Texas Instruments ADS8920BEVM-PDK

Overview

ADS8920BEVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is a performance demonstration kit (PDK) and evaluation platform for the ADS8920B - a 16-bit, 1-MSPS, fully-differential input SAR ADC with multiSPI® digital interface. The kit includes the ADS8920BEVM board, precision host interface (PHI) controller board, USB cable, and Windows-based GUI software for data capture and analysis including spectral, histogram, linearity, and reference settling tools.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8920BEVM-PDK datasheet, ADS8920BEVM-PDK setup, ADS8920BEVM-PDK GUI operation, or ADS8920BEVM-PDK alternative evaluation platforms, this kit delivers turnkey USB-powered evaluation of high-speed SAR ADC performance with onboard low-noise drivers, precision 5.0-V reference (REF5050), and jumper-configurable 0-V/2.5-V input common-mode support.

Technical Context

The ADS8920BEVM-PDK integrates two hardware layers: the ADS8920BEVM board hosting the ADS8920B ADC, OPA625 differential drivers, REF5050 voltage reference, TPS7A4700 LDO, and analog signal conditioning circuitry; and the PHI controller board providing USB 2.0 communication, digital I/O buffering, and power regulation to both boards. All active components are powered from the host PC via USB, eliminating external supplies.

Digital communication uses multiSPI® (Texas Instruments' enhanced SPI variant) over dedicated SDI/SDO lanes, with configurable clock source (system-synchronous or source-synchronous), data rate (SDR/DDR), and SDO width (single/dual/quad). Configuration is stored in an onboard EEPROM pre-programmed for ADS8920BEVM-PDK initialization.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS8920BEVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, test & measurement instrumentation, and industrial sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply and validated evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADS8920BEVM-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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data conversion technologies.

The ADS8920BEVM-PDK belongs to TI's precision data converter evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding measurement systems where noise floor, linearity, and reference stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the ADS8920BEVM-PDK used for?

The ADS8920BEVM-PDK is a complete evaluation platform for the ADS8920B 16-bit, 1-MSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to perform full dynamic performance characterization-including SNR, THD, SFDR, ENOB, INL/DNL, and reference settling-using its integrated hardware (OPA625 drivers, REF5050 reference, TPS7A4700 LDO) and Windows GUI with spectral, histogram, and linearity analysis tools. ADS8920BEVM-PDK eliminates the need for custom interface design or firmware development.

Does the ADS8920BEVM-PDK require an external power supply?

No. The ADS8920BEVM-PDK is fully USB-powered via the included A-to-micro-B cable. The PHI controller board derives 5.5-V from USB, regulates it to ultra-low-noise 5.2-V (using TPS7A4700) for analog circuitry, and supplies 3.3-V to the ADC's digital section. No external power adapters, bench supplies, or auxiliary rails are needed for standard operation of ADS8920BEVM-PDK.

Which software is required to operate the ADS8920BEVM-PDK?

The ADS8920BEVM-PDK requires the official Texas Instruments EVM GUI software, compatible with Windows 7 and 8 (64-bit). Installation includes LabVIEW™ Run-Time Engine and a custom USB device driver. The GUI provides real-time control of sampling rate, interface mode (SPI/multiSPI), SCLK frequency, and access to five analysis tools: time-domain display, spectral analysis, histogram, linearity, and reference settling. All software is bundled with ADS8920BEVM-PDK.

Can the ADS8920BEVM-PDK evaluate single-ended input signals?

No. The ADS8920BEVM-PDK supports differential inputs only, as required by the ADS8920B ADC. Its analog interface - including SMA connectors J3/J7 and header pins J4:2/J6:2 - presents a 1-kΩ differential input impedance and relies on balanced drive from external sources. Single-ended signals are not supported; attempting to apply them violates the input symmetry requirement (Vs(+) = –Vs(–)) and degrades ADS8920BEVM-PDK measurement accuracy.

How is the input common-mode voltage configured on the ADS8920BEVM-PDK?

The ADS8920BEVM-PDK uses jumpers J1 and J2 to configure input common-mode voltage for the ADS8920B. With J1 closed and J2 closed: 0-V common-mode (bipolar operation). With J1 closed and J2 open: 2.5-V common-mode (unipolar operation, requires R1 resistor adjustment per source impedance). Floating (AC-coupled) operation is also supported with J1 closed and J2 open. Configuration details and R1 calculation guidance are provided in the ADS8920BEVM-PDK User's Guide (SBAU270).