Texas Instruments DAC34SH84EVM

Overview

DAC34SH84EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC34SH84 4-channel, 16-bit, 1.5 GSPS digital-to-analog converter under real-world IF transmit conditions. It integrates a CDCE62005 clock generator/jitter cleaner, supports 32-bit DDR LVDS data input, enables up to 16× interpolation, and includes on-chip 32-bit NCO and PLL for high-IF direct-conversion transmitter prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the DAC34SH84EVM datasheet, DAC34SH84EVM pinout, DAC34SH84EVM application, or DAC34SH84EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, supported test platforms (TSW1400/TSW3100), FPGA clock routing, USB control interface behavior, and IF output validation procedures - all specific to the DAC34SH84EVM Revision C and above.

Technical Context

The DAC34SH84EVM implements a complete signal chain for wideband RF transmitter evaluation: it accepts 32-bit DDR LVDS data at up to 750 MSPS per channel, routes signals through configurable digital blocks (interpolation, NCO, inverse sinx/x filter), and delivers transformer-coupled analog outputs with 5th-order LPF options. Clocking is managed by the CDCE62005, providing ac-coupled LVPECL DAC_CLK (Y2) and LVDS FPGA clocks (Y3/Y4).

Hardware synchronization is implemented via OSTR, SYNC, FRAME, and SIF-SYNC signals, enabling precise multi-DAC alignment and latency control. The EVM supports both internal PLL mode (using YA* as reference) and external clock mode (via J9 SMA), with dedicated jumpers (JP2–JP13, SJP9–SJP12) for power, bias, and LVDS timing tuning.

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC34SH84EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transmitter development, high-speed data converter validation, and wideband communications prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for DAC34SH84EVM 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 conversion technologies.

The DAC34SH84EVM belongs to TI's high-speed DAC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically for rapid characterization of ultra-high-speed, multi-channel DACs in wireless infrastructure, radar, and software-defined radio applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DAC34SH84EVM?

The DAC34SH84EVM is an evaluation module built to validate the performance of the DAC34SH84 4-channel, 16-bit, 1.5 GSPS digital-to-analog converter. It provides full hardware and software support-including CDCE62005 clock generation, USB-controlled GUI, TSW1400/TSW3100 pattern generator compatibility, and transformer-coupled IF outputs-to enable accurate measurement of linearity, spectral purity, and timing behavior in high-IF transmitter designs. DAC34SH84EVM does not operate standalone; it requires host PC control and external signal sources.

Which pattern generators are compatible with DAC34SH84EVM?

DAC34SH84EVM is validated for use with Texas Instruments' TSW1400 (up to 1.5 GSPS LVDS bus rate) and TSW3100 (up to 1.25 GSPS LVDS bus rate). The TSW1400 supports full 750 MSPS per channel input to DAC34SH84, while the TSW3100 requires ≥4× interpolation to achieve 1.5 GSPS DAC sampling. Both integrate with TI's High Speed Converter Pro GUI and support register-level synchronization via SYNC, OSTR, or SIF-SYNC signals. DAC34SH84EVM also supports direct connection to Altera/Xilinx FPGA platforms via HSMC or FMC-DAC-Adapter.

How is clocking implemented on the DAC34SH84EVM?

Clocking on DAC34SH84EVM is managed by the on-board CDCE62005: YA* (Y2) supplies ac-coupled LVPECL DAC sampling clock; YB* (Y1) provides ac-coupled LVPECL OSTR for FIFO synchronization; Y3 and Y4 deliver ac-coupled LVDS FPGA clocks at rates scaled by interpolation ratio (e.g., FDAC/interpolation/4 for Y4). A 19.2 MHz TCXO serves as secondary reference. External clocks up to 1.5 GHz can be applied via J9 SMA (LVPECL AC-coupled, 1.3 Vp max), and the board supports both internal PLL and external clock modes - with jumper JP5 selecting reference source and JP4 enabling LVPECL bias.

What software controls the DAC34SH84EVM?

DAC34SH84EVM is controlled via TI's DAC348x_GUI_vxpx software, installed from the DAC348x_Installer_vxpx package. The GUI provides tabbed interfaces for DAC34SH84 register programming (FIFO, LVDS delay, PLL, NCO, QMC, offset) and CDCE62005 clock configuration. It supports USB communication (J14), register file loading/saving, real-time sync triggering (REGWR/OSTR/SYNC/SIF-SYNC), and automatic driver installation. Firmware updates are not performed on DAC34SH84EVM itself - the GUI communicates directly with the DAC34SH84 and CDCE62005 over SPI and USB HID.

Does DAC34SH84EVM support multi-DAC synchronization?

Yes, DAC34SH84EVM supports deterministic multi-DAC synchronization using the OSTR signal routed from CDCE62005 YB* (Y1) to DAC34SH84's OSTRP/N pins. This enables precise alignment of FIFO output pointers across multiple DAC34SH84 units - critical for phased-array and MIMO transmitter systems. Synchronization is configured via GUI settings (FIFO Output Sync = OSTR) and requires enabling Clock Divider Sync with OSTR as source. DAC34SH84EVM's layout and jumper defaults (JP2–JP13) preserve signal integrity for OSTR distribution, and the GUI allows simultaneous register writes across synchronized devices.