Texas Instruments ADS8401EVM

Overview

ADS8401EVM from Texas Instruments is a full-featured evaluation board for the ADS8401 16-bit, 1.25 MSPS parallel-output SAR analog-to-digital converter. It integrates on-board signal conditioning (THS4031 inverting buffer), precision 4.096-V reference (REF3040), digital I/O buffering (SN74AHC245), and address decoding (SN74AHC138) to support rapid prototyping of high-fidelity data acquisition systems operating up to 100 kHz AC input bandwidth.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8401EVM datasheet, ADS8401EVM pinout, ADS8401EVM application, or ADS8401EVM equivalent, this module serves as a validated reference design, software test platform for C5000/C6000 DSP starter kits, and hardware prototype board - enabling immediate validation of ADC interface timing, analog front-end filtering, and multi-board stacking via memory-mapped control signals.

Technical Context

The ADS8401EVM implements a dual-supply analog signal path with ±12 V for the THS4031 input amplifier and +5 V for the ADS8401 ADC core and REF3040 reference. Its RC filter network (6800 pF capacitor + 1 kΩ series resistor) is specifically tuned to meet the 100 kHz AC performance specifications of the ADS8401, ensuring <0.1% THD and >86 dB SNR at full-scale sine-wave input.

Digital interfacing uses Samtec 0.1" headers (P1, P2, P3, J3) and supports both direct I/O access and memory-mapped operation via 3-bit address decoding (A2–A0). Jumpers W1–W3 configure RD/CONVST/RESET address assignments, while SJP1–SJP7 select reference source (internal, REF3040, or external), negative input grounding, and amplifier supply configuration.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8401EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, industrial sensor interface, and embedded DSP development requiring stable component supply and proven reference circuitry.

Supply support for ADS8401EVM 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies.

The ADS8401EVM belongs to TI's precision data converter evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate hardware validation and firmware development for SAR ADC-based measurement systems in test & measurement and industrial automation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS8401EVM?

The ADS8401EVM is an evaluation module built to demonstrate, validate, and develop with the ADS8401 16-bit, 1.25 MSPS parallel-output SAR analog-to-digital converter. It provides complete analog signal conditioning, reference circuitry, digital buffering, and flexible power and interface options - enabling immediate testing of ADC performance, timing, and system integration without custom PCB design. The ADS8401EVM is not a standalone product but a development tool for the ADS8401IC.

Which ADC variants does the ADS8401EVM support besides ADS8401?

The ADS8401EVM is mechanically and electrically compatible with the ADS8405IPFBT (16-bit, 1.25 MSPS) and ADS8411IPFBT (16-bit, 2 MSPS), as confirmed by TI's SLAU114A User's Guide and shared BOM (U4 variants listed in Appendix A). All three devices use the same TQFP-48 footprint and share identical control signaling, allowing the same ADS8401EVM board to evaluate all three converters with no hardware modification.

How is analog input conditioning implemented on the ADS8401EVM?

The ADS8401EVM uses the THS4031IDR op-amp configured as an inverting unity-gain buffer, paired with a 6800 pF capacitor and 1 kΩ series resistor to form a low-pass anti-aliasing filter. This network is explicitly tuned to meet the 100 kHz AC performance specifications of the ADS8401. The negative input is shorted to AGND via solder jumper SJP3, and offset adjustment is provided by 10 kΩ potentiometer R25.

Can the ADS8401EVM be used with DSP starter kits?

Yes - the ADS8401EVM is designed for direct integration with Texas Instruments C5000 and C6000 Digital Signal Processor starter kits (DSK) via the 5-6K interface card (SLAU104). Connectors P1, P2, and P3 plug into the 5-6K card's parallel interface, mapping the ADS8401EVM into the processor's memory space for real-time firmware development and data capture. Address decoding (via SN74AHC138) enables stacking multiple EVMs under one processor.

What power supply configurations does the ADS8401EVM require?

The ADS8401EVM requires four independent supplies: +5 V for the analog section (ADS8401 + REF3040), +3.3 V or +5 V for the digital section (buffers + decoder), and ±12 V for the THS4031 input amplifier. These can be applied either directly at test points TP10–TP14 or via the 10-pin J1 power connector (pins 1/2 = ±12 V, pin 3 = +5 V, pin 10 = +3.3/+5 V, pin 6 = AGND).