Texas Instruments DAC38RF80EVM

Overview

DAC38RF80EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC38RF80 - a dual-channel, 9 GSPS RF digital-to-analog converter with JESD204B interface and integrated digital upconverter (DUC), NCO, and mixer. It supports sampling rates up to 6144 MSPS, operates with external clock or on-chip PLL modes, and delivers RF output up to 4.2 GHz for wideband communications testing.

For engineers reviewing the DAC38RF80EVM datasheet, DAC38RF80EVM pinout, DAC38RF80EVM application, or DAC38RF80EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, clocking mode setup guidance, GUI-driven DAC register control, SPI register mapping export, and performance validation data for LTE TM3.1 waveforms at 1960 MHz and 2140 MHz.

Technical Context

The DAC38RF80EVM implements a complete signal chain for high-speed DAC evaluation: it interfaces via FMC connector to TSW14J56 pattern generator, uses LMK04828 clock generator for SYSREF and device clock distribution, and incorporates NB7V33M clock divider and TCM-series baluns for differential clock and output signal conditioning. The board supports five distinct clocking modes including external high-amplitude (≥16 dBm), low-amplitude (3–7 dBm), on-chip PLL, on-board 122.88 MHz VCXO, and LMF=413/823 12-bit configurations.

Hardware configuration is managed through jumpers (JP1–JP10, J22–J23) controlling DAC sleep state, output enable, VCXO power, supply rails, clock source selection (JP10), and SPI routing. The GUI enables full register-level control of DAC settings including coarse gain, NCO frequency, mixer enable, interpolation factor (16×), lane count (4), and IQ pair configuration - all validated against TI's SLAU671A user's guide and associated schematics (SLAC734).

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC38RF80EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver development, 5G NR base station prototyping, wideband radar waveform generation, and high-speed data converter qualification requiring stable component supply and full technical support.

Supply support for DAC38RF80EVM 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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions across industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The DAC38RF80EVM belongs to TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-test for RF-sampling DACs used in next-generation wireless infrastructure and defense electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DAC38RF80EVM?

The DAC38RF80EVM is an evaluation module for the DAC38RF80 RF DAC, enabling engineers to validate high-speed digital-to-analog conversion up to 6144 MSPS, test integrated digital upconversion (DUC), NCO-based frequency translation, and RF output performance from DC to 4.2 GHz. It serves as a reference platform for system-level integration with JESD204B-compliant FPGA pattern generators like the TSW14J56 EVM.

Which clocking modes does the DAC38RF80EVM support?

The DAC38RF80EVM supports five distinct clocking modes: (1) Direct external high-amplitude clock (≥16 dBm), (2) Direct external low-amplitude clock (3–7 dBm), (3) On-chip PLL mode using a 384 MHz reference clock at SMA J4, (4) On-board 122.88 MHz VCXO mode, and (5) LMF = 413 or 823, 12-bit clock mode. Mode selection requires specific jumper configurations (e.g., JP10 open/closed) and optional component changes per SLAU671A Section 1.2.1.

How do I configure the DAC38RF80EVM for on-chip PLL operation?

To configure the DAC38RF80EVM for on-chip PLL mode, open jumper JP10, apply a 4–8 dBm reference clock to SMA J4, and use the DAC38RF8x GUI to enable PLL, set M=4 and N=1 with Ref Freq = 384 MHz - resulting in a 6144 MHz DAC clock. Then click PLL AUTO TUNE to optimize loop filter voltage, followed by Reset DAC JESD Core & SYSREF TRIGGER to synchronize the link.

Can the DAC38RF80EVM be used with other DAC38RF8x variants?

Yes - the DAC38RF80EVM is part of the DAC38RF8xEVM family and shares identical hardware architecture and GUI software with DAC38RF87EVM, DAC38RF82EVM, DAC38RF86EVM, and DAC38RF89EVM. Differences are limited to the mounted DAC IC (e.g., DAC38RF80 vs DAC38RF86), which determines maximum sampling rate (6144 vs 8847.36 MSPS) and supported PLL reference frequencies per SLAU671A Section 2.1.5.

Does the DAC38RF80EVM include firmware or software tools?

Yes - the DAC38RF80EVM is fully supported by the DAC38RF8x Graphical User Interface (GUI), available from TI's website, which provides register-level control, Quick Start configuration, clocking mode selection, NCO tuning, and status logging. It also integrates with HSDC Pro software (v4.50+) and requires firmware loading onto the TSW14J56 EVM for pattern generation - all documented in TI's SLAU671A user's guide.