Texas Instruments TSW12QJ1600EVM

Overview

TSW12QJ1600EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to characterize the ADC12QJ1600 quad-channel, 12-bit, 1.6-GSPS analog-to-digital converter under real-world JESD204C serial interface conditions. It supports onboard 50-MHz crystal-referenced PLL clocking, transformer-coupled AC or DC-coupled differential analog inputs (10 MHz–4 GHz), and high-speed data capture via FMC+ connector at up to 17.16 Gbps lane rate.

For engineers reviewing the TSW12QJ1600EVM datasheet, TSW12QJ1600EVM pinout, TSW12QJ1600EVM application, or TSW12QJ1600EVM equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, JESD204C link setup guidance, clocking options (OnBoard 50M Ref vs. Ext Ref), FMC+ signal mapping deviations, and integration requirements with the TSW14J58EVM capture board and HSDC Pro software.

Technical Context

The TSW12QJ1600EVM hosts two ADC12QJ1600 devices on a single PCB to demonstrate deterministic latency, multi-ADC synchronization, and daisy-chained PLL refout clock distribution-eliminating external clock fanout ICs. It implements JESD204C encoding (8B/10B and 64B/66B) with configurable lane count (L = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) and frames-per-multiframe (K = 4–256 in steps of 4/16/32).

Hardware-level control is provided via FTDI USB-to-SPI bridge, enabling register-level programming through a dedicated GUI with EVM, ADC PLL, Control, and JESD204C tabs. Signal integrity is maintained using non-standard FMC VITA-57 lane mapping optimized for high-speed serial routing, and calibration is triggered via software-controlled engine supporting background offset and full calibration sequences.

Key Specifications

Availability

TSW12QJ1600EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data converter validation, RF receiver prototyping, and JESD204C interface interoperability testing requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation hardware availability.

Supply support for TSW12QJ1600EVM 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 data conversion technologies, with decades of leadership in precision ADC design and evaluation infrastructure.

The TSW12QJ1600EVM belongs to TI's High-Speed Data Converter Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of wideband RF sampling systems using JESD204B/C ADCs in communications infrastructure, radar, and electronic warfare applications.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the TSW12QJ1600EVM?

The TSW12QJ1600EVM is a dedicated evaluation module for the ADC12QJ1600 quad-channel, 12-bit, 1.6-GSPS analog-to-digital converter. Its purpose is to enable engineers to validate JESD204C link performance, evaluate multi-ADC synchronization, assess AC/DC-coupled front-end configurations, and verify deterministic latency behavior in real system environments-without requiring custom PCB development. The TSW12QJ1600EVM integrates all necessary clocking, power, and interface resources to fully exercise the ADC12QJ1600 device.

Does the TSW12QJ1600EVM support external clock sources?

Yes, the TSW12QJ1600EVM supports both onboard and external clocking. By default, it uses a 50-MHz onboard crystal oscillator to feed the ADC PLL. However, it can be reconfigured via hardware modification to accept an external reference clock (50–500 MHz) applied to the EXT CLK (J2) SMP connector-labeled "Ext Ref to ADC PLL" in the Configuration GUI. This mode requires physical jumper changes and is validated for low-jitter operation when paired with recommended signal generators like the Rohde & Schwarz SMA100B.

Which data capture hardware is required to use the TSW12QJ1600EVM?

The TSW12QJ1600EVM must be used with the TSW14J58EVM data capture board, connected via its FMC+ interface. The TSW14J58EVM handles JESD204C decoding, memory buffering, and USB 3.0 upload to a Windows PC running the High-Speed Data Converter Pro (HSDC Pro) software. The TSW14J58EVM firmware imposes constraints: it supports only JMODE8 at ≤1 GSPS, and limits JESD204C lane rates to 12–16 Gbps-even though the TSW12QJ1600EVM's ADC12QJ1600 supports up to 17.16 Gbps.

How is the TSW12QJ1600EVM configured and controlled?

The TSW12QJ1600EVM is configured using two complementary software tools: the standalone TSW12QJ1600EVM Configuration GUI (for ADC register programming, clock setup, JESD204C parameter tuning, and calibration triggering) and the HSDC Pro software (for data capture, spectral analysis, and FPGA image loading). Communication occurs over a mini-USB link to an onboard FTDI USB-to-SPI bridge, which provides direct access to ADC12QJ1600 registers and supports low-level bit-field manipulation via the GUI's "Low-Level View" tab.

What analog input options does the TSW12QJ1600EVM provide?

The TSW12QJ1600EVM offers two distinct analog input paths per channel: (1) transformer-coupled, single-ended SMA inputs (J2–J9) covering 10 MHz to 4 GHz with optional bandpass filtering, and (2) DC-coupled differential inputs enabled by populating the LMH32401 ultra-wideband amplifier on the daughter card. The transformer path supports easy signal injection from standard RF sources, while the DC-coupled option preserves baseband and sub-10 MHz content-enabling flexible front-end evaluation across diverse RF and IF sampling applications using the TSW12QJ1600EVM.