Texas Instruments ADS6125EVM

Overview

ADS6125EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS6125 - a 12-bit, 65-MSPS low-power analog-to-digital converter - under controlled analog input, clock, and supply conditions. It supports CMOS parallel output (12-bit offset binary), transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified differential input paths, and configurable clock routing via transformer or CDCP1803 LVDS fanout.

For engineers reviewing the ADS6125EVM datasheet, ADS6125EVM pinout, ADS6125EVM application, or ADS6125EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, jumper-controlled interface modes (parallel/serial), ADC register access via TI SPI software, FPGA interfacing guidance (TSW1100/TSW1200), and physical layout specifications for high-fidelity ADC performance validation.

Technical Context

The ADS6125EVM implements a four-layer FR-4 PCB with split ground plane architecture, supporting both ac-coupled (transformer) and dc-coupled (THS4509 amplifier) analog input signal conditioning. It routes the ADS6125's 12-bit parallel CMOS outputs to a Samtec QSO-060-01-F-D-A connector (J10) and provides dual clock input paths: single-ended-to-differential transformer (T3) or CDCP1803-based 1:3 LVDS fanout.

Jumper configurations define core operational behavior: J3 selects parallel (default) or serial interface mode; J1 sets output format (offset binary); J4 configures reference (internal) and gain (0 dB); JP2–JP4 route clock source; JP5–JP6 select analog input path; JP7 enables/disables THS4509; JP8 enables/disables CDCP1803.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS6125EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, test equipment calibration, RF receiver front-end validation, and mixed-signal design verification requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADS6125EVM 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, with decades of leadership in precision ADC design.

The ADS61xx EVM series belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization of pipeline ADCs in demanding applications including communications infrastructure, medical imaging, and instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS6125EVM?

The ADS6125EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS6125 12-bit, 65-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides a fully assembled, tested PCB platform with configurable analog input paths (transformer or THS4509 amplifier), dual clock routing options, and parallel CMOS digital output connectivity - enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance metrics such as SNR, SFDR, and ENOB under real-world signal, reference, and supply conditions. The ADS6125EVM itself contains no active conversion circuitry beyond what is required to interface with the ADS6125 IC.

Which ADC models does the ADS6125EVM support besides the ADS6125?

The ADS6125EVM is part of the unified ADS61xx/ADS61B23 EVM platform and supports multiple pin-compatible devices in the same family: ADS6122, ADS6123, ADS6124, ADS6142, ADS6143, ADS6144, ADS6145, and ADS61B23. All share identical mechanical layout, connector placement, and jumper-based configuration logic. However, each device has distinct resolution (12- or 14-bit), sampling rate (up to 105 MSPS), and feature set - so register settings and performance expectations must align with the specific ADS6125EVM-installed ADC's datasheet.

How do I configure the ADS6125EVM for parallel-mode operation with CMOS output?

To configure the ADS6125EVM for default parallel-mode CMOS operation, confirm these jumper positions: J3 shorted 2–3 (enables parallel mode), J1 set to "Offset Binary, CMOS output" per silkscreen, J4 set to "0dB Gain, Int Ref", and J6/J7 set to 2–3 (EVM-controlled SDATA/SCLK). Power the board via J11 (3.3 V) referenced to shorted J11/J14. The ADS6125EVM then outputs 12-bit offset binary data on pins 10–32 of J10 (Samtec connector), synchronized to the clock applied at J9.

Can the ADS6125EVM be used with FPGA development platforms?

Yes - the ADS6125EVM natively interfaces with the TSW1200 FPGA platform and supports the TSW1100 capture board via its companion CMOS breakout board. For TSW1100, users must update the Supported_ADCs.txt file with the version provided on the ADS6125EVM software CD and ensure the ADS6125EVM is in CMOS output mode. For FPGA-controlled SPI communication, jumpers J2, J3, J6, and J7 must be repositioned, and zero-ohm resistors installed per Section 4.2 of SLAU206B to route control signals from the FPGA to the ADS6125.

Does the ADS6125EVM include onboard clock generation or distribution circuitry?

No - the ADS6125EVM does not generate clocks but provides two configurable distribution paths: (1) transformer-coupled single-ended-to-differential conversion (T3) for low-jitter sinusoidal inputs applied at J9; and (2) CDCP1803-based 1:3 LVDS fanout (enabled via JP2/JP3/JP4), which accepts a square-wave input and distributes it to multiple ADCs. The CDCP1803 requires 5 V supplied to J20 and is only recommended for first-Nyquist-zone applications due to jitter limitations above ~50 MHz.