Texas Instruments THS1401EVM

Overview

THS1401EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the THS1401 14-bit, 10-MSPS analog-to-digital converter under controlled signal, reference, and supply conditions. It supports true differential or transformer-coupled single-ended analog inputs, offers multiple clock sources (external AC/DC-coupled, onboard 8-MHz oscillator, or DSP timer), and interfaces via dual 80-pin daughtercard connectors compliant with TMS320C6000 specifications.

For engineers reviewing the THS1401EVM datasheet, THS1401EVM pinout, THS1401EVM application, or THS1401EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, jumper-controlled operational modes, power architecture options (separate analog/digital supplies or daughtercard-sourced), interrupt routing (INT and FOVL), and CPLD-based address decode logic for direct ADC read/write cycles with C6x0x DSPs.

Technical Context

The THS1401EVM implements a four-layer FR-4 PCB (100 mm × 86 mm) with dedicated analog and digital power domains, configurable SMB input connectors (J10/J11), and external clock interface via J3. Signal conditioning includes 50-Ω terminators for differential mode and RF transformers (TT1–6–KK81) for single-ended conversion.

Onboard logic centers on a Xilinx XC9536XL–5VQ64C CPLD (U9) that decodes daughtercard address lines (OUT_EA2–OUT_EA6) and control strobes (OUT_ARE/OUT_AWE) to generate ADC chip select (ADCCSB), buffer direction (ABUFDIR), and data bus enable (ABUFOEB) signals - enabling seamless integration with TI C6x0x DSP memory-mapped peripherals.

Key Specifications

Availability

THS1401EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, test instrumentation development, and embedded DSP-based signal processing applications requiring stable component supply and full hardware validation support.

Supply support for THS1401EVM 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 digital signal processing technologies.

The THS1401EVM belongs to TI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate prototyping and performance validation of 14-bit ADCs in demanding communication, instrumentation, and radar signal chain applications.

FAQ

What is the THS1401EVM used for?

The THS1401EVM is an evaluation module specifically built to assess the performance of the THS1401 14-bit, 10-MSPS analog-to-digital converter. It enables hardware-level testing under varied input signal types (differential or single-ended), clock configurations (external, oscillator, or DSP timer), and power supply schemes (separate analog/digital or daughtercard-sourced). Engineers use the THS1401EVM to verify timing margins, SNR, THD, and system-level integration before final design implementation.

Does the THS1401EVM support both THS1401 and THS56xx devices?

No. Although the board name includes "THS14xx/5691EVM", the documentation explicitly states that this implementation supports only the THS14XX device family and associated circuitry. The THS56XX DAC functionality is not populated or enabled on the THS1401EVM; U5 (THS56XXVF) is listed as unpopulated in the parts list, and the user's guide confirms DAC support will be added in a later revision.

What are the power supply requirements for the THS1401EVM?

The THS1401EVM requires +3.3 V for both analog and digital domains. For optimal performance, it recommends separate low-noise analog supply (J7/+3.3 V, J12/GND) and digital supply sourced from the daughtercard connector. Stand-alone operation allows independent analog and digital +3.3 V supplies (J7/J8 and J12/J13). Exceeding +3.3 V risks component damage; undervoltage causes functional failure.

How is the THS1401EVM connected to a host processor?

The THS1401EVM connects to TI TMS320C6000-series DSP motherboards via two 80-pin Samtec TFM-series daughtercard connectors (J1 and J2). J1 carries ADC data (BIDIR_ED0–ED15), address (OUT_EA2–EA6), and control signals (OUT_ARE, OUT_AWE, OUT_CE_6). J2 provides timer synchronization (OUT_TOUT/IN_TINP) and interrupt routing (IN_EXT_INT). Address decode and buffer control are handled by the onboard XC9536XL CPLD.

Can the THS1401EVM operate without a host motherboard?

Yes. The THS1401EVM supports stand-alone operation using its onboard 8-MHz oscillator (U6 or U10), external function generator inputs (J3, J10, J11), and banana jack power supplies (J7/J8/J12/J13). Hardware loopback mode (enabled via jumpers H12/H13) allows self-contained verification of signal path integrity and CPLD logic functionality without any host processor connection.