Texas Instruments ADS4249EVM

Overview

ADS4249EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to demonstrate and validate the ADS4249 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It supports DDR LVDS and parallel CMOS output configurations, integrates on-board THS4509 op-amp and CDCE72010 clock driver options, and interfaces directly with TI's TSW1400 high-speed data capture card for real-time waveform analysis in RF receiver, communications test, and instrumentation applications.

For engineers reviewing the ADS4249EVM datasheet, ADS4249EVM pinout, ADS4249EVM application, or ADS4249EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, jumper-controlled interface modes (serial/parallel), ADC register control via GUI, clock input flexibility (transformer-coupled or CDC-driven), and validated test procedures using coherent FFT capture - all critical for rapid ADC characterization and system integration.

Technical Context

The ADS4249EVM implements a complete signal chain for the ADS4249 ADC, including configurable analog front-end (transformer-coupled or THS4509 OPA-driven), programmable clock conditioning (via CDCE72010 or external 160–250 MHz source), and dual-output path selection (DDR LVDS or 1.8-V parallel CMOS). All digital control is handled through SPI interface with on-board FPGA logic.

It provides full register-level software control via the ADS58C28_ADS42xx_GUI_vxpx tool, enabling real-time configuration of gain (chA/chB), data format (2's complement/offset binary), SNRBoost mode, high-frequency/low-speed operation, offset correction, and LVDS/CMOS output strength - all mapped to physical jumpers (JP8–JP11) and component placements (U12/U13, RN5–RN12).

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS4249EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver development, high-speed instrumentation prototyping, wireless infrastructure testing, and academic ADC research requiring stable component supply and full evaluation support.

Supply support for ADS4249EVM 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, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies.

The ADS42xx EVM series is part of TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of dual-channel, high-resolution ADCs in communications, test & measurement, and radar systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS4249EVM?

The ADS4249EVM is an evaluation module built to characterize and validate the ADS4249 dual-channel, 14-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides complete signal chain support-including configurable analog input (transformer or THS4509), clock conditioning (CDCE72010 or external), and output interface selection (DDR LVDS or parallel CMOS)-and enables full register control via the ADS58C28_ADS42xx_GUI_vxpx software. The ADS4249EVM is not a production component but a lab-grade development tool for ADC performance verification.

Does the ADS4249EVM support both serial and parallel interface modes for the ADS4249 ADC?

Yes, the ADS4249EVM supports both serial (SPI) and parallel control modes for the ADS4249 ADC. Default jumper settings (JP8–JP11 shorted 3–2) configure the board for SPI communication. To switch to parallel pin control, those jumpers must be repositioned to short 1–2 per Table 2 in the SLAU333A user's guide. This change reroutes SCLK, SDATA, SEN, and reset signals from SPI headers to dedicated parallel control pins on the ADC socket, enabling direct FPGA or logic-level timing control.

Can the ADS4249EVM generate its own clock signal, or does it require an external source?

The ADS4249EVM can operate with either an external clock or an internally generated one. By default, it accepts a 160–250 MHz clock via transformer coupling at J19. Alternatively, the on-board CDCE72010 clock synthesizer can be enabled (using jumper changes per Table 4) to produce 245.76 MHz or 122.88 MHz LVCMOS clocks from a 10-MHz reference and onboard VCXO - eliminating need for external high-frequency clock sources during lab evaluation of the ADS4249.

How does the ADS4249EVM interface with the TSW1400 capture card?

The ADS4249EVM connects directly to the TSW1400 EVM via LVDS data and clock lines, with power and control routed through standard inter-board headers. The TSW1400 supplies capture memory, trigger logic, and GUI-based FFT analysis, while the ADS4249EVM conditions and digitizes analog inputs. Firmware and .ini files (ADS424x.ini) must be loaded into the TSW1400 software to correctly identify and configure the ADS4249 device - enabling coherent sampling, channel selection, and real-time spectral analysis as documented in Section 2.4 of the SLAU333A user's guide.

What are the key jumper configurations needed to enable parallel CMOS output on the ADS4249EVM?

To enable parallel CMOS output on the ADS4249EVM, install U12 and U13 (SN74AVC16T245 level translators), remove RN5–RN12 (LVDS termination resistors), and shunt JP26 and JP27 (enabling 1.8-V CMOS drive). These changes route ADC output bits to 40-pin connectors J1 (Channel A) and J2 (Channel B) as single-ended 1.8-V CMOS signals - supporting FPGA or ASIC interfacing where LVDS differential signaling is not required. Configuration details are specified in Table 5 of the SLAU333A user's guide.