Texas Instruments ADS4246EVM

Overview

ADS4246EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to demonstrate and validate the ADS4246 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It supports DDR LVDS and parallel CMOS output configurations, integrates on-board THS4509 input op-amps and CDCE72010 clock synthesizer options, and interfaces directly with the TSW1400 high-speed data capture card for real-time waveform analysis.

For engineers reviewing the ADS4246EVM datasheet, ADS4246EVM pinout, ADS4246EVM application, or ADS4246EVM equivalent, this EVM enables rapid ADC performance characterization-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-under configurable input drive (transformer or OPA), clock source (external or CDCE72010-synthesized), and digital interface (LVDS/CMOS) conditions.

Technical Context

The ADS4246EVM implements a complete signal chain for the ADS4246 ADC, including selectable analog front-end paths (transformer-coupled or THS4509-driven), programmable clock conditioning via CDCE72010 (supporting 122.88 MHz or 245.76 MHz LVCMOS outputs), and dual digital output routing options: DDR LVDS (default) or 1.8-V parallel CMOS through SN74AVC16T245 level translators.

It provides full register-level control of the ADS4246 via USB-connected GUI software, enabling configuration of gain (per channel), data format (2's complement/offset binary), SNRBoost mode, high-frequency/low-speed modes, offset correction, and LVDS/CMOS output strength-all verified through jumper-selectable hardware settings per Table 1–5 in SLAU333A.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS4246EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, communications test equipment, and radar receiver development requiring stable component supply, full documentation access, and TI-validated reference design support.

Supply support for ADS4246EVM 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 converter technologies, with decades of leadership in precision ADC/DAC design and test infrastructure.

The ADS42xx EVM product line was developed specifically to accelerate evaluation and system integration of TI's high-speed dual-channel ADCs-including the ADS4246-by providing production-ready, fully documented, and software-controlled reference platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS4246EVM?

The ADS4246EVM is an evaluation module built to characterize the ADS4246 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides hardware and software tools-including jumper-configurable analog input paths, on-board clock synthesis, and USB-controlled GUI-to validate dynamic performance metrics like SNR, SFDR, and ENOB under real-world signal chain conditions. The ADS4246EVM itself is not a production component but a validated platform for ADC evaluation.

Does the ADS4246EVM support both LVDS and CMOS digital outputs?

Yes, the ADS4246EVM supports both output formats. By default, it configures the ADS4246 for DDR LVDS output. To use parallel CMOS, users must install SN74AVC16T245 translators (U12/U13), remove RN5–RN12, and shunt JP26/JP27 per Table 5 in SLAU333A. This reconfiguration routes 1.8-V CMOS data to 40-pin connectors J1 (Channel A) and J2 (Channel B), enabling direct connection to CMOS-compatible FPGAs or logic analyzers.

Can the ADS4246EVM generate its own clock signal?

Yes-the ADS4246EVM includes an on-board CDCE72010 clock synthesizer that accepts a 10-MHz reference input at J19 and generates either 122.88 MHz or 245.76 MHz LVCMOS clock signals at U0P (pin 7), depending on the installed VCXO (491.52 MHz or 983.04 MHz). This eliminates dependency on external high-frequency clock sources and reduces jitter-sensitive signal path complexity when evaluating the ADS4246's timing performance.

How is the ADS4246EVM controlled and configured?

The ADS4246EVM is controlled via a Windows-based GUI application delivered with the ADS58C28_ADS42xx_Installer_vxpx package. This software provides full register-level access to the ADS4246 through USB, allowing real-time configuration of gain (per channel), data format (2's complement or offset binary), SNRBoost mode, high/low-speed operation, offset correction, and LVDS/CMOS output drive strength. All settings are applied using the "Send All" command, and configurations can be saved or loaded from text files.

Is the ADS4246EVM compatible with the TSW1400 capture card?

Yes-the ADS4246EVM is explicitly designed for seamless integration with the TSW1400 high-speed data capture card. The two boards connect directly via LVDS interface, and the TSW1400 GUI (High Speed Data Converter Pro) includes preconfigured *.ini files for ADS4246. This combination enables immediate FFT-based dynamic testing-including single-tone SNR and SFDR measurements-with no FPGA programming or custom firmware required.