Texas Instruments ADS9120EVM-PDK

Overview

ADS9120EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation platform for the ADS9120 - a 16-bit, 2.5-MSPS fully-differential SAR ADC with multiSPI® digital interface. The kit includes the ADS9120EVM board, precision host interface (PHI) controller board, USB cable, and Windows-compatible GUI software for real-time data capture and spectral, histogram, linearity, and time-domain analysis.

For engineers reviewing the ADS9120EVM-PDK datasheet, ADS9120EVM-PDK setup, ADS9120EVM-PDK GUI operation, or ADS9120EVM-PDK alternative evaluation kits, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported interface modes (SPI/multiSPI), jumper-selectable common-mode options (0 V / 2.5 V / floating), onboard 5.0-V REF5050 reference, and OPA625/OPA378 analog signal conditioning optimized for 2.5-MSPS full-throughput performance.

Technical Context

The ADS9120EVM-PDK integrates two functional boards: the ADS9120EVM hosts the target ADC, differential input drivers (OPA625), precision 5.0-V reference (REF5050 buffered by OPA625/OPA378), and 5.2-V LDO (TPS7A4700); the PHI board provides USB 2.0 communication, 3.3-V/1.8-V/5.2-V power regulation, and digital I/O interfacing at 1.8-V logic levels.

It supports all ADS9120 interface configurations - including single/dual/quad-SDO SPI and multiSPI with SDR/DDR data rates and system/synchronous clock sources - and enables full register-level control via GUI-driven register map editing, synchronized with real-time analysis tools for SNR, THD, SFDR, SINAD, and ENOB validation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADS9120EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-precision data acquisition, test & measurement instrumentation, medical imaging front-ends, and industrial process monitoring requiring stable component supply and validated ADC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADS9120EVM-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 signal chain solutions.

The ADS9120EVM-PDK belongs to TI's precision data converter evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of high-speed, high-resolution SAR ADCs like the ADS9120 in demanding measurement applications.

FAQ

What is the ADS9120EVM-PDK used for?

The ADS9120EVM-PDK is a complete evaluation system for the ADS9120 16-bit, 2.5-MSPS SAR ADC. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance metrics - including SNR, THD, SFDR, SINAD, and ENOB - using calibrated on-board analog signal conditioning, precision voltage reference, and Windows-based GUI tools for spectral, histogram, and time-domain analysis. The ADS9120EVM-PDK eliminates the need for external logic analyzers or custom firmware during initial device characterization.

Does the ADS9120EVM-PDK require an external power supply?

No. The ADS9120EVM-PDK is fully USB-powered via the included A-to-micro-B cable. The PHI controller board derives 3.3-V, 1.8-V, and regulated 5.2-V supplies from the host computer's USB port - powering the EEPROM, ADS9120 digital core, and analog circuitry (including OPA625 drivers and REF5050 reference) without external adapters or bench supplies. This simplifies lab setup and ensures consistent low-noise operation.

Which interface modes does the ADS9120EVM-PDK support for the ADS9120?

The ADS9120EVM-PDK supports all interface modes specified in the ADS9120 datasheet (SBAS710), including standard SPI (CPOL/CPHA combinations) and multiSPI® with selectable SDO width (1/2/4 lanes), clock source (system or synchronous), and data rate (SDR or DDR). The GUI exposes these options through intuitive drop-down menus and automatically computes achievable SCLK frequency and sampling rate based on timing constraints.

How are input common-mode settings configured on the ADS9120EVM-PDK?

Input common-mode is set via jumpers J1 and J2 on the ADS9120EVM board: J2 selects 2.5 V (OPEN) or 1.25 V (CLOSED); J1 adds ~100 mV offset to prevent OPA625 saturation. Configurations support 0-V (bipolar), 2.5-V (unipolar), or floating (AC-coupled) inputs. R1 (280 kΩ default) must be adjusted for source impedances >32 Ω or 2.5-V common-mode per TI SBAU262 Section 2.2.3.

What software is required to operate the ADS9120EVM-PDK?

The ADS9120EVM-PDK requires the official Texas Instruments ADS9120EVM GUI software for Windows 7/8 (64-bit), which includes LabVIEW™ Run-Time Engine v14.0 or later and a signed USB device driver. The installer configures all dependencies automatically; antivirus software must be temporarily disabled during installation to prevent file quarantine. Post-installation, the software resides in C:\Program Files (x86)\Texas Instruments\ADS9120EVM.