Texas Instruments PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK

Overview

PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module (EVM) kit comprising a precision signal source (PSI-EVM), digital controller (PHI-EVM), SAR ADC motherboard (PLABS-SAR-EVM), ten plug-in amplifier coupon boards, SMA and USB cables, and GUI software. It enables hands-on experimentation with ADC input drive, reference buffering, amplifier selection, power scaling, and aliasing mitigation using real TI precision components including ADS8860, ADS7042, REF5050, REF6050, and OPA320.

For engineers reviewing the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK datasheet, PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK pinout, PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK application, or PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK equivalent, this toolkit supports rapid validation of SAR ADC system design trade-offs-including reference buffer impact, op-amp settling time vs. acquisition window, antialiasing filter design, current measurement accuracy, and low-power amplifier selection-directly aligned with TI Precision Labs-ADCs training modules.

Technical Context

The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK integrates three independent SAR ADC test channels: CH1 (ADS8860 + REF5050), CH2 (ADS8860 + REF6050), and CH3 (ADS7042). Each channel supports jumper-selectable DC input voltages (0.1 V to 5 V), AC/DC mode switching, and plug-in amplifier coupon boards for comparative op-amp evaluation.

Channel-specific subsystems include precision voltage references, low-noise LDOs (3.3 V, 4.5 V, 5.2 V), INA326-based current monitoring with shunt resistor range selection (HIGH/CAL/LOW), and Sallen-Key antialiasing filters. The PSI-EVM generates programmable single-ended signals up to 1 MHz, while the PHI-EVM handles USB communication, EEPROM board identification, and GUI-controlled configuration.

Key Specifications

Availability

PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data converter education, SAR ADC reference design validation, analog front-end amplifier characterization, and hands-on training programs requiring stable component supply and full technical documentation support.

Supply support for PLABS-SAR-EVM-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 technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK belongs to TI's Precision Labs training hardware product line, designed explicitly to bridge theoretical ADC concepts with practical circuit implementation-enabling engineers to measure real-world effects like reference buffer bandwidth impact, op-amp settling errors, aliasing distortion, and supply current dependencies.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK?

The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK is a comprehensive evaluation toolkit developed by Texas Instruments to support the Precision Labs-ADCs training series. It allows engineers to experimentally validate SAR ADC system behaviors-including input drive requirements, reference buffering effects, amplifier selection trade-offs, antialiasing filter design, and power consumption dependencies-using real TI components such as ADS8860, ADS7042, REF5050, REF6050, and OPA320. The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK provides both hardware and GUI software for quantitative measurement and comparative analysis.

Which ADCs are integrated into the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK motherboard?

The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK motherboard incorporates three distinct SAR ADC configurations: Channel 1 uses the ADS8860 with REF5050 reference; Channel 2 uses the ADS8860 with REF6050 reference; and Channel 3 uses the ADS7042. These combinations enable side-by-side comparison of reference buffer bandwidth impact (REF5050 vs. REF6050) and resolution/speed trade-offs (16-bit/1-MSPS ADS8860 vs. 12-bit/1-MSPS ADS7042), all accessible via the unified PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK GUI.

How do the 10 amplifier coupon boards function within the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK?

The 10 DIP-format amplifier coupon boards in the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK are pre-soldered evaluation circuits featuring specific op-amps (OPA320, OPA333, OPA316, TLV313, LPV811) and configurations-such as "Good Filter 1", "Bad Filter", "Crossover", "Noise 1", and "Sallen-Key Filter". Each board plugs into standardized sockets on CH1–CH3 to rapidly swap amplifier topologies and quantify real-world effects like settling time violations, bandwidth limitations, crossover distortion, resistor noise contribution, and antialiasing attenuation. This functionality is central to the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK's educational and validation role.

Does the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK include signal generation capability?

Yes-the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK includes the PSI-EVM precision signal source board, which generates programmable single-ended test signals with adjustable peak-to-peak amplitude, DC offset, and frequency (up to 1 MHz). The PSI-EVM connects to the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK via SMA cable and is fully controlled through the PLABS-SAR-EVM Toolkit GUI, enabling synchronized stimulus-response testing across all three ADC channels without external equipment.

What software is required to operate the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK?

The PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK requires the unified PLABS-SAR-EVM Toolkit GUI software, distributed by Texas Instruments. This Windows-based application consolidates control of the PSI-EVM signal source, PHI-EVM digital controller, and PLABS-SAR-EVM motherboard, providing time-domain capture, spectral analysis, histogram display, register configuration, and power-scaling visualization. The software is installed via a downloadable zip package from ti.com and replaces earlier standalone GUIs for the PLABS-SAR-EVM-PDK platform.