Texas Instruments ADS5474EVM

Overview

ADS5474EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS5474 14-bit, 400-MSPS analog-to-digital converter under real-world signal, clock, and supply conditions. It supports dual analog input paths (balun-coupled and THS9001 amplifier-based), differential LVDS digital output via high-density Samtec header, and flexible power configuration for ADC analog/digital and amplifier supplies.

For engineers reviewing the ADS5474EVM datasheet, ADS5474EVM pinout, ADS5474EVM application, or ADS5474EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware specifications, jumper-configurable ADC family support (ADS5440/44/63/74), SMA-based clock/analog interfaces, LVDS output termination guidance, and layout-validated thermal and grounding practices for high-speed ADC evaluation.

Technical Context

The ADS5474EVM implements a 6-layer FR-4 PCB with dedicated ground and power planes, optimized for >400-MSPS sampling integrity. It integrates two analog input topologies: transformer-coupled (MACOM ETC1-1-13, 4 MHz–1 GHz passband) and active THS9001 amplifier path with tunable 170-MHz band-pass filtering.

Digital interface uses LVDS signaling with on-board 100-Ω termination support via breakout board; clock input accepts single-ended ≤500 MHz signals converted to differential by Coilcraft WBC4-1W balun. Jumper J21 enables ADS5474-specific VCM and power-down control, distinguishing it from ADS5440/44/63 configurations.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS5474EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, radar receiver prototyping, and communications test equipment requiring stable component supply and validated ADC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADS5474EVM 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.

The ADS5474EVM belongs to TI's precision high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for RF-sampling applications in defense, instrumentation, and broadband communications systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS5474EVM?

The ADS5474EVM is a Texas Instruments evaluation module built to validate the performance of the ADS5474 14-bit, 400-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides configurable analog input paths (balun and THS9001 amplifier), differential LVDS digital output, precise power sequencing, and jumper-selectable support for multiple devices in the ADS54xx family - all implemented on a rigorously laid-out 6-layer PCB. The ADS5474EVM enables accurate characterization of SNR, SFDR, and jitter sensitivity under realistic operating conditions.

Which ADC models does the ADS5474EVM support besides the ADS5474?

The ADS5474EVM supports the full ADS5440/44/63/74 family through hardware configuration. Jumper J20 selects between ADS5440/44 (pins 1–2 shorted) and ADS5463/74 (pins 2–3 shorted). Jumper J21 enables ADS5474-specific functions: pin 29 becomes VCM and pin 33 becomes power-down when asserted high - features not present on ADS5440/44/63. The ADS5474EVM's schematic and bill of materials are explicitly validated for all four variants.

How is the clock signal conditioned on the ADS5474EVM?

The ADS5474EVM accepts a single-ended clock up to 500 MHz via SMA connector J17. This signal is fed into a Coilcraft WBC4-1W 1:4 impedance-ratio balun, which converts it to differential format required by the ADS5474 while stepping up voltage by a factor of two. The balun's wideband performance ensures minimal phase/amplitude imbalance across the ADC's operational frequency range, directly supporting jitter-sensitive high-SFDR measurements using the ADS5474EVM.

What are the analog input options available on the ADS5474EVM?

The ADS5474EVM offers two independent analog input configurations: (1) Balun-coupled path via SMA J11 using MACOM ETC1-1-13 (4 MHz–1 GHz, <1 dB insertion loss), and (2) Active path via SMA J10 using dual THS9001 IF amplifiers with user-tunable 170-MHz band-pass filter (L12/C75). JP3 and JP4 jumpers select the active path; default configuration uses the balun path. Both accept 50-Ω single-ended sources and deliver properly biased differential signals to the ADS5474 input pins.

Does the ADS5474EVM include on-board termination for LVDS outputs?

No - the ADS5474EVM does not integrate on-board 100-Ω LVDS termination resistors. Instead, it relies on the supplied Agilent/Tektronix touchless probe breakout board (supporting E5405A and P6980 probes), which places 100-Ω terminations at the logic analyzer probe point. When using alternative receivers, external 100-Ω differential termination must be applied at the destination end of each LVDS data pair to prevent signal reflections and ensure valid eye diagrams during ADS5474EVM evaluation.