Texas Instruments ADS6424EVM

Overview

ADS6424EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS6424 - a quad-channel, 12-bit, 65-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with LVDS serialized outputs, internal reference, and configurable gain modes. It supports transformer- or amplifier-coupled differential analog inputs across four channels (A–D), operates with 3.3-V analog/digital supplies, and interfaces directly with TI's TSW1200 LVDS deserializer for parallel data capture.

For engineers reviewing the ADS6424EVM datasheet, ADS6424EVM pinout, ADS6424EVM application, or ADS6424EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, jumper-defined ADC operational modes (e.g., DDR/2-wire output, 14X serialization), physical layout constraints (6-layer PCB with split ground plane), and integration guidance with the TSW1200 FPGA-based deserializer - all critical for high-fidelity ADC performance validation in RF receiver, medical imaging, and test equipment signal chains.

Technical Context

The ADS6424EVM implements a complete signal chain for evaluating the ADS6424 ADC under real-world conditions: it accepts single-ended or differential analog inputs via SMA connectors (J10–J14), conditions them using Mini-Circuits or Coilcraft transformers (e.g., WBC1-1TLB) or the THS4509 amplifier path, and delivers serialized LVDS data through a Samtec QTH-60-02-F-D-A connector (J15). Power is segregated into 3.3-V analog (P3) and digital (P1) rails, with banana jack inputs and on-board filtering (22 µF/10 µF/0.1 µF capacitors).

Configuration is controlled via five three-pin surface-mount jumpers (J16–J20) defining coarse gain mode, output serialization (14X for ADS642X), clock/data edge alignment, and data format (MSB-first, 2's-complement); these settings are validated against Table 1 of SLAU196 and must match the ADS642X default column to ensure compatibility with the preloaded TSW1200 FPGA bitstream for 12-bit ADCs.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS6424EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver development, medical ultrasound front-ends, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply, full documentation traceability, and rapid prototyping support for high-speed ADC characterization.

Supply support for ADS6424EVM 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in data converters, power management, and high-speed interface solutions.

The ADS6424EVM belongs to TI's precision high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-validation for communication infrastructure, instrumentation, and imaging systems requiring accurate, low-jitter digitization of wideband analog signals.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS6424EVM?

The ADS6424EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS6424 quad-channel, 12-bit, 65-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. Its purpose is to enable engineers to validate ADC performance-including SNR, SFDR, and linearity-under controlled analog input, clock, and supply conditions. The ADS6424EVM provides transformer- and amplifier-coupled input paths, configurable LVDS serialization settings via surface-mount jumpers, and direct interconnection to the TSW1200 deserializer, making it a complete hardware reference for system-level ADC integration testing.

Which ADC does the ADS6424EVM support, and what are its key electrical specs?

The ADS6424EVM is specifically designed for the ADS6424 - a 12-bit, 65-MSPS, quad-channel pipeline ADC featuring LVDS serialized outputs, internal voltage reference, and programmable gain modes. Confirmed specifications include 3.3-V analog/digital supply operation, differential input voltage range of ±1 V, typical SNR of 67.5 dBFS at 10 MHz input, and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) exceeding 85 dBc. These values are measured per the ADS6424 datasheet and validated using the jumper configurations and test procedures defined in SLAU196 for the ADS642X family.

How is the ADS6424EVM configured for ADS6424 operation versus other ADS64XX devices?

The ADS6424EVM uses five three-pin jumpers (J16–J20) set to ADS642X defaults per Table 1 of SLAU196: J16 selects 0-dB gain/internal reference; J17 enables DDR/2-wire output mode; J18 configures 14X serialization and rising-edge data alignment; J19 remains at divide-by-1; and J20 sets MSB-first, 2's-complement format. These settings ensure correct timing, data framing, and FPGA deserialization behavior on the TSW1200 when evaluating the ADS6424, distinguishing it from 14-bit variants like the ADS6444 that require 16X serialization and different FPGA bitstreams.

What role does the TSW1200 play in ADS6424EVM operation?

The TSW1200 is a required companion board for practical use of the ADS6424EVM: it hosts a Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA preloaded with dual deserialization firmware-one optimized for 12-bit ADCs (including the ADS6424) and another for 14-bit variants. When connected via J15→J9, the TSW1200 converts the ADS6424's high-speed LVDS serial stream into parallel CMOS data accessible at headers J4/J5. This eliminates the need for custom logic analyzer deserialization software and enables immediate signal analysis using standard test equipment, as confirmed in Sections 1.1 and 2.3 of SLAU196.

Does the ADS6424EVM support both transformer-coupled and amplifier-coupled analog inputs?

Yes, the ADS6424EVM supports both architectures. Transformer coupling uses SMA inputs (J10–J14) with Mini-Circuits TC1-1T or Coilcraft WBC1-1TLB transformers, while amplifier coupling routes signals through the THS4509RGTT op-amp (U2) on channel C (enabled by JP1/JP2 shorting pins 1–2). The THS4509 provides 10 dB gain and differential conversion, with dc- or ac-coupling options selectable via R9/R18 and C46/C47 per Section 2.2.3 of SLAU196 - enabling flexible front-end validation for diverse signal bandwidth and common-mode requirements.