Texas Instruments PCM4202EVM

Overview

PCM4202EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to validate the performance and configuration of the PCM4202 stereo audio analog-to-digital converter. It supports 24-bit linear PCM or 1-bit DSD output up to 216kHz, features dual differential XLR/TRS analog inputs, two AES3 outputs, and onboard 22.5792MHz/24.576MHz oscillators for professional audio test and development.

For engineers reviewing the PCM4202EVM datasheet, PCM4202EVM pinout, PCM4202EVM application, or PCM4202EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware architecture, power supply requirements (+15V/−15V/+5VA/+5VD), audio interface modes (I²S/Left-Justified/Right-Justified/DSD), sampling rate support (44.1–216kHz), and digital transmitter configuration (DIT4192-based AES3).

Technical Context

The PCM4202EVM implements a complete signal chain centered on the PCM4202 A/D converter, with OPA1632 fully differential input buffers, REG1117 +3.3V regulation, and dual DIT4192 AES3 transmitters. It operates in Master or Slave mode via configurable SCKI/BCK/LRCK routing and supports both PCM and DSD data formats through dedicated DIP switches (SW1, SW3, SW5).

Hardware-level control includes manual reset for the ADC (SW2) and transmitters (SW4), digital high-pass filter enable/disable (HPFD), mono/stereo AES3 output selection (MONO), and system clock source selection between onboard oscillators (X1/X2) or external input (J7). All analog inputs are DC-biased using VCOML/VCOMR outputs from the PCM4202.

Key Specifications

Availability

PCM4202EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for professional audio test systems, broadcast equipment validation, high-resolution ADC characterization, and embedded audio DSP interface development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design traceability.

Supply support for PCM4202EVM 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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision signal chain and high-fidelity audio solutions.

The PCM4202EVM belongs to TI's audio evaluation platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and performance verification of the PCM4202 A/D converter in studio-grade, broadcast, and mastering applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PCM4202EVM?

The PCM4202EVM is a Texas Instruments evaluation module built to demonstrate and validate the operation of the PCM4202 stereo audio A/D converter. It provides complete hardware infrastructure-including differential analog input buffering, system clock generation, digital audio output interfaces (AES3 and serial port), and configuration controls-to enable engineers to evaluate dynamic range, THD+N, SNR, and timing behavior of the PCM4202 under real-world conditions. The PCM4202EVM itself is not a production component but a test and development tool for the PCM4202.

Does the PCM4202EVM support both PCM and DSD output formats?

Yes, the PCM4202EVM supports both 24-bit linear PCM and 1-bit Direct Stream Digital (DSD) output formats via the underlying PCM4202 IC. DSD mode is enabled only in Master mode using FMT1/FMT0 = HI/HI on SW1 and requires appropriate FSx switch settings for 64fs or 128fs operation. In DSD mode, J4 outputs DSDL (BCK), DSDR (DATA), and DSDBCK (LRCK), while AES3 outputs remain inactive. The PCM4202EVM user guide confirms native DSD support is implemented and tested per PCM4202 datasheet SBAS290.

What power supplies are required to operate the PCM4202EVM?

The PCM4202EVM requires four independent DC power supplies: +15V and −15V for analog input buffers (OPA1632), +5VA for the PCM4202 analog section, and +5VD for digital logic and DIT4192 transmitters. A +3.3VD supply is generated onboard via the REG1117 regulator (U6) unless an external +3.3V source is selected via JMP3. All supplies must be rated for ≥500mA. Exceeding absolute limits-e.g., +16V on +15V rail or −16V on −15V rail-may damage the PCM4202EVM.

How is the system clock configured on the PCM4202EVM?

System clock configuration on the PCM4202EVM is controlled by DIP switch SW5, which selects among three sources: external clock at J7 (Master mode), external clock at SCKI pin of J4 (Slave mode), or one of two onboard oscillators-X1 (22.5792MHz) or X2 (24.576MHz)-both supporting standard audio sampling rates. Switch settings map directly to fSCKI multiplication factors (e.g., 128fs to 768fs) per Tables 3–6 in the user guide. Clock routing is validated in the schematic (Figure 4) and functional block diagram (Figure 2).

Can the PCM4202EVM be used in Slave mode with an external master clock source?

Yes, the PCM4202EVM supports Slave mode operation where an external master device (e.g., FPGA, DSP, or audio test system) drives the SCKI, BCK, and LRCK signals into header J4. SW5 must be set to "HI LO LO" to route the external clock from J4's SCKI pin to the PCM4202. In Slave mode, only PCM output formats are supported-DSD mode is disabled-and the PCM4202EVM passes audio data out via J4 DATA pin. This configuration is explicitly documented in Section 3.3 and Table 3 of the PCM4202EVM User's Guide (SBAU103).