The DACxx68 Evaluation Module is an evaluation board containing all the necessary components to
evaluate the eight-channel DAC7568, DAC8168, or DAC8568 series of high-performance digital-to-analog
converters from Texas Instruments. The EVM is designed so that a single printed-circuit board (PCB)
supports the entire family of high-speed, 12- to 16-bit serial DACs. The EVM is provided with Grade C
devices which reset to zero and have a full-scale output range of 0 V to 5 V.
The modular EVM form factor allows for direct evaluation of the DAC’s performance and operating
characteristics. This EVM is compatible with the 5-6K Interface Board (SLAU104) from Texas Instruments
as well as the HPA-MCU Interface Board (SLAU106).
•Full-featured Evaluation Board for the 12-/14-/16-bit, eight-channel DAC7568, DAC8168, or DAC8568
digital-to-analog converters
•Onboard reference and buffer circuits
•High-speed serial interface
•Modular design for use with a variety of DSP and DACxx68 DAC Controller Interface Boards
2Analog Interface
For maximum flexibility, the DACxx68EVM is designed for easy interfacing to multiple analog sources.
Samtec part numbers SSW-110-22-F-D-VS-K and TSM-110-01-T-DV-P provide a convenient 10-pin,
dual-row header/socket combination at J2. This header/socket provides access to the analog input pins of
the ADC. Consult Samtec at www.samtec.com or call 1-800-SAMTEC-9 for a variety of mating connector
options.
Pin NumberSignalDescription
J2.2DAC OUT_GVoltage output for DAC channel G
J2.4DAC OUT_EVoltage output for DAC channel E
J2.6DAC OUT_CVoltage output for DAC channel C
J2.8DAC OUT_AVoltage output for DAC channel A
J2.10DAC OUT_BVoltage output for DAC channel B
J2.12DAC OUT_DVoltage output for DAC channel D
J2.14DAC OUT_FVoltage output for DAC channel F
J2.16DAC OUT_HVoltage output for DAC channel H
J2.18REF(–)Unused
J2.20REF(+)External reference source input (2.5 V NOM, 2.525 V maximum)
J2.15VCOMCommon-mode voltage output option
The DACxx68EVM is designed for easy interfacing to multiple control platforms. Samtec part numbers
SSW-110-22-F-D-VS-K and TSM-110-01-T-DV-P provide a convenient 10-pin, dual-row header/socket
combination at J2. This header/socket provides access to the digital control and serial data pins of the
DACxx68 DAC EVM. Consult Samtec at www.samtec.com or 1-800-SAMTEC-9 for a variety of mating
connector options.
Pin NumberSignalDescription
J2.1CNTLActive-low input to SYNC enables data transfer – jumper configurable (see schematic) via JP5
J2.3SCLKSerial clock
J2.5SCLK(R)Serial clock return (for DSP host systems)
J2.7FSXFrame synchronization for DSP host systems – default SYNC input through JP5 (see schematic)
J2.9FS(R)Frame synchronization return (for DSP host systems)
J2.11DXSerial data input
J2.13DRUnused – Serial data return (for DSP host systems)
J2.15INTExternal source for LOAD DAC (LDAC) strobe via JP6
J2.17TOUTDefault source for LOAD DAC (LDAC) strobe via JP6
J2.19GPIO5Optional source for active low CLEAR (CLR) input
The DACxx68EVM board is built with grade C devices and requires a single +5 V DC for proper operation.
This 5-V supply powers the onboard voltage reference (U2) and the common-mode voltage output buffer
(U3). When used in combination with one of the DAP Interface boards, J3 provides connection to the
common power bus described in document SLAA185. Table 2 shows the pinout of J3.
Power Supplies
Table 1. Digital Control (continued)
Table 2. J3 Power Input
When power is supplied to J3, JP4 allows for one of two different DC voltage sources to be applied to the
DAC installed on the EVM. Review the schematic and PCB silkscreen for details.
4.1DAC Power
JP4 allows the user to select the power supply used by the DAC installed in position U1 on the EVM.
When JP4 is in the default factory position (Shunt on pins 1-2), power to the DAC comes from J3 pin 5,
which is designated as a +5VDC input. When the shunt on JP4 is moved to pins 2-3, the user may apply
an external power source to the DAC via TP1, referenced to TP4.
4.2Stand-Alone Operation
When used as a stand-alone EVM, the analog power can be applied directly to TP5 referenced to pin
TP4. Optimal performance of the EVM requires a clean, well-regulated power source.
