Texas Instruments DAC34H84EVM

Overview

DAC34H84EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC34H84 4-channel, 16-bit, 1.25 GSPS digital-to-analog converter under real-world clock, data, and IF output conditions. It integrates a CDCE62005 clock generator/jitter cleaner, supports 32-bit DDR LVDS input, 4x/8x/16x interpolation, on-chip PLL, and 32-bit NCO for high-IF wireless transmit applications.

For engineers reviewing the DAC34H84EVM datasheet, DAC34H84EVM pinout, DAC34H84EVM application, or DAC34H84EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported test platforms (TSW1400/TSW3100), FPGA interface options (HSMC/FMC), and IF output validation at 30 MHz and 60 MHz with WCDMA-compliant spectral performance.

Technical Context

The DAC34H84EVM implements a complete signal chain for RF transmitter evaluation: it accepts 32-bit DDR LVDS data at up to 1.25 GSPS bus rate, routes signals through configurable digital blocks (interpolation, NCO, inverse sinx/x filter), and delivers transformer-coupled analog IF outputs at J2–J7 SMA connectors. The onboard CDCE62005 provides low-jitter DAC sampling clock (YA*, Y2) and synchronized FPGA clocks (Y3, Y4).

Hardware synchronization is enabled via LVDS FRAME/SYNC, SPI SIF-SYNC, or external LVPECL OSTR signals - critical for multi-DAC latency alignment and QMC/offset calibration. The EVM supports both internal PLL mode (using YA* as reference) and external clock mode (via J9 SMA), with jumper-configurable power, bias, and logic thresholds (JP11).

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC34H84EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transmitter prototyping, high-speed DAC characterization, and WCDMA/LTE baseband-to-IF validation requiring stable component supply and full toolchain support.

Supply support for DAC34H84EVM 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-speed data converter technologies.

The DAC34H84EVM belongs to TI's high-speed DAC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically for rapid validation of wideband communications transmitters - supporting 3GPP-compliant IF generation, multi-carrier modulation, and precise I/Q calibration.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DAC34H84EVM?

The DAC34H84EVM is an evaluation module built to validate the DAC34H84 4-channel, 16-bit, 1.25 GSPS digital-to-analog converter in real RF transmit signal chains. It enables engineers to test interpolation, NCO tuning, QMC calibration, and IF spectral purity using industry-standard pattern generators like TSW1400 and TSW3100. DAC34H84EVM provides full GUI-controlled register access, synchronized clock routing, and transformer-coupled SMA outputs for immediate spectrum analysis - all without requiring custom PCB design.

Which pattern generators are compatible with DAC34H84EVM?

DAC34H84EVM is fully compatible with Texas Instruments' TSW1400 (supporting up to 1.5 GSPS LVDS bus rate) and TSW3100 (supporting up to 1.25 GSPS LVDS bus rate). Both platforms connect directly via the J4–J13 LVDS interface. For Xilinx FPGA development, the TI-provided FMC-DAC-Adapter board bridges DAC34H84EVM to FMC-equipped boards; for Altera platforms, the onboard HSMC connector enables direct attachment. DAC34H84EVM firmware and GUI support are pre-integrated for all three interfaces.

Does DAC34H84EVM include a clock generator?

Yes, DAC34H84EVM integrates the CDCE62005 clock generator/jitter cleaner. It delivers YA* (LVPECL AC-coupled DAC sampling clock), YB* (LVPECL OSTR clock for FIFO sync), Y3 (LVDS FPGA clock at FDAC/interpolation/4), and Y4 (LVDS FPGA clock required for TSW1400 + DAC34H84 operation). The CDCE62005 is configured via the DAC34H84EVM GUI and supports flexible PLL settings to match DAC34H84's required sampling frequencies and interpolation ratios.

How is synchronization handled on DAC34H84EVM?

DAC34H84EVM supports multiple synchronization sources: LVDS FRAME (ISTR), LVDS SYNC, SPI SIF-SYNC, and external LVPECL OSTR. These are used to align FIFO input/output pointers, NCO phase updates, QMC/offset calibration, and clock divider sync. For multi-DAC systems, OSTR is recommended as the master sync source - either derived from the CDCE62005 or injected externally at J9. All sync paths are configurable in the GUI under Input Control and Digital Block Options tabs.

What IF output frequencies has DAC34H84EVM been validated at?

DAC34H84EVM has been experimentally validated for WCDMA-compliant IF outputs at 30 MHz and 60 MHz, as shown in Figures 13 and 14 of the SLAU432A User's Guide. These results were achieved using 4× interpolation, NCO-enabled mixing, and transformer-coupled outputs at J2–J7. Measured adjacent channel leakage ratios (ACLR) meet 3GPP specifications, confirming DAC34H84EVM's suitability for base station and small-cell transmitter development. DAC34H84EVM supports additional IF bands via NCO tuning and clock reconfiguration.