Texas Instruments ADS7946EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS7946EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation kit comprising the ADS7946EVM board, MMB0 motherboard, and ADCPro™ software for evaluating the ADS7946 14-bit, dual-channel, 2-MSPS pseudo-differential SAR ADC. It supports unipolar single-ended analog inputs (0 V to VREF), 3.3-V logic SPI interface (40 MHz), and onboard REF5040 4.096-V reference with OPA350 buffering - used in precision sensor signal conditioning and data acquisition prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7946EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS7946EVM-PDK pinout, ADS7946EVM-PDK application, or ADS7946EVM-PDK equivalent, key selection considerations include SPI mode-0 compatibility, jumper-configurable input range (unipolar/bipolar/AC-coupled), MMB0 USB host interface requirements, and ADCPro plug-in dependency for waveform analysis and FFT-based performance validation.

Technical Context

The ADS7946EVM-PDK implements a modular hardware-software architecture: the ADS7946EVM board hosts the ADS7946 ADC, OPA836 input drivers, REF5040 reference, and configurable jumpers (J2–J6) for reference source, logic voltage, and analog input mode. It interfaces via Samtec P1 (SPI signals: CS, SCLK, SDI/MOSI, SDO/MISO) and P2 (analog inputs A0(–), A1(–)) headers.

Digital control uses SPI mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) at up to 40 MHz, with 47-Ω series resistors on SCLK/SDI/SDO for signal integrity. Channel selection is embedded in the 16-bit SPI command word (0x0000 for CH0, 0xFFFF for CH1), enabling simultaneous configuration and data acquisition without external GPIO.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS7946EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition system development, industrial sensor interface validation, and high-speed ADC firmware integration requiring stable component supply and full evaluation ecosystem support.

Supply support for ADS7946EVM-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 high-performance analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The ADS7946EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Data Acquisition Evaluation Kit product line, designed to accelerate validation of low-power, high-resolution SAR ADCs in sensor front-end and test equipment designs.

FAQ

What is the ADS7946EVM-PDK and what does it evaluate?

The ADS7946EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation kit from Texas Instruments that enables functional and performance validation of the ADS7946 14-bit, 2-MSPS pseudo-differential SAR ADC. It includes the ADS7946EVM board, MMB0 motherboard for USB host interfacing, and ADCPro software with built-in scope, FFT, and histogram analysis tools - all preconfigured to operate with the ADS7946 device under test.

Does the ADS7946EVM-PDK support both ADS7945 and ADS7946 devices?

No - the ADS7946EVM-PDK is specifically configured for the ADS7946. While the underlying ADS7946EVM board can be reworked to accommodate the ADS7945, the kit's default jumper settings (J2, J6), analog input routing (P2.4/P2.12 as single-ended), and ADCPro plug-in are calibrated and validated exclusively for the ADS7946's pseudo-differential input architecture and unipolar input range.

What software is required to operate the ADS7946EVM-PDK?

ADS7946EVM-PDK requires Texas Instruments' ADCPro™ software (v3.x or later) running on Windows XP, plus two mandatory drivers: NI-VISA USB and USBStyx. The ADS7946EVM-PDK plug-in must be installed separately after ADCPro; it provides device-specific configuration tabs, real-time data streaming, and FFT-based SNR/THD measurement - no standalone operation or third-party software compatibility is supported.

How is analog input configured on the ADS7946EVM-PDK?

Analog input on the ADS7946EVM-PDK is configured via jumper J6 and reference selection (J2). With J6 closed and internal REF5040 selected (J2: 1–2), the system accepts 0 V to 4.096 V unipolar DC inputs. With J6 open, it supports ±2.048 V bipolar DC inputs. AC-coupled inputs also use J6 closed but require external coupling capacitors - all modes rely on OPA836 input drivers to offset and condition signals before the ADS7946.

Can the ADS7946EVM-PDK be used without the MMB0 motherboard?

Yes - the ADS7946EVM board functions as a stand-alone evaluation module when connected to an external SPI controller (e.g., MCU or FPGA) via P1 header (CS, SCLK, SDI, SDO). However, the "PDK" designation specifically denotes the full kit including MMB0 and ADCPro; standalone use bypasses USB connectivity, automated analysis, and plug-in GUI - requiring custom firmware to generate 16-bit SPI commands and parse conversion results from the ADS7946.