Texas Instruments ADS4126EVM

Overview

ADS4126EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS4126 12-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) under configurable signal, clock, reference, and power supply conditions. It supports transformer-coupled single-ended analog input (J6), external or onboard CDCE72010-derived clocking (up to 245.76 MHz), dual 1.8-V analog/digital supplies (LDO or switching regulator), and LVDS digital output capture via J10.

For engineers reviewing the ADS4126EVM datasheet, ADS4126EVM pinout, ADS4126EVM application, or ADS4126EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration options, jumper-controlled power/clock/analog routing, TSW1400/HSDC Pro integration details, and TI-validated test procedures for SNR, SFDR, and FFT performance validation of high-speed ADCs in communications and instrumentation systems.

Technical Context

The ADS4126EVM implements a modular, jumper-configurable architecture centered on the ADS4126 ADC. Power delivery supports three modes: TPS62562 switching regulator (high efficiency), TPS79618 LDO (low noise), or isolated external 1.8-V supplies - each selected via JP13/J14/JP17/JP19. Clocking flexibility includes direct SMA input (J19), crystal-filtered LVCMOS output from CDCE72010 (Y0, 245.76 MHz), or differential LVPECL (Y1P/Y1N), with VCXO enable (JP4) and CDC control (JP1/JP2/JP10) jumpers.

Analog input path selection is hardware-defined: transformer-coupled (R84/R94/R97/R98 installed) or THS4509 amplifier-based (R95/R96/R99/R106 installed), with independent 5-V bias (J9/J11) and amplifier PD control (JP7). Digital outputs are LVDS-compliant, routed to 20-pin header J10 and terminated internally when interfaced with TSW1400.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS4126EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, RF receiver prototyping, and communications test equipment requiring stable component supply, full documentation access, and TI-validated evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADS4126EVM 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 silicon solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ADS4126EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of pipeline ADCs in demanding IF-sampling and direct-RF-conversion applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS4126EVM?

The ADS4126EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS4126 12-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. Its purpose is to enable engineers to validate ADC performance-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-under real-world conditions including variable clock sources, analog input configurations (transformer or THS4509 amplifier), power supply topologies (LDO vs. switching), and LVDS data capture. The ADS4126EVM does not operate standalone; it requires connection to a host PC via USB (for SPI control) and a TSW1400 or logic analyzer (for LVDS output capture).

Which ADC devices does the ADS4126EVM support besides the ADS4126?

The ADS4126EVM is part of the multi-device ADS41xx/58B18EVM platform and supports pin-compatible evaluation of ADS4126, ADS4146, ADS4128, ADS4129, ADS4149, ADS41B29, ADS41B49, and ADS58B18. All share identical board layout, jumper architecture, and power/clock/analog routing. However, performance validation (e.g., max sampling rate, noise floor) must be performed per device datasheet limits - the ADS4126EVM itself is not reconfigured for different speed grades or resolution variants.

How do I configure the ADS4126EVM for default operation?

To restore default configuration for the ADS4126EVM, set all jumpers per Table 1-1: JP7=1-2 (AMP+), R94/98 installed (AMP+), R97 installed (AMP–), JP12=1-2 (Parallel), JP9=1-2 (SEN), JP15=open (OE), J2=7-8 (DFS), J1=7-8 (SEN), JP13=1-2, JP14=1-2, JP3=1-2, JP17=1-2, JP19=1-2, JP1=1-2 (CDC PWRDWN), R81 installed (CLOCK IN), R115 installed (CLOCK IN → ADC), R110 installed (Y1N → GND). Apply 3.3 V to J16, 1.5-Vpp clock to J19, and –1-dBFS analog signal to J6.

Can the ADS4126EVM generate its own clock signal without external equipment?

No - the ADS4126EVM does not include a populated VCXO or crystal filter by default. To use onboard clock generation, users must solder a 983.04-MHz VCXO and matching 245.76-MHz crystal filter, then configure jumpers (JP4=1-2, R107/R114 installed, R81/R115 removed) to route CDCE72010 Y0 output through the filter to the ADC. A 20-MHz reference clock must still be supplied externally to J19. Without these components and modifications, the ADS4126EVM relies entirely on external clock sources applied to J19.

What software tools are required to evaluate the ADS4126EVM?

Evaluation of the ADS4126EVM requires Texas Instruments' HSDC Pro software (v3.10 or later) and the TSW1400 data capture board. HSDC Pro provides GUI-based register programming, FFT analysis, histogram plots, and single-tone testing. The ADS4126EVM connects to the host PC via USB for SPI communication and to the TSW1400 via J10 for LVDS data capture. No additional drivers or third-party tools are needed - TI provides full firmware, GUI, and user guide (SLWU067D) with validated test procedures and result interpretation guidance.