Texas Instruments ADS6445EVM

Overview

ADS6445EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADS6445 quad-channel, 14-bit, 125-MSPS analog-to-digital converter under controlled analog input, clock, and supply conditions. It supports transformer-coupled or amplifier-based (THS4509) differential signal paths across all four channels and interfaces directly with TI's TSW1200 LVDS deserializer for real-time parallel data capture.

For engineers reviewing the ADS6445EVM datasheet, ADS6445EVM pinout, ADS6445EVM application, or ADS6445EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, jumper-defined ADC operational modes (DDR/2-wire, 16X serialization, MSB-first 2s-complement), physical layout constraints (6-layer PCB with split ground plane), and integration guidance with the TSW1200 FPGA-based deserializer.

Technical Context

The ADS6445EVM implements a complete signal chain for high-speed ADC validation: SMA inputs (J10–J14) feed transformer-coupled or THS4509-amplified differential signals to the ADS6445, while J12 accepts a filtered low-phase-noise sine-wave clock converted to differential by transformer T5. Power is segregated into +3.3VA (analog) and +3.3VD (digital) rails supplied via banana jacks P1/P2 and P3/P4.

Digital interface uses a Samtec QTH-60-02-F-D-A connector (J15) to route serialized LVDS outputs (DCLK, FCLK, data lanes) to external logic analyzers or the TSW1200. Surface-mount jumpers (JP1, JP2, J16–J20) configure ADC gain, reference mode, output format, serialization ratio, and data alignment-defaults are set for 14-bit operation with DDR, 2-wire, 16X rising-edge serialization and MSB-first 2s-complement format.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS6445EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition system validation, RF receiver front-end characterization, and instrumentation-grade ADC performance benchmarking requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ADS6445EVM 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 ADS6445EVM belongs to TI's high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-validation for multi-channel, high-resolution sampling systems in communications infrastructure, test equipment, and medical imaging.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS6445EVM?

The ADS6445EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS6445 quad-channel, 14-bit, 125-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides a fully assembled, tested PCB with configurable analog input paths (transformer or THS4509 amplifier), precise power routing, and LVDS digital output interfacing-enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance metrics like SNR and SFDR without custom hardware development. The ADS6445EVM is explicitly referenced in TI's SLAU196 User's Guide as the platform for ADS6445 characterization.

Which ADC variants does the ADS6445EVM support?

The ADS6445EVM supports the full ADS64XX family, including the ADS6445, ADS6444, ADS6443, ADS6425, ADS6424, and ADS6423, as confirmed in Section 1 of the SLAU196 User's Guide. Jumper configurations (J16–J20) are explicitly defined for both 14-bit (ADS644X) and 12-bit (ADS642X) variants, with default settings optimized for the ADS6445. The EVM's bill of materials lists U1 as "ADS64XX", confirming its generic design for this product group.

How does the ADS6445EVM interface with the TSW1200 deserializer?

The ADS6445EVM connects to the TSW1200 via Samtec J15 (QTH-60-02-F-D-A) on the EVM and J9 on the TSW1200, as specified in the quick-start procedure (Section 1.1). The TSW1200's Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA is preloaded with dual deserialization firmware-one for 12-bit and one for 14-bit ADCs-ensuring direct compatibility with the ADS6445EVM's serialized LVDS output. Jumper J11 on the TSW1200 must be set to pins 2–3 to select the 14-bit firmware path when evaluating the ADS6445EVM.

What analog input configurations are available on the ADS6445EVM?

The ADS6445EVM offers two distinct analog input signal chains: (1) transformer-coupled differential inputs using Mini-Circuits TC1-1T or Coilcraft WBC1-1TLB transformers (J10–J14), and (2) amplifier-coupled inputs using the THS4509RGTT op-amp (channel C only, enabled via JP1/JP2). The THS4509 path provides 10 dB gain and supports both AC- and DC-coupled configurations, with dedicated biasing networks (R9/R18, C46/C47) and supply rails (J21/J22) for flexible common-mode control-details confirmed in Sections 2.2.3 and 4.2 of SLAU196.

What are the critical power supply requirements for the ADS6445EVM?

The ADS6445EVM requires two isolated 3.3-V supplies: +3.3VA (analog, via P3/P4) and +3.3VD (digital, via P1/P2), as detailed in Section 2.2.2. While these may be shorted for basic evaluation, separation is mandatory when using the THS4509 amplifier path, which demands independent ±5-V rails applied to J21 (+5V_AMP) and J22 (−5V_AMP). The PCB layout (Figure 4–9) and schematic (Sheet 1) confirm dedicated power planes and filtering (C1–C57, L1–L9) to maintain noise isolation between analog and digital domains.