1

Application Note 1434

Author: David Carr

8-Bit to 16-Bit, 40MSPS to 500MSPS ADC Evaluation

System

The Intersil KMB001 evaluation system allows users to

evaluate the Intersil portfolio of low-power, 8-bit to 16-bit,

high-performance analog-to-digital converters (ADC). These

converters run at sampling rates of 40MSPS to 500MSPS and

are designed with the Intersil proprietary FemtoCharge™

technology on a standard CMOS process.

The KMB001 evaluation system uses the Intersil Konverter

Analyzer software, which displays all pertinent data such as

SFDR, SINAD, ENOB, harmonics, current, and power

measurements. The software also plots outputs in frequency

spectra and time domain.

To begin testing, simply connect the input signal, sampling

clock, and target computer to the motherboard, and supply

power (Figure 1). The motherboard provides appropriate

supply voltages and captures digital data from the daughter

card. Daughter cards contain the ADCs and attach directly to

the KMB001 to form the ADC evaluation platform (Figure 2).

To ensure proper operation of the system, it is recommended

that the most current software version be installed. If Intersil

Konverter Analyzer is already installed on the machine, it must

be uninstalled prior to installation of the latest version.

Features

• 18Mb FIFO captures 1M ADC output samples

• USB2.0 interface for rapid data transfer

• Datasheet-style, live-updated display

KMB001 Evaluation System

Contents

The KMB001 is provided with a USB cable to connect to a PC

and a 5V power supply. The user need only provide signal and

clock sources and a PC running the Microsoft Windows™ XP or

Windows 2000 operating system. Intersil Konverter Analyzer

software can be downloaded from the Intersil web site.

FIGURE 1. EVALUATION PLATFORM, SIGNAL SOURCES AND PC

FIGURE 2. EXAMPLE EVALUATION PLATFORM CONNECTIONS (SHOWING KDC2710 DAUGHTER CARD)

CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.

Copyright Intersil Americas Inc. 2011. All Rights Reserved.

1-888-INTERSIL or 1-888-468-3774

All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

March 31, 2011

AN1434.4