Texas Instruments ADS5484EVM

Overview

ADS5484EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS5484 16-bit, 170-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) under controlled analog input, clock, and power supply conditions. It supports differential LVDS digital output capture, transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified analog inputs, and multiple clocking schemes including external SMA, onboard VCXO + CDCE72010 with crystal filter (122.88 MHz), or differential LVPECL.

For engineers reviewing the ADS5484EVM datasheet, ADS5484EVM pinout, ADS5484EVM application, or ADS5484EVM equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, jumper-configurable power/clock/analog paths, TSW1200-compatible LVDS interface details, and measured ADC performance metrics (e.g., SNR = 77.94 dBFS at 122.88 MSPS) for rapid high-speed data converter validation.

Technical Context

The ADS5484EVM implements three distinct power architectures: cascaded TPS5420D switching regulator + TPS79501/TPS79633 LDOs (6–36 V input), LDO-only (5.1–5.5 V), or isolated AVDD/DVDD for current measurement. Each path includes configurable jumpers (JP12–JP17) and banana-jack inputs (J5–J6).

It supports three clock delivery methods: direct SMA input (J12) converted via ADT4-1WT transformer; onboard 491.52 MHz VCXO + CDCE72010 configured for filtered 122.88 MHz LVCMOS output (Y0); or unfiltered differential LVPECL output (Y1P/Y1N). Jumper SJP6–SJP8 and J11–J15 define routing and enable states.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS5484EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed ADC evaluation, RF receiver prototyping, and test equipment development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ADS5484EVM 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies, with decades of expertise in precision signal chain solutions.

The ADS5484EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of 16-bit, >100-MSPS converters in communications infrastructure, radar, and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS5484EVM?

The ADS5484EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS5484 16-bit, 170-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, SINAD, SFDR), test clocking flexibility (external SMA, VCXO+CDCE72010 filtered, or LVPECL), evaluate analog input paths (transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified), and verify LVDS digital output integrity using tools like the TSW1200 capture board. The ADS5484EVM provides full hardware configurability via jumpers and banana-jack interfaces to replicate real-world signal chain conditions.

Which ADC does the ADS5484EVM support?

The ADS5484EVM is specifically designed for the ADS5484 - a 16-bit, 170-MSPS, low-power, high-SNR analog-to-digital converter from Texas Instruments. It is not compatible with other members of the ADS548x family (e.g., ADS5482, ADS5483) without hardware modification or firmware reconfiguration, as layout, decoupling, and clock distribution are optimized for the ADS5484's pinout, power sequencing, and LVDS timing requirements.

How is clocking implemented on the ADS5484EVM?

The ADS5484EVM offers three clocking options: (1) external single-ended clock via SMA connector J12, converted to differential by ADT4-1WT transformer; (2) onboard 491.52 MHz VCXO + CDCE72010 programmed for 122.88 MHz LVCMOS output (Y0) with optional crystal filter; and (3) differential LVPECL output (Y1P/Y1N) from the same CDCE72010. Jumper settings SJP6–SJP8 and J11–J15 determine active path and enable states. Measured SNR degrades from 77.94 dBFS (filtered) to 72.94 dBFS (LVPECL), confirming filter necessity for high-SNR applications.

Can the ADS5484EVM be powered from a standard bench supply?

Yes - the ADS5484EVM accepts 5.1–5.5 V DC directly via banana jacks J5/J6 (Power Option 2), or 6–36 V DC when using the onboard TPS5420D + TPS79501/TPS79633 power solution (Power Option 1). Jumper JP12–JP17 configure rail assignments (AVDD, DVDD, CDCE72010 supply). For isolated current measurement, Power Option 3 allows separate 3.3 V and 5.5 V supplies to AVDD/DVDD without using J5. All configurations require strict adherence to voltage limits to avoid damage.

What digital interface does the ADS5484EVM use to output ADC data?

The ADS5484EVM outputs digitized data via parallel LVDS signals accessible through 20-pin header J4. Each LVDS data pair must be terminated with a 100-Ω resistor at the receiver end - integrated on the TSW1200 capture board but required externally for oscilloscope or logic analyzer use. The interface supports the ADS5484's native double-data-rate (DDR) LVDS format, enabling full 16-bit word capture at up to 170 MSPS. No FPGA or protocol translation is needed for TSW1200 compatibility.