Texas Instruments DAC3484EVM

Overview

DAC3484EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC3484 16-bit, quad-channel, ultra-low-power digital-to-analog converter operating up to 1.25 GSPS with 4× interpolation, integrated 32-bit NCO, on-chip PLL, and LVDS DDR data interface. It supports IF output testing at 30 MHz and 60 MHz with transformer-coupled outputs, and integrates the CDCE62005 clock generator for low-jitter DAC sampling clock and FPGA reference clocks.

For engineers reviewing the DAC3484EVM datasheet, DAC3484EVM pinout, DAC3484EVM application, or DAC3484EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported test platforms (TSW1400/TSW3100), FPGA interface compatibility (HSMC/FMC), clock routing options, and real-world IF spectrum validation results per TI SLAU432A.

Technical Context

The DAC3484EVM implements a complete IF transmit evaluation platform centered on the DAC3484 IC, featuring AC-coupled LVPECL DAC_CLK and OSTR_CLK inputs, four SMA IF output ports (J2/J3/J6/J7), and onboard 5th-order LPFs (bypassed by default). It uses a 19.2 MHz TCXO as secondary reference and supports both internal PLL and external clock modes.

Hardware-level synchronization is enabled via LVDS FRAME/SYNC signals and OSTR-triggered FIFO pointer control, while digital signal conditioning includes configurable interpolation (2×/4×/8×/16×), inverse sinx/x compensation, NCO fine mixing, and QMC gain/phase adjustment - all accessible through the dedicated GUI with register-level control over DAC3484 and CDCE62005.

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC3484EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed IF transmitter development, wideband communications prototyping, and RF front-end validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for DAC3484EVM 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-speed data converter technologies with broad industrial, communications, and automotive applications.

The DAC3484EVM belongs to TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of ultra-low-power, multi-GSPS DACs in wireless infrastructure, radar, and broadband test equipment.

FAQ

What is the DAC3484EVM used for?

The DAC3484EVM is a Texas Instruments evaluation module built to validate the performance of the DAC3484 16-bit, quad-channel, 1.25 GSPS digital-to-analog converter. It enables engineers to test key features including 4× interpolation, 32-bit NCO-based fine mixing, on-chip PLL configuration, and transformer-coupled IF output generation at frequencies such as 30 MHz and 60 MHz - all using the DAC3484EVM's integrated CDCE62005 clock system and GUI-controlled register interface.

Which pattern generators are compatible with the DAC3484EVM?

The DAC3484EVM is fully compatible with Texas Instruments' TSW1400 and TSW3100 high-speed pattern generators. The TSW1400 supports up to 1.5 GSPS LVDS bus rate and enables full-rate evaluation of the DAC3484 at 1.25 GSPS with 4× interpolation. The TSW3100 supports up to 1.25 GSPS LVDS bus rate and is suitable for lower-data-rate configurations; both connect via the J4–J13 LVDS interface and are controlled using TI's High Speed Converter Pro GUI software alongside the DAC3484EVM's dedicated GUI.

Does the DAC3484EVM support FPGA development platforms?

Yes, the DAC3484EVM supports direct integration with FPGA development platforms. Its onboard HSMC connector allows native connection to Altera® (Intel) development boards, while Xilinx® platforms are supported via TI's optional FMC-DAC-Adapter board that bridges the EVM's interface to FMC headers. This enables rapid prototyping of custom digital front-ends, baseband processors, and real-time waveform generation systems using the DAC3484EVM as the analog output stage.

What clock sources does the DAC3484EVM accept?

The DAC3484EVM accepts two primary clock sources: an external 1.3 V_p, ≤1.5 GHz LVPECL clock applied to the J9 SMA input (PRI), and a 19.2 MHz LVCMOS reference fed to the CDCE62005 (SEC). The onboard CDCE62005 generates YA* (DAC sampling clock), YB* (FIFO OSTR clock), and Y3/Y4 (FPGA clocks), with routing optimized per DAC variant - for DAC3484EVM, YA* = Y1 and YB* = Y2 per Figure 6 and Section 2.2.4 of SLAU432A.

How is synchronization managed on the DAC3484EVM?

Synchronization on the DAC3484EVM is implemented via multiple hardware-triggered paths: LVDS FRAME and SYNC signals control FIFO input/output pointer reset, while the OSTR signal (LVPECL, ac-coupled) serves as the preferred sync source for multi-DAC alignment. The GUI supports REGWR, OSTR, SYNC, and SIF SYNC options for NCO, QMC, and offset adjustments - with OSTR-synchronized operation requiring Clock Divider Sync enabled and OSTR selected as the sync source, as specified in Sections 2.2.1.1 and 2.2.2 of SLAU432A.