Texas Instruments DDC11XEVM-PDK

Overview

DDC11XEVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation kit for the DDC112 (dual-channel) and DDC114 (quad-channel) 20-bit current-input delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters. It includes a USB-based motherboard (DDCMB), one DDC112EVM daughter board, one DDC114EVM daughter board, Windows-compatible evaluation software, and full schematics/BOMs. Designed for precision low-current sensor digitization in photodiode and scientific instrumentation applications.

For engineers reviewing the DDC11XEVM-PDK datasheet, DDC11XEVM-PDK setup, DDC11XEVM-PDK software installation, or DDC11XEVM-PDK compatibility with DDC112/DDC114 devices, this kit provides validated hardware interface, FPGA-controlled timing generation, dual- and quad-channel A/D evaluation capability, and factory-calibrated reference circuitry - all under Windows XP SP2 with USB 2.0 support.

Technical Context

The DDC11XEVM-PDK implements a modular architecture: the DDCMB motherboard hosts a Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA that generates precise CLK, CONV, DCLK, and control signals for DDC112/DDC114 devices, while isolating digital noise via buffered 50-pin interconnect. The DDC112EVM and DDC114EVM daughter boards each integrate dedicated 4.096V LM4040-based reference circuits, configurable input structures (BNC + socketed resistors/capacitors), and external integration capacitor sockets (C10–C13 on DDC112EVM).

Each daughter board supports programmable gain via internal capacitor selection (7 ranges for DDC112; 8 ranges for DDC114) and adjustable integration times (1 ms typical for DDC112; 50 ms–1 s for DDC114). The system enables correlated double sampling, oversampling digital filtering, and continuous integration mode - critical for eliminating kT/C noise, offset drift, and switching errors in ultra-low-current measurement.

Key Specifications

Availability

DDC11XEVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for photodiode signal conditioning, scientific instrumentation prototyping, precision current-to-digital conversion validation, and low-noise sensor interface development requiring stable component supply and full documentation support.

Supply support for DDC11XEVM-PDK 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-performance analog solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The DDC11XEVM-PDK belongs to TI's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate validation of charge-digitizing ADCs in ultra-low-current, high-dynamic-range applications such as optical sensing and analytical instrumentation.

FAQ

What devices does the DDC11XEVM-PDK evaluate?

The DDC11XEVM-PDK evaluates two specific Texas Instruments ADCs: the DDC112 dual-channel 20-bit current-input converter and the DDC114 quad-channel 20-bit current-input converter. It is not compatible with other DDC-family parts outside this pair. Each daughter board (DDC112EVM and DDC114EVM) is purpose-built for its respective device, with matching pinout, reference design, and timing configuration verified in the SLAU234A User's Guide.

Does the DDC11XEVM-PDK require external power or run solely from USB?

The DDC11XEVM-PDK can operate from USB bus power (default via JP3), a 5V DC screw terminal (J3), or a 6–9V DC wall adapter (J5). When using daughter boards with higher analog supply requirements (e.g., DDC114 AVDD = 4.75–5.25V), external 5V is recommended to ensure stable rail generation. The DDCMB's onboard regulators (TPS75233, REG104) condition these inputs for clean digital and analog domain distribution.

What software is included with the DDC11XEVM-PDK and what OS does it support?

The DDC11XEVM-PDK includes Windows-native evaluation software supporting Microsoft Windows XP SP2 with 1024×768 resolution and USB 2.0. The application provides FPGA Control, Data Summary, and Graph tabs for real-time waveform visualization, statistical analysis, and register-level configuration. Driver installation requires two passes through Windows' Found New Hardware Wizard to load both boot and application drivers located in the driver directory.

Can the DDC11XEVM-PDK evaluate custom DDC112 or DDC114 designs?

Yes - the DDC11XEVM-PDK is designed for flexible evaluation beyond stock daughter boards. Its 50-pin DDCMB interface supports third-party DUT boards conforming to the mechanical and electrical specifications documented in SLAU234A. Users may replace DDC112EVM/DDC114EVM with custom layouts, provided they maintain signal integrity for CLK, CONV, DCLK, DOUT, DIN, DVALID, and proper grounding/shielding per TI's layout guidelines.

What reference voltage accuracy and noise performance does the DDC11XEVM-PDK provide?

The DDC11XEVM-PDK uses an LM4040A41 (4.096V nominal) reference buffered by an OPA350 op-amp and filtered with a 3.157 Hz single-pole RC network. This configuration delivers <10 µVpp noise and <±0.05% initial accuracy - optimized to meet the DDC112/DDC114's 20-bit linearity and low-drift requirements. Jumper JP1 allows substitution with external references via BNC connector J5 or breadboard bus for alternative reference validation.