Texas Instruments ADS8861EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8861EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a performance demonstration kit for the ADS8861 16-bit, 1-MSPS SAR ADC, comprising the ADS8861EVM daughter card, MMB0 motherboard, USB cable, and 6-V wall adapter. It enables full evaluation of unipolar differential input signals (0–8.6 V range), supports SPI communication up to 80 MHz, and integrates onboard 4.5-V REF5045 reference and THS4521 differential driver for precision signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8861EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8861EVM-PDK pinout, ADS8861EVM-PDK application, or ADS8861EVM-PDK equivalent, this kit delivers turnkey evaluation of high-resolution, low-power data acquisition in test benches, sensor interface prototyping, and precision instrumentation development - with integrated ADCPro™ software support for FFT, histogram, scope, and data export.

Technical Context

The ADS8861EVM-PDK implements a modular evaluation architecture where the ADS8861EVM daughter card interfaces via Samtec headers to the DSP-based MMB0 motherboard, which provides USB host connectivity and real-time data streaming. The EVM features dual analog input paths (SMA and 20-pin Samtec J1) conditioned by THS4521 for true-differential drive and OPA333/THS4281 reference buffering.

Digital control uses configurable 3-wire or 4-wire SPI (CPOL=0, CPHA=0 or 1) with CONVST and CS signals routed through jumpers JP2/J2.7/J2.17 and JP3, while onboard I²C (J2.16/J2.20) programs only the U8 EEPROM - not used by the ADC itself. Power is supplied via 6-V wall adapter to MMB0, which regulates 5-V analog and 3.3-V digital rails for the ADS8861EVM.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8861EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, sensor interface validation, and high-fidelity analog front-end prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation platform continuity.

Supply support for ADS8861EVM-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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The ADS8861EVM-PDK belongs to TI's modular EVM system family, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and design-in of precision SAR ADCs like the ADS886x series in metrology, medical instrumentation, and automated test equipment.

FAQ

What is the ADS8861EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8861EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation kit for the ADS8861 16-bit, 1-MSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, THD), verify analog input conditioning with THS4521 and REF5045, configure SPI timing and modes, and collect real-world data using ADCPro™ software - all without custom hardware or firmware development. The ADS8861EVM-PDK supports both single-ended and differential signal acquisition across its full 0–8.6 V input range.

Does the ADS8861EVM-PDK include the ADS8861 ADC chip?

Yes, the ADS8861EVM-PDK includes the ADS8861IDGS - the actual 16-bit, 1-MSPS SAR ADC in a 10-pin MSOP package - mounted on the ADS8861EVM daughter card (U1 in the bill of materials). This is not a generic platform; it is purpose-built for the ADS8861, with supporting circuitry optimized for its specific reference, drive, and timing requirements.

Can the ADS8861EVM-PDK evaluate bipolar input signals?

Yes, the ADS8861EVM-PDK supports bipolar input signals (±4.3 V) through the THS4521 fully-differential amplifier, which shifts the common-mode voltage to 2.25 V (VREF/2) to meet the ADS8861's unipolar differential input requirement. This allows direct connection of AC-coupled or bipolar sensors while preserving full 16-bit resolution and linearity - verified in the user's guide Figure 1 and Section 2.1.

What software is required to operate the ADS8861EVM-PDK?

ADCPro™ software (v3.x or later) is required, along with the dedicated ADS886x-ADCProPlugin installer. The ADS8861EVM-PDK does not function as a standalone USB device - it relies on the MMB0 motherboard's TMS320VC5509 DSP and USB interface to stream data to ADCPro. The plug-in provides device configuration (sample rate, SCLK, reference), and test modules (MultiScope, MultiFFT) for analysis - all documented in SBAU214 and SBAU128.

Is the ADS8861EVM-PDK compatible with other TI EVM motherboards?

No - the ADS8861EVM-PDK is specifically designed for use with the MMB0 motherboard, as confirmed in the user's guide: "The EVM is available as part of the ADS8861EVM-PDK kit that combines the ADS8861EVM as a daughter board with the DSP-based MMB0 motherboard." The pinout, power sequencing, jumper configuration (J12/J13A/J13B), and firmware are unique to the MMB0; compatibility with other TI motherboards (e.g., HPA or DLP boards) is neither specified nor supported.