Texas Instruments ADS8484EVM

Overview

ADS8484EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation and demonstration platform for the ADS8484 18-bit, 1.25-MSPS, parallel-interface SAR analog-to-digital converter. It features onboard signal conditioning with THS4031 amplifiers, a selectable 4.096-V reference (internal or REF3240), and configurable analog input circuitry supporting pseudo-bipolar differential operation. Designed for high-fidelity data acquisition, it supports direct interfacing to C5000/C6000 DSP starter kits via the 5-6K Interface Board.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8484EVM datasheet, ADS8484EVM pinout, ADS8484EVM application, or ADS8484EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context on analog signal conditioning, digital interface configuration (8/16/18-bit parallel bus), jumper-selectable power and reference modes, and hardware-level integration with TI processor platforms - all specific to the ADS8484EVM variant.

Technical Context

The ADS8484EVM implements a flexible analog front-end using two THS4031 operational amplifiers (U6, U7) in SOIC-8 packages, enabling user-configurable gain, level translation, and filtering for single-ended or fully differential inputs. Input common-mode voltage is set to half the reference (e.g., 2.048 V for 4.096-V ref), with 2200-pF sampling capacitor and 5-Ω series resistor forming the anti-aliasing filter at the ADC input.

Digital interface uses standard 0.1-inch headers (P2, P3, J6) for 18-bit parallel data bus (DB0–DB17), control signals (CONVST, RD, CS, BUSY, BYTE), and address decoding via SN74AHC138. Jumpers W1–W6 and solder pads SJP1–SJP9 allow selection of digital supply (3.3 V or 5 V), reference source, amplifier rail configuration, and memory-mapped vs. direct-conversion operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8484EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, DSP-based signal processing, and ADC validation requiring stable component supply, full schematic transparency, and TI-validated reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ADS8484EVM 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 technologies, with decades of leadership in precision data converters and evaluation platforms.

The ADS8484EVM belongs to TI's high-speed precision ADC evaluation module family, designed specifically to accelerate prototyping, characterization, and system integration of 18-bit SAR converters in test equipment, medical imaging, and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS8484EVM?

The ADS8484EVM is an evaluation module built to demonstrate and validate the performance of the ADS8484 18-bit, 1.25-MSPS SAR analog-to-digital converter. It provides full access to analog signal conditioning, reference selection, digital interface, and power configuration - enabling engineers to characterize dynamic performance, verify timing margins, and integrate the ADS8484 into real systems without custom PCB development. The ADS8484EVM itself contains no active conversion logic; it hosts and interfaces the ADS8484 IC.

Does the ADS8484EVM support both ADS8482 and ADS8484 devices?

Yes - the ADS8484EVM is mechanically and electrically identical for both the ADS8482 (1-MSPS) and ADS8484 (1.25-MSPS) devices, as confirmed in the SLAU186A User's Guide. Both use the same U5 footprint (48-QFN RGZ), share identical pinouts, reference architecture, and interface logic. However, maximum sampling rate, AC performance specs (e.g., SNR, SFDR), and timing parameters are device-specific and must be validated per the respective datasheets (SLAS385 for ADS8482, SLAS511 for ADS8484).

How is the analog input configured by default on the ADS8484EVM?

The ADS8484EVM ships with factory-default configuration for single-ended unipolar input conversion: THS4032 (U4) generates a 2.048-V DC offset, and THS4031 (U7) converts the 0–4-V input into a pseudo-bipolar differential signal centered at 2.048 V. This matches the ADS8484's required common-mode voltage (VREF/2) and enables full-scale utilization of the 18-bit range. Jumper settings SJP1 (installed), SJP6 (installed), and R24 (set to 2.048 V) define this mode.

Can the ADS8484EVM be used with processors other than TI C5000/C6000 DSPs?

Yes - while optimized for TI's 5-6K Interface Board and C5000/C6000 DSKs, the ADS8484EVM is hardware-agnostic. Its 0.1-inch pitch connectors (P2, P3, J6) expose all ADC signals (data bus, CONVST, RD, BUSY, CS, BYTE), allowing direct connection to FPGA development boards, microcontroller evaluation kits, or custom host systems via ribbon cable or point-to-point wiring. Address decoding is optional; jumpers W5/W6 enable direct signal routing bypassing the SN74AHC138 decoder.

What power supplies are required to operate the ADS8484EVM?

The ADS8484EVM requires three independent supplies: ±6 V for the THS4031 analog driver amplifiers (TP4/TP5), +5 V for the analog section including the ADC and reference (TP3), and either +5 V or +3.3 V for the digital buffers and SN74AHC138 decoder (TP6). These may be delivered via test points or the J5 power connector. W1 jumper selects between +5 V and +3.3 V for the digital supply; SJP3/SJP4 configure amplifier negative rails to ground or –6 V.