The DACs that are compatible with this EVM have a variety of power supply
requirements. Check the appropriate data sheets and verify that all power
supplies are within the safe operating limits of the converter before applying
power to the EVM.
SignalPinSignal
Number
Unused12Unused
+5VA34Unused
GND56GND
Unused78Unused
Unused910Unused
CAUTION
5EVM Operation
5.1Analog Output
The analog output from the EVM is applied directly to J2 (top or bottom side) pins 2-16 (even). The
DACxx68EVM does not provide any additional filtering or buffering of the output voltage, so that the user
may evaluate the converter’s low-glitch output performance.
The DAC8568, DAC8168, and DAC7568 provide the ability to use an internal reference or an external
reference in the range of 0 V to 2.5 V. The DACxx58 internal reference is powered OFF by default. The
following sections describe how to apply an external reference or use the internal reference.
5.2.1External Reference
provides an external reference via JP3 (shorted pins 1-2 by default) from U2, a precision REF5025 source
of 2.5 VDC. When JP3 is shorted on pins 2-3, an external reference may be applied to J2 pin 20 or TP3
reference to TP2.
These external reference sources are applied to pin 8 of the DAC installed on the EVM and are also fed to
U3, a unity gain buffer configured OPA379. The output of U3 may be used to provide a 2.5-V,
common-mode input to external signal-conditioning circuits via J2 pin 15.
5.2.2Internal Reference
The internal reference can be powered up and powered down by using a serial command that requires a
32-bit write sequence as defined in the device data sheet (see the Serial Interface section and Table 1 of
document SBAS430).
Before enabling the internal reference of the DAC installed on the evaluation
board, ensure that any shunt jumper applied to JP3 is completely removed.
www.ti.com
CAUTION
The internal reference is enabled by setting the feature bits of the DAC control register. The
DAC7568/8168/8568 data sheet provides specific details on both the static and flexible operating modes
of the internal reference. For more information on using the internal reference source, review the InternalReference section of document SBAS430.
The internal reference source is applied to U3, a unity gain buffer configured OPA379. The output of U3
may be used to provide a 2.5-V, common-mode input to external signal conditioning circuits via J2 pin 15.
5.3Digital Control
The digital control signals can be applied directly to J1 (top or bottom side). The DACxx68EVM also can
be connected directly to a DSP or microcontroller capable of supplying the necessary serial control inputs.
Visit the product folder for the EVM or the installed device for a current list of compatible interface and/or
accessory boards.
5.4SYNC
For synchronous DAC update operations, jumper JP5 is provided to allow the source selection of the
signal applied to the SYNC input of the DAC installed on the EVM. The factory default condition for the
EVM is to place a shunt jumper between pins 1-2 of JP5. This allows the Frame Sync (FS) signal from
DSP host systems to be used as the SYNC input to the DAC. This signal originates from J1.7. When the
shunt on JP5 is moved to pins 2-3, a GPIO input applied via J1.1 can be used to control the SYNC input
to the DAC. JP2 may also be used to hold the LDAC input to the DAC low, allowing synchronous DAC
output updates.
5.5LOAD DAC (LDAC)
For asynchronous updates to the DAC outputs, jumper JP6 is provided to allow the source selection of the
signal applied to the LDAC input of the DAC installed on the EVM. The factory default condition for the
EVM is to place a shunt jumper between pins 1-2 of JP6. This allows the Timer Output (TOUT) signal from
DSP host systems to be used as the LDAC input to the DAC. This signal originates from J1.17.
When the shunt on JP6 is moved to pins 2-3, a user-provided GPIO input may be applied to the LDAC pin
via J1.15. This external input acts as an interrupt input to a DSP host processor which can in turn trigger a
serial transfer to the DAC. JP2 can be used to hold the LDAC input to the DAC at ground potential if
synchronous updates are required.
5.6CLEAR (CLR)
Jumper JP1 is provided to allow the manual application of a CLR input pulse. The DACxx68EVM user
may also apply a CLR input via J1 pin 19. Bringing the CLR pin low clears the content of all DAC registers
and all DAC buffers, and replaces the code with the code determined by the clear code register. Jumper
JP1 is open by default and uses a 10-kΩ pullup resistor (R1) to maintain logic high on the CLR input pin.
5.7Default Jumper Locations
Table 3 provides a list of jumpers found on the EVM and their factory default conditions.
