Texas Instruments ADS8321EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8321EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a production-ready evaluation kit designed to accelerate characterization and validation of the ADS8321 - a 16-bit, 500-kSPS, serial-output SAR analog-to-digital converter in an MSOP-8 package. It includes the MSOP-8EVM evaluation board, MMB0 DSP-based motherboard, USB interface, onboard 2.5-V reference/buffer circuitry, and ADCPro™ software for real-time data acquisition and spectral analysis.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8321EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8321EVM-PDK pinout, ADS8321EVM-PDK application, or ADS8321EVM-PDK equivalent, this kit enables rapid functional verification, SNR/THD testing, timing margin analysis, and interface compatibility validation with microcontrollers and DSPs operating at 1.8 V to 5 V logic levels.

Technical Context

The ADS8321EVM-PDK implements a modular two-board architecture: the MSOP-8EVM hosts the ADS8321 device and provides configurable analog input (J1), digital control (J2), and power routing (J3); the MMB0 motherboard integrates a TMS320VC5507 DSP with USB 2.0 host capability and 16 MB SDRAM to drive high-speed serial communication and firmware execution.

It supports three clocking modes - Continuous Clock (fixed max SCLK), Clockstop Mode (24-cycle SCLK bursts), and Continuous Stretched SCLK - all synchronized via CS, SCLK, FS, and SDO signals routed through Samtec SSW/TSM headers. Reference selection is controlled by JMP5/JMP6 jumpers, enabling onboard 2.5-V reference or external reference injection at J1.20.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8321EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, sensor signal conditioning, industrial process monitoring, and test equipment development requiring stable component supply and full technical support.

Supply support for ADS8321EVM-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 solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ADS8321EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Data Converter Evaluation Platform family, engineered to simplify ADC validation across 14- to 16-bit SAR devices in MSOP-8 packaging - emphasizing low-noise layout, flexible power/reference routing, and seamless PC integration.

FAQ

What is the ADS8321EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8321EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation kit for the ADS8321 16-bit, 500-kSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, THD, SFDR), verify timing margins, assess reference sensitivity, and prototype interface logic with microcontrollers or DSPs - all using the included MSOP-8EVM board, MMB0 motherboard, and ADCPro software.

Does the ADS8321EVM-PDK support other ADCs besides the ADS8321?

Yes - the ADS8321EVM-PDK is part of the modular MSOP-8EVM platform and supports multiple 14- to 16-bit serial-output ADCs in MSOP-8 packages, including ADS8320, ADS8324, ADS8325, and ADS8326. Each requires its own ADCPro plug-in and jumper configuration per device-specific data sheet requirements.

What power supplies are required for the ADS8321EVM-PDK?

The ADS8321EVM-PDK requires +5 V DC for the analog section (supplied via J3.3 or TP5) and +1.8 V to +5 V DC for the digital section (selected via JMP3). When powered via the included AC adapter, it delivers 6–9 V DC to the MMB0's barrel jack J2; the MMB0 then regulates +3.3 V and +5 V rails for both boards.

Can the ADS8321EVM-PDK operate without a PC or USB connection?

No - the ADS8321EVM-PDK relies on the MMB0 motherboard's TMS320VC5507 DSP and USB interface to execute firmware, generate clocks, manage data capture, and communicate with ADCPro software. Standalone operation is not supported; all configuration, acquisition, and analysis require a Windows XP PC with installed drivers and ADCPro.

How is the reference voltage configured on the ADS8321EVM-PDK?

The ADS8321EVM-PDK offers three reference options: (1) onboard 2.5-V reference (U2/U4) enabled by default via JMP5 (pins 1–2) and JMP6 (pins 1–2); (2) external reference applied to J1.20 with JMP5 set to pins 2–3; or (3) ADC supply voltage (+VADC) as reference with JMP6 set to pins 2–3 - all verified against ADS8321's reference input specifications.