported by the ADS1246EVM's layout, footprint, or jumper configuration. Attempting to mount ADS1247 or ADS1248 on the ADS1246EVM would result in incorrect pin mapping and functional failure.

What software and tools are required to operate the ADS1246EVM?

To operate the ADS1246EVM, users need TI's Precision Studio software (free download), which provides GUI-based register configuration, real-time data capture, FFT analysis, and built-in calibration routines for the ADS1246. Communication occurs via USB-to-SPI adapter (included with some kits or sold separately as the ADS1246EVM-PDK). No custom firmware or driver installation is required - Precision Studio auto-detects the ADS1246EVM and supports all documented commands (e.g., RREG, WREG, SYSOCAL) and data rates (5–2000 SPS) specified in the ADS1246 datasheet SBAS426H.