Texas Instruments ADS8411EVM

Overview

ADS8411EVM from Texas Instruments is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADS8411 16-bit, 2 MSPS parallel-output SAR analog-to-digital converter. It provides full signal conditioning-including THS4031-based inverting input buffer, onboard REF3040 4.096-V reference, and SN74AHC245 digital bus transceivers-and supports memory-mapped interfacing to C5000/C6000 DSP starter kits via 5-6K interface card.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8411EVM datasheet, ADS8411EVM pinout, ADS8411EVM application, or ADS8411EVM equivalent, this module serves as a validated reference design, rapid prototype platform, and software test vehicle for high-speed data acquisition systems requiring ≤100 kHz AC performance, dual-supply analog front-end flexibility, and direct parallel bus integration with TI DSPs.

Technical Context

The ADS8411EVM implements a complete analog signal chain: THS4031 op-amp configured as unity-gain inverter (not stable at non-inverting gain-1) with 6800 pF polypropylene filter capacitor and series resistor optimized for 100 kHz sine-wave performance; selectable reference path (internal ADC ref, REF3040, or external via P1.20); and address-decoded control logic using SN74AHC138 to map RD/CONVST/RESET to processor memory addresses A[2:0].

Dual ±12 V supplies power the analog signal path (THS4031, REF3040), +5 V powers the ADC and reference section, and +3.3 V or +5 V powers the digital buffers and decoder. All control signals (CS, RD, CONVST, BYTE, RESET, BUSY) and 16-bit data bus (D0–D15) are accessible via standardized Samtec headers (P2, P3, J3) and test points (TP1–TP14).

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8411EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, DSP-based signal processing, and precision analog front-end prototyping requiring stable component supply and TI-validated reference circuitry.

Supply support for ADS8411EVM 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 digital signal processing technologies.

The ADS8411EVM belongs to TI's precision data converter evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-fidelity, high-throughput analog-to-digital systems for test equipment, medical imaging, and industrial instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS8411EVM?

The ADS8411EVM is an evaluation module built exclusively for the ADS8411 16-bit, 2 MSPS SAR analog-to-digital converter. Its primary function is to provide a fully characterized, ready-to-use hardware platform-complete with signal conditioning, reference, power regulation, and parallel digital interface-that enables rapid validation, firmware development, and system-level testing of the ADS8411 in real-world applications. The ADS8411EVM itself is not a standalone IC but a PCB-based tool supporting engineering evaluation.

Does the ADS8411EVM support both single-supply and dual-supply operation for the input amplifier?

Yes, the ADS8411EVM supports both configurations. It ships with the THS4031 dual-supply op-amp (±12 V), enabling full-range bipolar input operation. For single-supply applications, users can replace U2 with an op-amp like OPA300 or OPA355 and short SJP7 (pins 1–2) to tie the amplifier's negative rail to ground. This flexibility allows the ADS8411EVM to accommodate diverse input signal ranges while maintaining compatibility with the ADS8411's ±200 mV negative input specification.

How is the ADS8411EVM interfaced to a DSP processor?

The ADS8411EVM interfaces to C5000/C6000 DSP starter kits via the 5-6K interface card, which maps the EVM into the processor's memory space. Three address lines (A2, A1, A0) and DC_CS are routed to connector P2; jumpers W1–W3 configure which address combinations generate RD, CONVST, and RESET pulses using the SN74AHC138 decoder. Chip select (CS) must be controlled externally-either via a GPIO or by grounding J3 pin 1-since it is not memory-mapped. The ADS8411EVM thus enables seamless software-driven control and data capture without custom hardware.

Can the ADS8411EVM be used with other ADCs in the same family?

Yes-the ADS8411EVM is shared across three devices: ADS8401 (1.25 MSPS), ADS8405 (1.25 MSPS), and ADS8411 (2 MSPS). All use the same PCB layout, schematic, and BOM (with U4 populated per variant), and share identical analog front-end, reference, and digital interface architecture. However, maximum sampling rate, timing margins, and certain AC specifications (e.g., SNR, THD) are device-specific and governed by the individual ADC's datasheet-so performance validation must align with the actual installed U4 part (e.g., ADS8411IPFBT for ADS8411EVM).

What are the factory-default jumper settings on the ADS8411EVM?

Factory defaults include: SJP1/SJP2/SJP3 installed (selecting REF3040 output, internal 4.096 V reference, and (–)IN shorted to AGND); SJP7 installed (tying THS4031 negative supply to –VA); W1/W2/W3 set to positions 1–2 (assigning A[2:0] = 0x1, 0x3, 0x5 for RD, CONVST, RESET); and W4 installed (connecting BUSY to P2 pin 19). These settings enable immediate operation with dual-supply configuration, onboard reference, and decoded control-no rework required for baseline evaluation of the ADS8411EVM.