Texas Instruments DAC37J84EVM

Overview

DAC37J84EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC37J84 16-bit, 2.5-GSPS, quad-channel JESD204B digital-to-analog converter. It integrates the LMK04828 ultra-low-jitter clock jitter cleaner, transformer-coupled SMA outputs (IOUTA–IOUTD), FMC connector for FPGA or TSW14J56 pattern generator interfacing, and USB-controlled GUI for full SPI register access. Used in RF signal synthesis, wideband communications test benches, and radar waveform generation.

For engineers reviewing the DAC37J84EVM datasheet, DAC37J84EVM pinout, DAC37J84EVM application, or DAC37J84EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, clocking configuration options, software control workflow, hardware interface constraints, and supply-chain support details specific to the DAC37J84EVM evaluation platform.

Technical Context

The DAC37J84EVM implements a complete JESD204B subclass 1 evaluation environment with deterministic latency alignment. It supports up to eight 12.5-Gbps SerDes lanes via FMC, uses the LMK04828 in dual-loop jitter cleaning mode (2457.6 MHz or 2949.12 MHz VCO) or clock distribution mode, and provides four differential analog outputs converted to single-ended via broadband transformers (10 MHz–3 GHz passband).

Hardware configuration includes jumper-selectable clock sources (onboard 122.88 MHz VCXO, external CLKIN, or FMC-supplied clocks), TXENABLE/SLEEP pin control, and configurable power sourcing (board vs. USB). The EVM requires HSDCPro v2.4+ and DAC3XJ8X GUI v1.1+ for firmware loading, SYSREF triggering, and JESD core reset sequencing.

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC37J84EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test equipment development, 5G NR baseband prototyping, wideband radar simulation, and high-speed data converter validation requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for DAC37J84EVM 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 conversion technologies, with over 90 years of innovation in precision signal chain solutions.

The DAC37J84EVM belongs to TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate JESD204B-based system integration, RF DAC characterization, and FPGA-DAC co-design for wireless infrastructure and defense applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DAC37J84EVM?

The DAC37J84EVM is an evaluation module built to fully assess the DAC37J84 16-bit, 2.5-GSPS quad-channel DAC. It provides transformer-coupled SMA outputs (IOUTA–IOUTD), integrated LMK04828 clocking, FMC connectivity for FPGA or TSW14J56 pattern generation, and USB-based GUI control. The DAC37J84EVM enables engineers to validate JESD204B link integrity, analog output spectral purity, SYSREF timing alignment, and real-time digital feature configuration-including interpolation, NCO, and quadrature correction-without custom hardware design.

Which software tools are required to operate the DAC37J84EVM?

The DAC37J84EVM requires two complementary software tools: High Speed Data Converter Pro (HSDCPro) v2.4 or later for pattern generation and DAC selection, and the DAC3XJ8X GUI v1.1 or newer for low-level register control of both the DAC37J84 and LMK04828. HSDCPro handles data file loading and transmission to the TSW14J56, while the DAC3XJ8X GUI manages clock configuration, JESD204B link setup, SYSREF triggering, and DAC core reset. Both tools are freely downloadable from ti.com and must be used together to achieve functional evaluation of the DAC37J84EVM.

Can the DAC37J84EVM operate without an external clock source?

Yes, the DAC37J84EVM can operate without an external clock source by using its onboard 122.88 MHz VCXO with the LMK04828 in dual-loop jitter cleaning mode. When JP2 (XO_PWR) is shorted, the LMK04828 PLLs lock to the VCXO and generate required DACCLK (DCLKOUT2) and SYSREF (SDCLKOUT3) signals internally. This configuration eliminates dependency on external references and is validated for DAC37J84 operation at 368.64 MSPS input rate with 4× interpolation. External clocks remain optional for higher output rates or multi-board synchronization.

What are the supported JESD204B lane configurations for the DAC37J84EVM?

The DAC37J84EVM supports JESD204B configurations aligned with the DAC37J84's native interface: up to four lanes (L = 4) for quad-channel operation, with M = 4 (four converters), F = 2 (two octets per frame), K = 32 (32 frames per multiframe), and N' = 16 (16 bits per sample). Lane routing, lane ID assignment, and SERDES receiver enablement are programmable via the DAC3XJ8X GUI's SERDES and Lane Configuration tab. The FMC connector (J16) delivers all eight possible lanes (RX0–RX7), though only four are used for DAC37J84; the remaining lanes are reserved for future DAC variants like DAC38J84 or DAC39J84.

How does the DAC37J84EVM handle analog output coupling and bandwidth limitations?

The DAC37J84EVM uses broadband pulse transformers on all four analog output channels (IOUTA–IOUTD), converting differential DAC outputs to single-ended signals compatible with standard 50-Ω lab equipment. This coupling blocks DC and frequencies below ~10 MHz, resulting in a usable analog bandwidth of 10 MHz to 3 GHz. The transformers ensure impedance matching, suppress common-mode noise, and prevent ground loop issues during spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope measurements-making the DAC37J84EVM suitable for RF signal synthesis but unsuitable for baseband or DC-coupled applications without external reconstruction filtering.