EVM Basic Functions
1-3
EVM Overview
Caution
When applying an external voltage reference through TP2 or J4-20,
make sure that it does not exceed 5 V maximum. Otherwise, this
damages U1 part, DUT.
1.3
EVM Basic Functions
The DAC8541EVM is a functional evaluation platform to test certain functional
characteristics of the DAC8541 digital-to-analog converter. Functional
evaluation of the DAC device can be accomplished with the use of any
microprocessor, DSP, or some sort of a waveform generator.
The 20-pin headers, J1, J2, and J3, are provided to channel in the necessary
control signals and data needed to interface a microprocessor/microcontroller,
TI’s DSP starter kit, or waveform generator to the DAC8541 EVM, through a
custom cable.
A specific adapter card is also available for most of TI’s DSP starter kit. Make
sure to specify the DSP that is used to interface with the right adapter card. Call
or email TI for more information regarding the adapter card.
A precision reference voltage provided onboard, can be adjusted to the user’s
preference through the R5 potentiometer. This sets the effective range of the
DAC’s output signal.
The output of the DAC can be monitored through two different access points
which are as follows: a BNC connector (J5, if installed), and a header through
pin 2 of J4. The 6-pin header, W5, provides different levels of the DAC output,
but requires the output op-amp, U2, to be configured correctly first for the
desired waveform characteristic. Shorting pins 1 and 2 of W5 allows the user
to monitor the raw output of the DAC.
A bipolar mode of operation is integrated into the EVM board through the
output op-amp, U2. This option to operate in bipolar mode yields a rail-to-rail
output voltage range of 5 V maximum. This is the default configuration mode
of the EVM when it ships from the factory.