Texas Instruments ADS8860EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8860EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a performance demonstration kit for the ADS8860 16-bit, 1-MSPS pseudo-differential SAR ADC. It integrates the ADS8860EVM daughter card, MMB0 motherboard, USB interface, 6-V wall adapter, and ADCPro™ evaluation software to enable rapid characterization of ac/dc signal acquisition in precision data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8860EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8860EVM-PDK pinout, ADS8860EVM-PDK application, or ADS8860EVM-PDK equivalent, this kit delivers validated hardware/software integration for evaluating noise, distortion, and sampling fidelity - especially where low-power, high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion is required in test equipment, industrial sensors, or medical instrumentation.

Technical Context

The ADS8860EVM-PDK implements a modular evaluation architecture centered on the TI MMB0 motherboard (TMS320VC5509 DSP + USB) and ADS8860EVM daughter card. Analog signal conditioning uses OPA836 for input buffering and THS4281 with REF5045 (4.5 V) for low-noise reference drive, supporting both unipolar (0.1–4.4 V) and bipolar (±2.15 V) input ranges.

Digital interfacing operates via configurable SPI (3-wire or 4-wire mode) at up to 80 MHz SCLK, with CS/CONVST control logic routed through Samtec headers (J2) and jumpers (JP2/JP3). The kit includes onboard 5-V/3.3-V regulation (TPS78833), I²C EEPROM (24LC256) for board identification, and ground-isolated analog/digital power domains tied to a shared plane.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8860EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, sensor signal conditioning, and high-fidelity test equipment development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for ADS8860EVM-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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance analog solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The ADS8860EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Modular EVM system family, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation of precision SAR ADCs like the ADS8860 in real-world signal chain configurations with minimal setup overhead.

FAQ

What is the ADS8860EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8860EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation platform for the ADS8860 16-bit SAR ADC. It enables engineers to characterize dynamic performance (SNR, THD, SFDR), validate analog front-end design, and develop firmware interfaces using ADCPro™ software. The kit includes all necessary hardware - ADS8860EVM daughter card, MMB0 motherboard, USB cable, and 6-V power supply - to begin testing without additional components.

Does the ADS8860EVM-PDK support both unipolar and bipolar input configurations?

Yes, the ADS8860EVM-PDK supports both configurations via jumper JP4. With JP4 closed, the OPA836 op-amp bias yields a unipolar input range of 0.1 V to 4.4 V. With JP4 open, it configures for bipolar operation from –2.15 V to +2.15 V. This flexibility allows direct evaluation of the ADS8860 under diverse signal source conditions without external level-shifting circuitry.

What software is required to operate the ADS8860EVM-PDK?

ADCPro™ software is required to operate the ADS8860EVM-PDK. It provides a Windows-based GUI with plug-in architecture, including the ADS8860EVM-specific plug-in for device configuration (sample rate, reference voltage, SCLK frequency) and four test plug-ins: Data Monitor, MultiScope, MultiFFT, and MultiHistogram. The latest version is downloadable from ti.com/tool/adcpro.

Can the ADS8860EVM-PDK be used without the MMB0 motherboard?

No - the ADS8860EVM daughter card lacks an onboard microcontroller or USB interface and cannot operate independently. It relies entirely on the MMB0 motherboard (TMS320VC5509 DSP) for SPI communication, power regulation, and USB host connectivity. The ADS8860EVM-PDK kit is sold as an integrated unit; the MMB0 is not available separately and TI only supports it within this evaluation context.

What are the key analog signal conditioning components on the ADS8860EVM-PDK?

The ADS8860EVM-PDK uses OPA836 for high-speed input buffering, THS4281 as a low-noise reference driver, and REF5045IDGK as the 4.5-V precision voltage reference. An RC filter (160 Hz cutoff) minimizes reference noise, while OPA333 complements THS4281 to reduce offset and drift. These components collectively preserve the ADS8860's specified 92.5-dB SNR and –105-dB THD performance in real-world layouts.