Texas Instruments ADS8326EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8326EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a plug-in evaluation kit designed to accelerate characterization of the ADS8326 - a 16-bit, 250-kSPS, serial-output SAR ADC in MSOP-8 package. It integrates the MSOP-8EVM evaluation board with the MMB0 DSP-based motherboard and includes ADCPro™ software for real-time data acquisition, spectral analysis, and configurable clock-mode testing (Continuous Clock, Clockstop, Continuous Stretched SCLK).

For engineers reviewing the ADS8326EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8326EVM-PDK pinout, ADS8326EVM-PDK application, or ADS8326EVM-PDK equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of analog input range, reference source selection (2.5V onboard or external), digital I/O voltage configuration (+1.8V to +5V), and interface timing compliance with host controllers including MSP430 and TI C55x DSPs.

Technical Context

The ADS8326EVM-PDK implements a modular two-board architecture: the MSOP-8EVM hosts the ADS8326 device with configurable analog input (J1), digital control (J2), and power routing (J3), while the MMB0 motherboard provides USB-hosted TMS320VC5507 DSP processing, 16MB SDRAM, and firmware-driven communication via ADCPro plug-in.

It supports three ADC clocking modes - Continuous Clock (fixed 6MHz SCLK), Clockstop Mode (24-cycle bursts with variable inter-frame delay), and Continuous Stretched SCLK (variable-frequency SCLK scaling to sampling rate) - all directly controllable through the ADS8326EVM-PDK plug-in interface within Windows XP.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8326EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition system development, sensor signal chain validation, and industrial ADC qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for ADS8326EVM-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 silicon solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The ADS8326EVM-PDK belongs to TI's precision ADC evaluation platform family, engineered to reduce time-to-validation for high-resolution SAR converters by integrating hardware, firmware, and GUI-based analysis tools into one turnkey solution.

FAQ

What is the ADS8326EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8326EVM-PDK is a complete plug-in evaluation kit for the ADS8326 16-bit, 250-kSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to perform real-time data acquisition, FFT analysis, SNR/ENOB measurement, and timing validation using the included ADCPro software and MMB0 motherboard. The ADS8326EVM-PDK eliminates the need for custom interface hardware or firmware development during early-stage ADC selection and system integration.

Does the ADS8326EVM-PDK require external power supplies?

Yes - the ADS8326EVM-PDK accepts unipolar +5V power either via the MMB0's barrel jack (6–9V DC adapter, sleeve-negative/tip-positive) or terminal block J14 (lab supply). Power routing to the ADS8326 device itself is configurable through JMP1 and JMP3, supporting analog (+5VA) and digital (+1.8V to +5VD) domains independently. The ADS8326EVM-PDK does not operate from USB bus power alone.

Which software is required to operate the ADS8326EVM-PDK?

ADCPro™ software is mandatory for ADS8326EVM-PDK operation. It runs exclusively on Windows XP and loads the dedicated ADS8326EVM-PDK plug-in to configure sampling rate, reference source, clock mode, and acquisition parameters. Firmware is automatically downloaded to the MMB0 DSP during first connection. No additional drivers or SDKs are needed beyond the TI-provided installer packages.

Can the ADS8326EVM-PDK evaluate other ADCs besides the ADS8326?

Yes - the ADS8326EVM-PDK is part of the modular MSOP-8EVM platform and supports multiple 8-pin MSOP SAR ADCs, including ADS8320, ADS8321, ADS8324, and ADS8325. Each device requires its own ADCPro plug-in (e.g., ADS8320EVM-PDK plugin), but shares the same MSOP-8EVM hardware, jumper configurations, and MMB0 motherboard. The ADS8326EVM-PDK label indicates the kit shipped with ADS8326 pre-installed.

How are analog and digital grounds managed on the ADS8326EVM-PDK?

Analog and digital grounds are tied together via JMP4 (factory-closed), ensuring single-point grounding for noise-sensitive ADC evaluation. This configuration aligns with ADS8326 layout recommendations and minimizes ground loop errors during dynamic performance testing. Separate AGND and DGND pins are accessible at J3 (pins 6 and 5), allowing users to modify the connection if evaluating alternate grounding schemes - though JMP4 closure is required for standard ADS8326EVM-PDK operation.