JumperShunt PositionJumper Description
JP1N/A
JP2OPEN
JP3Pins 1-2
JP4Pins 1-2
JP5Pins 1-2Controls SYNC source selection – see Section 5.3 for details
JP6Pins 1-2Controls LDAC source selection – see Section 5.4 for details
Allows CLR to be monitored or controlled via external pulse source. Used with signals applied to
J1.19
Allows LDAC to be kept at GND potential when installed; it is recommended to remove any
shunt jumper installed on JP6 if JP1 is installed.
Controls reference voltage applied to the installed DAC. When JP3 is moved to pins 2-3, and
external reference may be applied to the EVM via J2.20 or to TP3 referenced to TP2
Analog power source control. Default is from J3.3. When shunt is placed on pins 2-3, power to
the DAC may be applied to TP1 referenced to TP4.
EVM Operation
Table 3. EVM Default Jumper Settings
The following diagram provides an overview of the DACxx68 assembly and locations of the various
jumpers and connectors.
Figure 1. Top Layer Assembly Drawing and Jumper Locations
The device installed at location U1 is dependent on the EVM ordered. This device is soldered to the board for best performance.
U1 may be replaced with any device listed in the EVM Compatible Device Data Sheets table found at the beginning of this
document.
Texas Instruments (TI) provides the enclosed product(s) under the following conditions:
This evaluation board/kit is intended for use for ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, OR EVALUATION
PURPOSES ONLY and is not considered by TI to be a finished end-product fit for general consumer use. Persons handling the
product(s) must have electronics training and observe good engineering practice standards. As such, the goods being provided are
not intended to be complete in terms of required design-, marketing-, and/or manufacturing-related protective considerations,
including product safety and environmental measures typically found in end products that incorporate such semiconductor
components or circuit boards. This evaluation board/kit does not fall within the scope of the European Union directives regarding
electromagnetic compatibility, restricted substances (RoHS), recycling (WEEE), FCC, CE or UL, and therefore may not meet the
technical requirements of these directives or other related directives.
Should this evaluation board/kit not meet the specifications indicated in the User’s Guide, the board/kit may be returned within 30
days from the date of delivery for a full refund. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY MADE BY
SELLER TO BUYER AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
The user assumes all responsibility and liability for proper and safe handling of the goods. Further, the user indemnifies TI from all
claims arising from the handling or use of the goods. Due to the open construction of the product, it is the user’s responsibility to
take any and all appropriate precautions with regard to electrostatic discharge.
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF THE INDEMNITY SET FORTH ABOVE, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER
FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
TI currently deals with a variety of customers for products, and therefore our arrangement with the user is not exclusive.
TI assumes no liability for applications assistance, customer product design, software performance, or infringement of
patents or services described herein.
Please read the User’s Guide and, specifically, the Warnings and Restrictions notice in the User’s Guide prior to handling the
product. This notice contains important safety information about temperatures and voltages. For additional information on TI’s
environmental and/or safety programs, please contact the TI application engineer or visit www.ti.com/esh.
No license is granted under any patent right or other intellectual property right of TI covering or relating to any machine, process, or
combination in which such TI products or services might be or are used.
FCC Warning
This evaluation board/kit is intended for use for ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, OR EVALUATION
PURPOSES ONLY and is not considered by TI to be a finished end-product fit for general consumer use. It generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and has not been tested for compliance with the limits of computing devices pursuant to part 15
of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio frequency interference. Operation of this
equipment in other environments may cause interference with radio communications, in which case the user at his own expense
will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct this interference.
EVM Warnings and Restrictions
It is important to operate this EVM within the input voltage range of 0 V to 5 V and the output voltage range of 0 V to 5 V .
Exceeding the specified input range may cause unexpected operation and/or irreversible damage to the EVM. If there are
questions concerning the input range, please contact a TI field representative prior to connecting the input power.
Applying loads outside of the specified output range may result in unintended operation and/or possible permanent damage to the
EVM. Please consult the EVM User's Guide prior to connecting any load to the EVM output. If there is uncertainty as to the load
specification, please contact a TI field representative.
During normal operation, some circuit components may have case temperatures greater than 30° C. The EVM is designed to
operate properly with certain components above 30° C as long as the input and output ranges are maintained. These components
include but are not limited to linear regulators, switching transistors, pass transistors, and current sense resistors. These types of
devices can be identified using the EVM schematic located in the EVM User's Guide. When placing measurement probes near
these devices during operation, please be aware that these devices may be very warm to the touch.