Texas Instruments ADS6425EVM

Overview

ADS6425EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS6425 - a quad-channel, 12-bit, 65-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with LVDS serialized outputs, supporting DDR/SDR modes, 14× serialization, and internal reference. It enables high-fidelity ADC performance validation under controlled analog input, clock, and supply conditions using transformer- or amplifier-coupled signal paths.

For engineers reviewing the ADS6425EVM datasheet, ADS6425EVM pinout, ADS6425EVM application, or ADS6425EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, jumper-defined operational modes (e.g., J17 for DDR/2-wire output), TSW1200 deserializer integration guidance, and real-world evaluation constraints including coherent sampling setup and SFDR-optimized transformer selection (e.g., Coilcraft WBC1-1TLB).

Technical Context

The ADS6425EVM implements a six-layer PCB with split analog/digital ground planes shortable at designated gold strips, and supports both transformer-coupled (via SMA J10–J14) and THS4509 amplifier-coupled (via JP1/JP2) analog input paths. Power is delivered through dedicated banana jacks: P1/P2 for 3.3-V digital supply/return and P3/P4 for 3.3-V analog supply/return.

It interfaces directly with TI's TSW1200 deserializer via Samtec QTH-60-02-F-D-A connector (J15), leveraging preloaded Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA firmware for 12-bit serial data capture. Jumper configurations (J16–J20, JP1, JP2) define ADC coarse gain, reference mode, output serialization (14X), data edge alignment, and MSB-first 2's-complement format - all validated for ADS642X-family operation per SLAU196.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS6425EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, communications receiver testing, and instrumentation development requiring stable component supply, full documentation access, and TI-validated reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ADS6425EVM 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data converters, with broad industrial, automotive, and communications product portfolios.

The ADS64XX EVM product line was developed to accelerate evaluation of TI's quad-channel, high-speed pipeline ADCs - specifically targeting system architects validating multi-channel digitization in radar, medical imaging, and broadband test equipment.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS6425EVM?

The ADS6425EVM is an evaluation module built to validate the electrical performance of the ADS6425 - a 12-bit, 65-MSPS, quad-channel pipeline ADC. It provides complete signal chain support including configurable analog input (transformer or THS4509 amplifier), precision clocking (J12), LVDS serialized output (J15), and jumper-based mode selection (J16–J20). The ADS6425EVM does not operate standalone; it requires connection to a deserializer like the TSW1200 or custom logic analyzer interface to recover parallel data.

Which ADC models does the ADS6425EVM support?

The ADS6425EVM is explicitly designed for the ADS642X family of 12-bit ADCs, including the ADS6425, ADS6424, and ADS6423. Per SLAU196, jumper defaults (e.g., J18 set to "14X, rising edge" and J20 to "MSB-first, 2s-complement") are calibrated for 12-bit operation. While physically compatible with ADS644X (14-bit) devices, those require different jumper settings and FPGA firmware on the TSW1200 - the ADS6425EVM itself is optimized and validated for ADS6425 use cases.

How is analog input configured on the ADS6425EVM?

Analog input on the ADS6425EVM is configurable via two independent paths: (1) transformer-coupled differential input using SMA connectors J10 (Ch A), J11 (Ch B), J13 (Ch C), and J14 (Ch D); or (2) amplifier-coupled input using the onboard THS4509RGTT op-amp on Channel C, enabled by shorting JP1 and JP2 pins 1–2. DC coupling requires adjusting J21/J22 supplies to 4 V/–1 V and populating R84; AC coupling uses R9/R18 voltage dividers and C46/C47 capacitors - both methods rely on the ADC's internal VCM output for common-mode biasing.

What deserializer options are supported with the ADS6425EVM?

The ADS6425EVM supports three deserialization approaches: (1) direct logic analyzer capture via its Samtec QTH-60-02-F-D-A connector (J15), requiring software deserialization; (2) custom digital interface board using mating connector QSH-060-01-F-D-A; and (3) hardware-assisted deserialization using TI's TSW1200, which contains preloaded Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA firmware for 12-bit ADC streams. The TSW1200 is the recommended path, as it provides immediate parallel output on headers J4/J5 and handles frame alignment, clock recovery, and serialization ratio decoding without user FPGA development.

What are the critical jumper settings required for ADS6425 operation?

Per SLAU196 Section 1.1, mandatory jumper settings for ADS6425 operation include: J16 set to "0-dB gain, internal references"; J17 set to "DDR, 2-wire"; J18 set to "14X, rising edge" (not 16X - silkscreen "14X" maps to 12X mode for ADS642X); J19 set to "Divide by 1"; and J20 set to "MSB-first, 2s-complement". Additionally, JP1 and JP2 must be set to positions 2–3 for transformer input (default), or 1–2 for amplifier input on Channel C. Incorrect settings - especially J18 or J20 - will cause deserialization failure or corrupted data on the TSW1200.