Texas Instruments ADS7945EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS7945EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation kit comprising the ADS7945EVM board, MMB0 motherboard, and ADCPro™ software for evaluating the ADS7945 14-bit, dual-channel, 2-MSPS fully differential SAR ADC. It supports unipolar (0 V to VREF) and bipolar (–VREF/2 to +VREF/2) analog input ranges, features OPA836 input drivers, REF5040 voltage reference, and 40-MHz SPI interface.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7945EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS7945EVM-PDK pinout, ADS7945EVM-PDK application, or ADS7945EVM-PDK equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of high-speed, low-power data acquisition in sensor signal chains, motor control feedback loops, and portable instrumentation where precision dc/dynamic performance and flexible analog input configuration are critical.

Technical Context

The ADS7945EVM-PDK implements a complete evaluation system for the ADS7945 ADC, using the MMB0 motherboard as a USB-connected host controller with NI-VISA and USBStyx firmware interfaces. Analog signal conditioning includes OPA836 op-amps in inverting configurations to support bipolar inputs with single-supply operation.

Digital control uses a 16-bit SPI frame (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) at up to 40 MHz, with channel selection embedded in the SDI command word (0x0000 for CH0, 0xFFFF for CH1). Jumper-configurable power (1.8 V/3.3 V/5 V), reference (internal REF5040 or external), and input range modes enable hardware-level adaptation to diverse test scenarios.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS7945EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor interface validation, motor control feedback testing, and portable medical device prototyping requiring stable component supply and full-spectrum ADC performance characterization.

Supply support for ADS7945EVM-PDK 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 digital signal processing technologies, with leadership in precision data converters and evaluation platforms.

The ADS7945EVM-PDK belongs to TI's high-performance ADC evaluation kit product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of low-power, high-resolution data acquisition systems in industrial, medical, and test equipment applications.

FAQ

What is the ADS7945EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS7945EVM-PDK is used to evaluate the ADS7945 14-bit, 2-MSPS fully differential SAR ADC in real-world signal chain conditions. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, THD), dc accuracy (INL, DNL), input range flexibility, and SPI interface timing - all within a ready-to-run system that includes hardware, firmware, and analysis software. The ADS7945EVM-PDK eliminates the need for custom interface design during early-stage ADC selection and firmware development.

Does the ADS7945EVM-PDK support both ADS7945 and ADS7946 devices?

Yes, the ADS7945EVM-PDK supports both the ADS7945 and ADS7946. The same ADS7945EVM board accommodates either device: the ADS7945 uses fully differential inputs (A0±, A1±), while the ADS7946 uses pseudo-differential inputs (A0, A1). Hardware configuration (e.g., SMA connector usage, P2 pin assignments) and jumper settings (J6) differ between the two, but the ADS7945EVM-PDK kit and ADCPro software provide unified control and analysis for both variants.

What software is required to operate the ADS7945EVM-PDK?

The ADS7945EVM-PDK requires Texas Instruments' ADCPro™ software (Windows XP compatible), plus two drivers: NI-VISA for USB enumeration and USBStyx for low-level communication with the MMB0. The ADS7945EVM-PDK plug-in must be installed separately within ADCPro. No standalone firmware flashing or IDE setup is needed - the ADS7945EVM-PDK operates as a plug-and-play instrument once drivers and software are installed.

Can the ADS7945EVM-PDK operate without the MMB0 motherboard?

No - the ADS7945EVM-PDK is defined as the complete kit including the MMB0 motherboard. While the ADS7945EVM board alone can be used as a stand-alone evaluation module with external digital control (e.g., microcontroller or DSP), the ADS7945EVM-PDK specifically refers to the integrated system with MMB0 and ADCPro. Without the MMB0, the ADS7945EVM-PDK cannot connect to a PC or run the included software tools.

What analog input configurations does the ADS7945EVM-PDK support for the ADS7945?

The ADS7945EVM-PDK supports three analog input configurations for the ADS7945: (1) DC-coupled unipolar (0 V to VREF) with jumper J6 closed; (2) DC-coupled bipolar (–VREF/2 to +VREF/2) with J6 open; and (3) AC-coupled bipolar (–VREF/2 to +VREF/2) with J6 closed. These modes are enabled by OPA836 input drivers in inverting configuration and are validated per the ADS7945EVM-PDK User's Guide (SBAU194B).