Texas Instruments ADS8363EVM

Overview

ADS8363EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module for the ADS8363 - a dual, 16-bit, 1-MSPS simultaneous-sampling SAR ADC with eight pseudo-differential or four fully-differential inputs, 93-dB SNR, –98-dB THD, and operation from –40°C to +125°C. It supports motor current/position measurement and power quality monitoring in industrial safety-critical systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8363EVM datasheet, ADS8363EVM pinout, ADS8363EVM application, or ADS8363EVM equivalent, this module enables rapid validation of the ADS8363's simultaneous sampling, dual buffered 2.5-V reference architecture, programmable auto-sequencer, and oversampling data storage - critical for three-phase power control and protection relay design.

Technical Context

The ADS8363EVM implements full hardware and firmware support for the ADS8363's dual-channel, simultaneous acquisition architecture - including independent CHA/CHB analog front-end routing, CMA/CMB common-mode inputs, and dual REFIO1/REFIO2 reference outputs. It exposes all 32-pin VQFN signals via headers and screw terminals for flexible signal injection and reference configuration.

It integrates TI's TMS320F28027 microcontroller for real-time SPI communication, register programming, FIFO readout, and timing control (CONVST, CLOCK, RD), enabling verification of Mode I–IV configurations, safety counter operation, and ADS8361-compatible interface behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8363EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control validation, power quality metering, three-phase energy monitoring, and industrial protection relay prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADS8363EVM 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-reliability ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The ADS8363EVM belongs to TI's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of high-accuracy, safety-compliant analog front-ends for industrial automation and energy infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS8363EVM?

The ADS8363EVM is an evaluation module that provides complete hardware and firmware infrastructure to test, configure, and validate the ADS8363 dual 16-bit simultaneous-sampling SAR ADC. It enables engineers to verify timing behavior (CONVST/CLOCK/RD), reference flexibility (REFIO1/REFIO2), differential input routing (CHA/CHB, CMA/CMB), and oversampling data storage without custom PCB design. The ADS8363EVM includes on-board microcontroller-based control and PC software for real-time waveform capture and register-level debugging.

Does the ADS8363EVM support both pseudo-differential and fully-differential input modes?

Yes, the ADS8363EVM fully supports both input configurations of the ADS8363. It provides accessible test points and jumpers for CHA0P/CHA0N through CHB1P/CHB1N, CMA, and CMB, allowing direct connection of either pseudo-differential (four channels per ADC with shared common-mode) or fully-differential (two channels per ADC) signal sources. The onboard firmware and GUI let users select M0/M1 mode settings to configure the internal multiplexer accordingly, matching the ADS8363's documented Mode I–IV behavior.

Can the ADS8363EVM be used to evaluate the dual reference feature of the ADS8363?

Yes, the ADS8363EVM directly supports evaluation of the ADS8363's dual programmable 2.5-V reference outputs (REFIO1 and REFIO2). Each reference is independently buffered, routed to dedicated 22-μF ceramic capacitors (as required by the ADS8363 datasheet), and accessible via test points. Users can configure different input voltage ranges or implement two-level PGA functionality - verified through simultaneous acquisition of scaled and unscaled signals - all while monitoring reference stability and settling time using the ADS8363EVM's measurement-ready analog interface.

Is the ADS8363EVM compatible with standard USB-to-SPI host interfaces?

No, the ADS8363EVM does not use generic USB-to-SPI bridges. It features an integrated TMS320F28027 C2000™ microcontroller that acts as a dedicated protocol translator and timing controller. This ensures precise alignment of CONVST, CLOCK, and RD signals per ADS8363 timing specifications - including half-clock/full-clock modes, auto-sequencer triggers, and safety counter synchronization - which generic adapters cannot guarantee. Communication with the host PC occurs over USB CDC, but all low-level SPI waveforms are generated deterministically by the ADS8363EVM's onboard MCU.

Does the ADS8363EVM include software tools for data analysis?

Yes, the ADS8363EVM ships with TI's ADS8363EVM GUI software for Windows, providing real-time oscilloscope-style waveform display, FFT analysis (SNR, THD, SFDR), register configuration, FIFO dump export (CSV), and scripting support for automated test sequences. The software directly reads conversion results from the ADS8363 via the onboard MCU, applies correct data formatting (16-bit MSB-aligned, dual-channel interleaved or sequential), and overlays timing markers for BUSY, CONVST, and RD events - enabling immediate validation of the ADS8363's AC performance and functional modes.