Texas Instruments ADS8698EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8698EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module for the ADS8698 18-bit, 8-channel, 500-kSPS SAR ADC with integrated analog front-end, ±20-V input overvoltage protection, 1-MΩ constant input impedance, and SPI-compatible daisy-chain interface. It supports software-programmable bipolar (±10.24 V, ±5.12 V, ±2.56 V) and unipolar (0–10.24 V, 0–5.12 V) input ranges and targets high-precision industrial data acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8698EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8698EVM-PDK setup guide, ADS8698EVM-PDK hardware configuration, or ADS8698EVM-PDK compatibility with ADS8698-based systems, this module provides validated signal chain reference design, full register-level control via USB-connected GUI, real-time performance characterization, and direct connection to TI's Precision Lab ecosystem for system-level validation.

Technical Context

The ADS8698EVM-PDK implements a complete, production-ready evaluation platform for the ADS8698 IC, featuring on-board LDOs for clean AVDD/DVDD/REFIO supply, precision passive filtering on all eight AIN_nP/AIN_nGND channels, buffered AUX_IN path, ALARM output monitoring, and configurable REFSEL/DAISY/SCLK/CS/SDI/SDO routing. It includes TI's TUSB3210 USB-to-SPI bridge controller and firmware enabling register read/write, channel scan sequencing, and real-time waveform capture at full 500-kSPS aggregate rate.

Hardware design follows TI's SBAS686 layout guidelines: separate AGND/DGND planes with single-point tie at AVDD decoupling, 4-layer PCB with dedicated analog/digital power islands, 22-µF tantalum + 100-nF ceramic decoupling on REFCAP/REFIO, and Kelvin-connected AIN traces with matched length and 50-Ω controlled impedance for SCLK/SDO/SDI.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8698EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC analog input modules, power automation metering systems, and protection relay development requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for ADS8698EVM-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 focused on analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision data converters, power management, and industrial interface solutions.

The ADS8698EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Data Acquisition Evaluation Modules product line, designed to accelerate validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in harsh industrial environments with true bipolar input support and robust overvoltage protection.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADS8698EVM-PDK?

The ADS8698EVM-PDK is a fully assembled and tested evaluation module that enables rapid prototyping and performance validation of the ADS8698 18-bit, 8-channel SAR ADC. It provides hardware infrastructure-including power regulation, signal conditioning, SPI bridging, and GUI software-to evaluate DC accuracy, dynamic performance (SNR = 93.5 dB, THD = –105 dB), channel-to-channel isolation, and daisy-chain operation without custom PCB design. The ADS8698EVM-PDK directly interfaces with the ADS8698 IC under real-world conditions.

Does the ADS8698EVM-PDK support all input voltage ranges specified for the ADS8698 IC?

Yes, the ADS8698EVM-PDK supports all five programmable input ranges of the ADS8698 IC: ±10.24 V, ±5.12 V, ±2.56 V, 0–10.24 V, and 0–5.12 V. Each channel maintains a constant 1-MΩ input impedance regardless of range selection, and the on-board second-order LPFs are optimized for bandwidth preservation across all configurations. Range selection is performed entirely in software via the ADS8698EVM-PDK GUI, with no hardware jumpers required.

Can the ADS8698EVM-PDK be used to evaluate daisy-chain configurations with multiple ADS8698 devices?

Yes, the ADS8698EVM-PDK includes dedicated DAISY, CS, SCLK, SDI, and SDO headers that conform to the ADS8698's daisy-chain timing requirements (fSCLK up to 18 MHz, tSU_DSYCK ≥ 5 ns). The board's layout preserves signal integrity for multi-device chains, and the included GUI supports simultaneous register access and synchronized sampling across up to four ADS8698EVM-PDK units. This enables validation of system-level latency, clock skew tolerance, and ALARM propagation in distributed I/O architectures.

What software tools are included with the ADS8698EVM-PDK?

The ADS8698EVM-PDK ships with TI's ADS8698 EVM GUI software, which runs on Windows and provides real-time register configuration, channel scan setup (auto/manual), live waveform display, histogram analysis, FFT computation, and export of raw sample data in CSV format. It integrates with TI's Precision Lab training modules and supports scripting via Python API for automated test sequences. No additional license or subscription is required to use the ADS8698EVM-PDK software stack.

How is overvoltage protection implemented on the ADS8698EVM-PDK?

The ADS8698EVM-PDK implements the ADS8698's internal ±20-V overvoltage protection circuitry without external components-leveraging the IC's integrated clamping diodes and current-limiting architecture. Each AIN_nP/AIN_nGND pair is protected independently, maintaining functionality even when subjected to transient overvoltages up to ±20 V (with AVDD = 5 V and low-impedance source). The board's layout minimizes parasitic inductance on protection paths, ensuring response time < 100 ns and preserving DC accuracy (INL ≤ ±1.5 LSB) after fault clearance. This protection is active during both conversion and standby modes of the ADS8698EVM-PDK.