Texas Instruments ADS8168EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8168EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a performance demonstration kit (PDK) and evaluation platform for the ADS8168 8-channel, 16-bit, 1-MSPS successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter. It includes the ADS8168EVM board, PHI controller board, USB cable, and Windows-compatible GUI software enabling USB-based data capture, spectral analysis, histogram analysis, and linearity evaluation.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8168EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8168EVM-PDK setup, ADS8168EVM-PDK software installation, or ADS8168EVM-PDK spectral analysis tool, this kit delivers turnkey ADC characterization with integrated reference selection (4.096-V internal or 5-V REF5050), SMA and pin-header analog interfaces, and configurable SPI/Multi-SPI digital control via LabVIEW-based GUI.

Technical Context

The ADS8168EVM-PDK implements a complete signal chain for SAR ADC evaluation: analog input conditioning via OPA320 buffer amplifiers, precision voltage reference options (internal 4.096 V or external 5 V via REF5050), and low-noise power delivery using TPS7A4700 LDOs generating 5.3-V AVDD and 3.3-V DVDD. The PHI controller handles USB 2.0 communication, EEPROM-based board identification, and digital I/O timing synchronization.

Digital interface operates at 3.3-V logic level with support for single- or dual-SDO SPI modes; SCLK is programmable up to 15 MHz in the GUI. Analog inputs accept single-ended signals referenced to AIN–COM (configurable via JP2), with SMA connectors for Channels 1 and 2 and 20-pin P2 header for all eight channels plus ground and supply terminals.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8168EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition system validation, SAR ADC performance benchmarking, and mixed-signal test bench development requiring stable component supply and full technical documentation support.

Supply support for ADS8168EVM-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 data conversion technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision electronics.

The ADS8168EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Data Converter Evaluation Platform family, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and system integration of high-resolution SAR ADCs in test, measurement, and industrial sensing applications.

FAQ

What is the ADS8168EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8168EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation platform for the ADS8168 8-channel, 16-bit, 1-MSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to perform real-time data capture, spectral analysis (SNR, THD, SFDR), histogram analysis for noise estimation, and linearity testing (DNL/INL) using its integrated PHI controller, USB interface, and Windows GUI software. ADS8168EVM-PDK supports both internal and external reference configurations and provides flexible analog input connectivity via SMA and pin headers.

Does the ADS8168EVM-PDK require an external power supply?

No - the ADS8168EVM-PDK is fully USB-powered via the included A-to-micro-B cable and the PHI controller board, which generates all required rail voltages: 5.3-V AVDD (from TPS7A4700 LDO), 3.3-V DVDD, and reference biasing. External power is only needed if modifying the default configuration per Table 3 in the user's guide, and doing so requires removing specific jumpers (e.g., R18, R10) to avoid supply conflicts. ADS8168EVM-PDK must not be externally powered while retaining default jumper settings.

Which software is required to operate the ADS8168EVM-PDK?

The ADS8168EVM-PDK requires the official Texas Instruments EVM GUI software, compatible with Windows 7 and later (32- and 64-bit). Installation includes the ADS8168 device driver and LabVIEW™ Run-Time Engine. The GUI provides five core tools: Time Domain Display, Spectral Analysis (with 7-term Blackman-Harris window), Histogram Analysis, Linearity Analysis (DNL/INL), and Device Configuration. All software components are distributed as part of the ADS8168EVM-PDK package and installed from the C:\Program Files (x86)\Texas Instruments\ADS8168 EVM directory after setup.

Can the ADS8168EVM-PDK evaluate differential input signals?

No - the ADS8168EVM-PDK is configured for single-ended operation by default: AIN–COM is tied to GND (JP2 pins 1–2), and all analog inputs are referenced to that common point. While the underlying ADS8168 ADC supports pseudo-differential mode via register configuration, the EVM hardware does not provide isolated negative input paths or differential driver circuitry. True differential evaluation would require custom modifications to the input stage and is not supported out-of-the-box. ADS8168EVM-PDK is optimized for single-ended, high-SNR signal acquisition with precise common-mode control.

What reference voltage options does the ADS8168EVM-PDK support?

The ADS8168EVM-PDK supports two reference configurations: the ADS8168's internal 4.096-V reference (default on power-up), or an external 5-V REF5050 precision reference. Selection requires both firmware configuration (writing to the ADS8168 configuration register) and hardware jumpering: JP1 closed enables AVDD to power the REF5050, and JP3 closed connects its output to the ADS8168 REFIO pin. In external reference mode, AVDD must be ≥ 5.2 V to ensure proper buffer operation, and input range becomes 0 V to 5 V. ADS8168EVM-PDK documentation confirms this dual-reference capability with explicit jumper and register dependencies.