Texas Instruments ADS8350EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8350EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a performance demonstration kit (PDK) for the ADS8350 dual-channel, 16-bit, simultaneous-sampling SAR ADC. It integrates the ADS8350EVM board and a Simple Capture Card controller board featuring an AM3352 Sitara microcontroller and FPGA, enabling USB 2.0 high-speed data acquisition with pseudo-differential analog input support. Designed for precision data converter evaluation in test instrumentation and signal acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8350EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8350EVM-PDK setup, ADS8350EVM-PDK software installation, or ADS8350EVM-PDK USB interface configuration, this page delivers verified hardware architecture, jumper-defined signal conditioning modes (bipolar/unipolar), SPI timing control (SCLK), onboard REF5025 2.5-V reference, and GUI-driven FFT/histogram analysis capabilities - all critical for rapid ADC validation and system-level integration.

Technical Context

The ADS8350EVM-PDK implements a two-tier architecture: the ADS8350EVM board hosts the ADS8350 ADC with OPA2836 input drivers, REF5025 reference, and OPA2350 buffer, while the Simple Capture Card provides AM3352-based USB-to-SPI bridging via FPGA logic. Analog signal conditioning is configurable via JP9/JP10 for ±2.3-V bipolar or +0.2–+4.8-V unipolar input ranges.

Digital communication uses a 3.3-V SPI interface routed through connector J6 (CS, SCLK, SDO_A, SDO_B), with 47-Ω series termination for edge control. An auxiliary I²C bus interfaces only with onboard EEPROM for board identification - not used by the ADC itself. Power is supplied via onboard 5-V analog (AVDD) and 3.3-V digital (DVDD) rails, selectable via JP11/JP12 jumpers.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8350EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, test instrumentation, and embedded signal processing applications requiring stable component supply, full evaluation toolchain support, and validated reference design implementation.

Supply support for ADS8350EVM-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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision data converters, power management, and industrial interface solutions.

The ADS8350EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Data Converter Evaluation Platform product line, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding measurement and control applications.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADS8350EVM-PDK?

The ADS8350EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation platform for the ADS8350 dual-channel 16-bit SAR ADC. It enables engineers to validate ADC performance-including SNR, THD, and SFDR-using factory-calibrated hardware, jumper-configurable analog input modes, and Windows-based GUI software with FFT and histogram analysis. The ADS8350EVM-PDK eliminates custom interface development by integrating USB connectivity, reference circuitry, and driver firmware into one tested solution.

How does the ADS8350EVM-PDK handle analog input signal conditioning?

The ADS8350EVM-PDK supports both bipolar and unipolar input configurations using OPA2836 operational amplifiers as input drivers. Jumpers JP9 and JP10 determine the bias point: closed for ±2.3-V bipolar operation (0-V common-mode), open for +0.2–+4.8-V unipolar operation (2.5-V common-mode). SMA connectors and header JP1/JP2 provide flexible signal injection paths, while onboard REFIN_A/REFIN_B connections route the REF5025 2.5-V reference to the ADS8350 via JP5/JP6.

What digital interface does the ADS8350EVM-PDK use to communicate with the host PC?

The ADS8350EVM-PDK uses a USB 2.0 high-speed interface enabled by the integrated Simple Capture Card controller board, which contains an AM3352 Sitara processor and FPGA. Internally, the ADC communicates over a 3.3-V SPI interface (CS, SCLK, SDO_A, SDO_B) routed through connector J6. Signal integrity is maintained with 47-Ω series resistors on SPI lines, and the I²C bus is reserved solely for EEPROM readout-not ADC operation.

Which software tools are included with the ADS8350EVM-PDK?

The ADS8350EVM-PDK includes Windows XP/7/8-compatible GUI software preloaded on microSD cards. It provides real-time oscilloscope-style waveform display, FFT spectral analysis, histogram distribution plots, and configurable capture settings (sample count up to 1M per channel, SCLK frequency adjustment). Data can be saved to CSV-formatted text files for post-processing. The ADS8350EVM-PDK software requires administrator privileges during installation and relies on signed device drivers for the Simple Capture Card.

What power supply options does the ADS8350EVM-PDK support?

The ADS8350EVM-PDK operates from an onboard 5-V analog supply (AVDD) and 3.3-V digital supply (DVDD), both sourced from the Simple Capture Card. JP11 allows selection between 5.0 V (default, open) or 5.2 V (closed); JP12 selects onboard regulation (shunt 2–3) or external 5–5.5 V input via terminal block J5. Exceeding 5.5 V on J5 risks damage. All power-supply jumpers are configured at factory default unless modified for specific test conditions.