Texas Instruments ADS4245EVM

Overview

ADS4245EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to demonstrate and validate the ADS4245 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It supports DDR LVDS and parallel CMOS output configurations, integrates THS4509 input op-amps and CDCE72010 clock synthesis options, and interfaces directly with the TSW1400 high-speed data capture card for real-time waveform analysis.

For engineers reviewing the ADS4245EVM datasheet, ADS4245EVM pinout, ADS4245EVM application, or ADS4245EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, jumper-controlled interface modes (serial/parallel), on-board clocking options (transformer-coupled or CDCE72010-driven), and validated test procedures using TSW1400-based FFT analysis at up to 250 MSPS sampling rates.

Technical Context

The ADS4245EVM implements a complete signal chain for the ADS4245 ADC, including configurable analog front-end paths (transformer-coupled or THS4509 op-amp driven), selectable clock sources (1:4 transformer or CDCE72010 programmable clock generator), and dual-output routing (DDR LVDS via onboard SN74AVC16T245 buffers or 1.8-V parallel CMOS through 40-pin headers J1/J2).

It enables full register-level control of the ADS4245 via USB-connected GUI software, supporting SPI-based device programming, gain/offset correction, SNRBoost mode selection, high-frequency mode activation per channel, and LVDS/CMOS output format switching - all validated against TI's SBAS533 datasheet and SLAU333A user guide.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS4245EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, radar receiver prototyping, communications transceiver development, and medical imaging front-end validation requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADS4245EVM 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, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision electronics.

The ADS4245EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of dual-channel, 12–14-bit, 160–250 MSPS converters in instrumentation, defense, and communications applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS4245EVM?

The ADS4245EVM is an evaluation module built to characterize and validate the ADS4245 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides configurable analog input paths, flexible clocking options, and both DDR LVDS and parallel CMOS output interfaces - enabling engineers to verify timing margins, noise performance, and system-level integration before final PCB design. The ADS4245EVM is not a production-ready subsystem but a lab-grade reference platform for feasibility testing.

Which ADC does the ADS4245EVM support?

The ADS4245EVM is specifically designed for the ADS4245 - a dual-channel, 14-bit, 250 MSPS analog-to-digital converter from Texas Instruments. While the board shares mechanical and firmware compatibility with other ADS42xx family members (e.g., ADS4225, ADS4249), its default jumper settings, schematic optimizations, and documented test procedures are validated exclusively for the ADS4245. The ADS4245EVM user guide (SLAU333A) confirms this as the target device in all register controls, GUI selections, and FFT validation examples.

How does the ADS4245EVM interface with the TSW1400 capture card?

The ADS4245EVM connects directly to the TSW1400 EVM via dedicated LVDS data and clock lines, enabling synchronized high-speed data capture. The TSW1400 reads DDR LVDS output from the ADS4245EVM, processes samples in real time, and displays FFT plots, SNR, SFDR, and ENOB metrics through the High Speed Data Converter Pro GUI. This interface requires correct jumper configuration (JP14 set to Short 1–2 for DDR LVDS), proper power sequencing, and matching sampling rate settings between the ADS4245EVM GUI and TSW1400 software - all detailed in Section 2.4 of the ADS4245EVM user guide.

Can the ADS4245EVM generate its own clock signal?

No, the ADS4245EVM does not generate its own clock signal. It accepts external clock inputs either through transformer coupling at J19 (default) or via the on-board CDCE72010 clock synthesizer when configured per Table 4 of the user guide. When using the CDCE72010, the module requires a 10-MHz reference input at J19 and an on-board VCXO (983.04 MHz or 491.52 MHz) to produce 245.76 MHz or 122.88 MHz LVCMOS clock outputs routed to the ADS4245. The ADS4245EVM itself contains no independent oscillator or PLL capable of autonomous clock generation.

What software is required to operate the ADS4245EVM?

Operation of the ADS4245EVM requires two software components: the ADS58C28_ADS42xx_GUI_vxpx installer (provided in the TI design package) for low-level register control of the ADS4245, and the High Speed Data Converter Pro GUI (from the TSW1400 tool suite) for data capture and spectral analysis. The ADS4245EVM GUI enables SPI-based configuration of gain, offset correction, LVDS/CMOS output mode, SNRBoost, and high-frequency channel modes. Both tools are Windows-only and require USB driver installation from C:\Program Files\Texas Instruments\ADS58C28_ADS42xx\data\ upon first connection.