Texas Instruments TMP236EVM

Overview

TMP236EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to test and characterize the TMP236 analog temperature sensor - a precision CMOS linear output sensor with 10 mV/°C sensitivity, ±0.5°C accuracy over –10°C to +125°C, and SC-70 (DCK) package. It enables plug-and-play USB-based temperature measurement, real-time charting, dual-channel comparison, and CSV data export for embedded thermal validation.

For engineers reviewing the TMP236EVM datasheet, TMP236EVM hardware setup, TMP236EVM GUI operation, or TMP236EVM firmware update, this page provides verified technical context, key specifications, supply readiness, manufacturer background, and targeted FAQs - all specific to the TMP236EVM variant's GND-tied P6.6 pin detection logic and its distinct 125°C breakout-section operating limit.

Technical Context

The TMP236EVM integrates an MSP430F5528 microcontroller acting as a USB-HID bridge between PC and the TMP236 sensor, using its integrated 12-bit SAR ADC for analog readout. Its firmware detects the TMP236 variant via hardwired grounding of the MSP430's P6.6 pin - triggering use of the TMP236-specific temperature conversion equation (T = (V_ADC − 0.5 V) / 0.01 V/°C).

Hardware supports physical separation of the sensor breakout section from the main board via perforated PCB lines, enabling remote thermal testing up to 125°C - matching the TMP236's maximum rated junction temperature. The EVM includes on-board ESD protection (TPD4E004), 3.3-V LDO regulation (LP2985AIM5-3.3), RGB LED ambient feedback, and optional RC filtering for Ch0/Ch1 analog inputs.

Key Specifications

Availability

TMP236EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for thermal validation in industrial control panels, automotive cabin sensor prototyping, and medical device temperature calibration workflows requiring stable component supply and documented evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for TMP236EVM 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TMP23xEVM product line was developed to accelerate adoption of TI's TMP23x family of analog-output temperature sensors - providing out-of-box USB evaluation, GUI-driven visualization, and hardware flexibility for both TMP235 (150°C) and TMP236 (125°C) variants.

FAQ

What distinguishes the TMP236EVM from the TMP235EVM?

The TMP236EVM is functionally identical to the TMP235EVM in layout and core components but is differentiated by a hardware-level identification method: the MSP430F5528's P6.6 pin is tied to GND on the TMP236EVM. This allows the EVM GUI software to auto-detect the variant and apply the correct temperature conversion equation - specifically T = (V_ADC − 0.5 V) / 0.01 V/°C for the TMP236EVM, versus T = (V_ADC − 0.4 V) / 0.0195 V/°C for the TMP235EVM. The TMP236EVM also reflects the TMP236's lower maximum operating temperature of 125°C in its breakout-section rating.

Does the TMP236EVM require custom drivers or software installation on Windows?

No, the TMP236EVM uses standard Windows Human Interface Device (HID) class drivers built into Windows 7, 10, and later versions. Upon first connection, the OS automatically recognizes it as a USB HID device without prompting for external drivers. However, the dedicated TMP23xEVM GUI application - which requires LabVIEW 2016 Runtime Engine - must be installed separately from TI's website to enable real-time charting, dual-channel mode, and CSV export functionality for the TMP236EVM.

Can the TMP236EVM evaluate sensors other than the onboard TMP236?

Yes, the TMP236EVM supports dual-channel analog input: Channel 0 hosts the factory-installed TMP236 in SC-70 (DCK) package, while Channel 1 provides a TO-92 header (J2) for connecting alternate analog temperature sensors or user-provided voltage sources. The GUI displays both channels simultaneously in Dual-Channel Mode, enabling direct side-by-side comparison of sensor outputs - useful for tolerance verification, drift analysis, or cross-sensor calibration against the reference TMP236 on the TMP236EVM.

How is temperature calculated on the TMP236EVM?

The TMP236EVM calculates temperature using the onboard MSP430F5528's 12-bit SAR ADC to digitize the TMP236's analog output voltage. For the TMP236EVM variant, the firmware applies the first-order equation T(°C) = (V_ADC − 0.5 V) / 0.01 V/°C - derived directly from the TMP236's 10 mV/°C transfer function and 500 mV offset at 0°C. Higher-accuracy results can be achieved using second-order compensation or lookup tables referenced in the TMP236 datasheet, but the default GUI implementation uses this validated linear conversion for the TMP236EVM.

Is physical modification required to operate the TMP236EVM at its full temperature range?

Yes - to safely operate the TMP236EVM at its rated –10°C to +125°C range, the sensor breakout section must be physically separated from the main board along the designated perforated lines. This isolates the TMP236 and its local circuitry from heat generated by the MSP430, LDO, and USB interface on the main section - which is only rated to 80°C. The separated breakout section connects via unpopulated header J4 (not included), allowing thermally decoupled placement in high-temp environments while maintaining signal integrity for the TMP236EVM evaluation.