Texas Instruments DEM-CIB

Overview

DEM-CIB from Texas Instruments (formerly Burr-Brown) is an evaluation fixture controller board designed to interface PC-compatible computers with Burr-Brown analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog demonstration boards via IEEE-1284 parallel port. It hosts on-board DSP and Xilinx programmable logic, supports Windows 95/98, and ships with BBEval software for time-domain, FFT, and histogram analysis of ADCs.

For engineers reviewing the DEM-CIB datasheet, DEM-CIB pinout, DEM-CIB application, or DEM-CIB equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, hardware setup requirements, software integration details, supported evaluation board interconnection, and OEM supply support for legacy test-system continuity.

Technical Context

The DEM-CIB functions as a host-controlled bridge between a Windows 95/98 PC and device-specific daughter evaluation boards. Its on-board DSP and Xilinx PLD execute control firmware downloaded from the host, enabling real-time configuration and data acquisition coordination.

It requires external +5V DC power via removable terminal-block connector and communicates with the PC exclusively through an IEEE-1284-compliant parallel cable. The 50-pin ribbon cable provides standardized interconnect to Burr-Brown evaluation boards, each requiring independent power supplies per device-specific voltage and current needs.

Key Specifications

Availability

DEM-CIB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for legacy test-system maintenance, ADC/DAC evaluation lab refurbishment, and industrial calibration equipment requalification requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing of discontinued TI/Burr-Brown development tools.

Supply support for DEM-CIB 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 acquired Burr-Brown Corporation in 2000 and integrates its precision analog portfolio into TI's broader signal-chain solutions.

The DEM-CIB belongs to Burr-Brown's legacy evaluation infrastructure product line, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and validation of high-accuracy data converters in engineering labs prior to full system integration.

FAQ

What operating systems are officially supported by the DEM-CIB?

The DEM-CIB is certified for Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98 only. It does not support Windows NT, 2000, XP, or any later OS versions natively. Users attempting operation on modern systems must rely on virtualization or hardware emulation with strict IEEE-1284 parallel port passthrough - functionality not guaranteed. The DEM-CIB firmware and BBEval software were developed exclusively for Win9x kernel architecture.

Does the DEM-CIB require external power, and what are the connection requirements?

Yes, the DEM-CIB requires an external +5V DC power supply connected via its removable screw-terminal block. Polarity markings are silkscreened on the board; reverse connection may damage the DEM-CIB. No onboard regulation is provided - input must be clean, well-regulated +5V within ±5% tolerance. The DEM-CIB draws power solely for its own logic and interface circuitry, not for attached evaluation boards.

Can the DEM-CIB be used without a Burr-Brown evaluation board?

Yes, the DEM-CIB supports synthetic data generation within BBEval software, allowing users to explore time-domain plotting, FFT analysis, and histogram functions without physical hardware. This mode validates software installation and UI workflow but does not exercise the DEM-CIB's actual data acquisition path or interface logic - those require connection to a compatible Burr-Brown evaluation board.

What type of cable is required to connect the DEM-CIB to a PC?

The DEM-CIB requires an IEEE-1284–compliant parallel cable - standard non-compliant cables will fail due to timing and handshaking incompatibility. The kit includes one such cable. Use of extension cables, gender changers, or non-IEEE-1284 cables results in unreliable communication, data corruption, or complete failure to enumerate the DEM-CIB under BBEval.

Is BBEval software included with the DEM-CIB, and what analysis capabilities does it provide?

Yes, the DEM-CIB ships with the BBEval software CD, which includes full installation files and integrated help documentation. BBEval provides three core analysis modes: time-domain waveform display and measurement, frequency-domain FFT spectral analysis, and histogram-based INL/DNL evaluation - all calibrated for Burr-Brown ADCs. Drivers for new evaluation boards are distributed separately with each board's kit.