Texas Instruments ADS6128EVM

Overview

ADS6128EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS6128 12-bit, 200-MSPS analog-to-digital converter under controlled signal, clock, reference, and power conditions. It supports transformer-coupled single-ended analog input (J6), onboard VCXO + CDCE72010 clock generation (245.76 MHz LVCMOS output via crystal filter), and dual power supply options (5 V input → 3.3 V AVDD / 1.8 V DVDD or 3.3 V DVDD).

For engineers reviewing the ADS6128EVM datasheet, ADS6128EVM pinout, ADS6128EVM application, or ADS6128EVM equivalent, this module enables rapid ADC performance validation-including SNR, SFDR, and ENOB-using TSW1200 capture, SPI register control, differential LVDS data output (J10), and configurable clock routing (SMA J19, Y0/Y1P outputs), with jumper-selectable power, clock, and analog input modes.

Technical Context

The ADS6128EVM implements a modular signal chain architecture: analog input path supports transformer-coupled (J6) or THS4509-amplified (J8/J9/J11) configurations; clock path offers three modes-direct SMA input (J19), filtered CMOS output from CDCE72010 Y0 (245.76 MHz), or differential LVPECL from Y1P/Y1N; digital interface uses LVDS parallel output at J10 compatible with TSW1200 logic analyzer capture.

Power delivery includes cascaded TPS5420D (6–36 V input → 5.3 V) + TPS79501 (5 V AVDD) + TPS79633 (3.3 V DVDD/AVDD rail) for low-noise operation, or LDO-only mode (5.1–5.5 V input → 3.3 V/1.8 V) as default. All operational modes are controlled via 0.025″ shunt jumpers (e.g., JP12 for parallel/SPI mode, SJP7 for clock source selection) and surface-mount 0-Ω resistors in critical signal paths.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS6128EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, radar receiver testing, and communications transceiver development requiring stable component supply, full documentation support, and compatibility with TI's TSW1200 capture platform.

Supply support for ADS6128EVM 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 ADS6128EVM belongs to TI's precision high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate validation of RF-sampling and IF-digitizing systems in test & measurement, defense, and wireless infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS6128EVM?

The ADS6128EVM is an evaluation module specifically built to assess the performance of the ADS6128 12-bit, 200-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides configurable analog input (transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified), multiple clocking schemes (direct SMA, CDCE72010-generated LVCMOS/LVPECL), regulated power delivery, and LVDS digital output at J10 - all enabling accurate measurement of key metrics like SNR, SFDR, and spurious-free dynamic range under real-world signal chain conditions. The ADS6128EVM does not operate standalone; it requires connection to a host system such as the TSW1200 for data capture and analysis.

Which ADC devices does the ADS6128EVM support besides the ADS6128?

The ADS6128EVM is part of the multi-device ADS61x9/55xxEVM platform and supports the full ADS61x9 family including ADS6128, ADS6148, ADS6129, ADS6149, ADS61B29, and ADS61B49, as well as selected ADS55xx and ADS556x converters. Pin-compatible placement and shared layout allow direct substitution of these ADCs on the same PCB footprint, though jumper settings (e.g., JP12, JP9, J1) and power configurations may require adjustment per device datasheet requirements. The ADS6128EVM user guide explicitly confirms compatibility across this defined set without requiring hardware modification.

How is clocking configured on the ADS6128EVM?

Clocking on the ADS6128EVM is configured via jumpers SJP4, SJP6, SJP7, J14, J15, and J18. Three distinct modes are supported: (1) Direct external clock via SMA J19 (default), routed through ADT4-1WT transformer to ADC; (2) Onboard 245.76 MHz LVCMOS clock from CDCE72010 Y0, passed through a 245.76 MHz crystal filter; (3) Differential 245.76 MHz LVPECL clock from CDCE72010 Y1P/Y1N. Mode selection requires specific jumper combinations - for example, SJP7 = 3–4 + SJP6 = 1–2 selects filtered Y0 output. The CDCE72010 is factory-programmed for ÷4 division of a 983.04 MHz VCXO and accepts a 20 MHz reference clock at J19 when enabled.

What power supply options does the ADS6128EVM offer?

The ADS6128EVM provides three jumper-configurable power supply options: (1) Cascaded switching + LDO (6–36 V at J7 → TPS5420D → TPS79501 → TPS79633), delivering low-noise 3.3 V AVDD and 1.8 V DVDD; (2) LDO-only (5.1–5.5 V at J7 → TPS79633/TPS79601), the default configuration; (3) Isolated AVDD/DVDD inputs (via JP13/JP14 center pins) for precise current consumption measurement. JP13, JP14, JP16, JP19, and JP17 determine the active path. Incorrect jumper settings - especially reverse polarity or overvoltage on J7 - risk permanent damage to regulators or the ADC socket.

Can the ADS6128EVM be used with the TSW1200 capture board?

Yes, the ADS6128EVM is fully compatible with the TSW1200 capture board. J10 provides a standard LVDS parallel digital output interface that connects directly to the TSW1200's ADC input header. The TSW1200 software includes a TI ADC Selection menu with dedicated support for ADS61x9 devices. Users configure sample rate and input frequency to match the ADC's operating point, then execute Single Tone FFT tests to evaluate performance metrics. Power for the ADS6128EVM can also be sourced from the TSW1200's banana jacks (JP8 and J22 set to 1–2) when needed - eliminating the need for a separate 5 V supply during bench validation.