Texas Instruments ADS5481EVM

Overview

ADS5481EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS5481, a 16-bit, 125-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC), under controlled analog input, clock, and power supply conditions. It supports transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified single-ended inputs, onboard VCXO + CDCE72010 clock synthesis (with crystal filter or LVPECL output), and dual power supply options (6–36 V cascaded switching/LDO or 5.1–5.5 V LDO-only).

For engineers reviewing the ADS5481EVM datasheet, ADS5481EVM pinout, ADS5481EVM application, or ADS5481EVM equivalent, this module enables rapid ADC performance validation-including SNR (77.94 dBFS), SINAD (77.56 dBFS), and SFDR (88.46 dBc) at 122.88 MSPS sampling-with configurable clock paths, analog input routing, and TI power management ICs (TPS5420D, TPS79501DCQ, TPS79633).

Technical Context

The ADS5481EVM implements three distinct clock delivery methods: direct SMA input (J12), crystal-filtered LVCMOS output (Y0) from the CDCE72010 PLL, or differential LVPECL output (Y1P/Y1N). The CDCE72010 is factory-configured for ×4 division of a 491.52 MHz VCXO to generate 122.88 MHz, with reference clock derived via M/N dividers (125/48/128).

Analog input flexibility includes transformer-coupled path (J1 → ADT4-1WT balun → ADC) or active path using THS4509 differential amplifier (powered at ±5 V), with optional bandpass filtering (10–58 MHz design example). Digital outputs are LVDS-compliant and accessed via J4 header with mandatory 100-Ω termination per pair.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS5481EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, communications test equipment, and radar receiver prototyping requiring stable component supply, full documentation support, and TI-validated reference designs.

Supply support for ADS5481EVM 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 (TI) is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions across industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ADS5481EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for precision sampling systems by integrating signal conditioning, clock synthesis, and power regulation optimized for ADS548x-series converters.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS5481EVM?

The ADS5481EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS5481 16-bit, 125-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides a complete test environment-including configurable clock generation (VCXO + CDCE72010), dual analog input paths (transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified), and TI power management ICs-to validate dynamic performance metrics such as SNR, SINAD, and SFDR under real-world signal, timing, and supply conditions. The ADS5481EVM enables rapid characterization without custom PCB development.

Which ADC does the ADS5481EVM support?

The ADS5481EVM is specifically designed for the ADS5481, a 16-bit, 125-MSPS pipeline ADC featuring LVDS digital outputs and optimized for high dynamic range applications. While the board shares the "ADS548xEVM" naming convention with related devices (e.g., ADS5482, ADS5483), its layout, jumper configurations, and validated test results-including SNR = 77.94 dBFS at 122.88 MSPS-are documented for the ADS5481. The ADS5481EVM is not a generic platform; it is calibrated and verified for the ADS5481's electrical and timing specifications.

Does the ADS5481EVM include an onboard clock source?

Yes, the ADS5481EVM supports an onboard clock solution using a 491.52 MHz VCXO and the CDCE72010 programmable PLL. The CDCE72010 is factory-configured to divide the VCXO frequency by 4, producing a 122.88 MHz LVCMOS clock on Y0 (filtered via external crystal filter) or differential LVPECL on Y1P/Y1N. Note that the VCXO and crystal filter are not pre-populated-users must install them based on target sampling rate requirements. The ADS5481EVM also accepts external clocks via SMA connector J12.

How is analog input configured on the ADS5481EVM?

The ADS5481EVM offers two analog input configurations: (1) transformer-coupled path (default), where a single-ended signal applied to SMA connector J1 is converted to differential by Mini-Circuits ADT4-1WT balun before reaching the ADS5481; and (2) active path using the THS4509 differential amplifier, powered by ±5 V applied to J7/J9, with output filtered prior to ADC input. Selection is controlled by jumpers SJP1, SJP2, SJP3, and SJP4. The ADS5481EVM does not populate SMA J2 for differential input by default.

What power supply options does the ADS5481EVM provide?

The ADS5481EVM offers three power supply configurations: Option 1 uses a 6–36 V input with cascaded TPS5420D (buck) + TPS79501DCQ (LDO) + dual TPS79633 (LDOs) for high efficiency and low noise; Option 2 uses a 5.1–5.5 V input directly into the LDO chain for maximum ADC performance; Option 3 isolates AVDD/DVDD supplies for precise current consumption measurement. All options are selected via jumpers JP12–JP17, and incorrect settings may damage the ADS5481EVM.