Many high speed data converter evaluation modules (EVM) from Texas Instruments have a JESD204B interface with an FMC-based connector. The EVMs are designed to work with the TSW14J56EVM, TI’s Intel FPGA-based pattern generator and capture card platform. Along with TI’s software tool, the High Speed Data Converter Pro Graphic User Interface (HSDC Pro GUI), the complete system can capture and evaluate data samples from an analog-to-digital (ADC) EVM or generate and send desired test patterns to a digital-to-analog (DAC) EVM.
Xilinx FPGAs are also popular as a source for evaluating and designing. In collaboration with Xilinx, TI has created a platform where any TI FMC-based JESD204B ADC and DAC EVMs can interface with the KCU105, Xilinx’s Kintex Ultrascale FPGA. HSDC Pro has also been updated to support this integration and can be used as if connected to a TI-based platform.
The KCU105 development board has a standard FMC connector that provides an interface between the ADC and DAC EVMs. For communicating, the KCU105 uses Ethernet to acquire data, receive data, and do register read and writes using a host PC across a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The KCU105 has a dual USB-to-UART bridge interface for system controlling and reading necessary information such as the board IP address. The KCU105 also has an industry-standard JTAG connection for configuring the FPGA using Vivado, Xilinx's design tool.
The KCU105 User’s Guide helps customers bring up the KCU105 and is a good starting point for evaluating the ADC or DAC EVM. The firmware used in these examples was designed to support HSDC Pro, communication through SPI, and any TI FMC-based JESD204B EVM at any line rate. Once familiar with the platform, the firmware can be stripped down and designed for a specified system.
