Texas Instruments ADS5231EVM

Overview

ADS5231EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS5231 dual, 12-bit, 40-MSPS analog-to-digital converter under controlled analog input, clock, reference, and supply conditions. It supports transformer-coupled and differential amplifier input paths, offers jumper-configurable output enable, MSB format, power-down, and internal/external reference selection, and interfaces directly with TI's TSW1100 data capture board for real-time digital analysis in wireless infrastructure radio applications.

For engineers reviewing the ADS5231EVM datasheet, ADS5231EVM pinout, ADS5231EVM application, or ADS5231EVM equivalent, this page provides verified physical layout details, power configuration guidance, jumper function mapping, digital output interface specifications, and integration notes for ADC performance validation in RF receiver front-ends and baseband sampling systems.

Technical Context

The ADS5231EVM implements a 6-layer FR-4 PCB (5.15" × 5.05") with dedicated analog ground and dual power planes to isolate ADC analog, driver, and external buffer supplies. It integrates two THS4503 differential amplifiers and two ADT4-1WT transformers to condition single-ended inputs into true differential signals for both ADC channels.

Digital outputs are buffered via dual SN74AVC16244 level translators and routed to two 40-pin IDC headers (J8 and J21) compatible with TSW1100 capture. Power is supplied through banana jacks supporting independent ±5 V (for amplifiers), +3.3 V analog (AVDD), and +3.3 V driver (VDRV) rails - enabling high-fidelity evaluation of noise, SNR, and SFDR under split-supply operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS5231EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure radio development, RF receiver characterization, and high-speed ADC validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for ADS5231EVM 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 ADS5231EVM belongs to TI's precision data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically for rapid prototyping and performance verification of dual-channel, medium-speed ADCs in wireless base station, medical imaging, and test equipment signal chains.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS5231EVM?

The ADS5231EVM is a hardware evaluation platform for the ADS5231 dual, 12-bit, 40-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance parameters-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-under real-world signal, clock, reference, and supply conditions. The ADS5231EVM supports both transformer-coupled and active differential amplifier input configurations and provides direct interfacing to TI's TSW1100 for digital data capture and analysis.

Which ADC variants does the ADS5231EVM support?

The ADS5231EVM is a shared evaluation platform for three related devices: ADS5231 (dual, 12-bit, 40 MSPS), ADS5232 (dual, 12-bit, 65 MSPS), and ADS5237 (dual, 10-bit, 65 MSPS). All share identical pinout, power architecture, and signal conditioning circuitry on the ADS5231EVM, allowing users to evaluate performance trade-offs across resolution and speed without changing hardware. The ADS5231EVM schematic and jumper settings apply identically to all three parts.

How is analog input configured on the ADS5231EVM?

The ADS5231EVM provides two mutually exclusive analog input paths per channel: transformer-coupled (default, using SMA connectors J15/J16 and ADT4-1WT transformers) or active differential amplifier (using SMA connectors J1/J2/J7/J9 and THS4503 op-amps). Configuration requires installing/removing specific resistors (e.g., R5–R9, R74–R79) and adjusting jumper SJP1/SJP3. The ADS5231EVM User's Guide documents exact resistor values and placement for each mode.

What power supplies are required for full functionality of the ADS5231EVM?

Full ADS5231EVM functionality requires three independent supplies: +3.3 V for ADC analog core (AVDD, J11/J10), +3.3 V for digital output drivers (VDRV, J17/J18), and ±5 V for THS4503 differential amplifiers (J14/J13/J12). Transformer-coupled operation only needs the +3.3 V supplies; amplifier path activation mandates ±5 V. All supplies connect via banana jacks with current-limited lab sources recommended.

Can the ADS5231EVM be used without the TSW1100?

Yes - the ADS5231EVM outputs digital data via two 40-pin IDC headers (J8 and J21) with SN74AVC16244 buffering, making it compatible with standard logic analyzers or custom FPGA capture systems. While the TSW1100 provides optimized software integration and real-time FFT analysis, the ADS5231EVM's pinout and voltage levels (3.3-V LVTTL) allow direct connection to third-party digital acquisition tools without modification.