Analog Devices Inc. DC1087A

Overview

DC1087A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a dual synchronous buck regulator demonstration board based on the LTC3546EUFD controller IC, configured to deliver 2.5V @ 1A and 1.2V @ 3A outputs from a 2.5V–5.5V input, supporting CCM/DCM/Burst Mode operation and external clock synchronization for power management in compact embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1087A datasheet, DC1087A pinout, DC1087A application, or DC1087A equivalent, this page delivers verified configuration details, measured efficiency curves at 2.5V/3.3V/5V input, output voltage tolerances (±2%), footprint constraints (0.95" × 0.6"), and jumper-based mode selection - all critical for rapid evaluation of high-frequency dual-output DC/DC regulation.

Technical Context

The DC1087A implements flexible current partitioning via the LTC3546EUFD, where Channel 2's 180mΩ internal MOSFET is paralleled with Channel 1's 90mΩ switch to achieve 3A output capability while maintaining independent regulation of both channels. This configuration is fixed by JP6 (180° phase shift) and jumper settings (JP1=CCM, JP4=ON, JP5=ON).

It operates across 2.5V–5.5V input, delivers VOUT1 = 2.5V ±2% (1A max) and VOUT2 = 1.2V ±2% (3A max), achieves 1.5MHz nominal switching frequency using RT = 143kΩ, and supports tracking startup sequencing via external connection between VOUT and TRACK pins per Table 4.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1087A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, multi-rail embedded systems, and battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and validated layout practices.

Supply support for DC1087A 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

Analog Devices, Inc. (including legacy Linear Technology products) designs high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for precision signal chain and power conversion applications.

The DC1087A belongs to the Linear Technology Demonstration Circuit series, developed specifically to accelerate validation of complex power architectures - especially dual-output, high-frequency synchronous buck regulators with configurable current sharing and low-noise operation.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the DC1087A demonstration circuit?

The DC1087A demonstration circuit is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the LTC3546EUFD dual synchronous buck regulator, pre-configured to deliver 2.5V/1A and 1.2V/3A outputs. It enables engineers to rapidly validate performance metrics - including efficiency, transient response, ripple, and mode switching - without designing custom PCBs. The DC1087A provides jumpers, test points, and documented measurement procedures to streamline lab characterization of the LTC3546EUFD in its 3A+1A partitioned configuration.

How does the DC1087A differ from the DC1086A?

The DC1087A and DC1086A share identical hardware and the LTC3546EUFD controller but differ in output current allocation: DC1087A delivers 1A on VOUT1 and 3A on VOUT2, whereas DC1086A delivers 2A on both outputs. This difference is achieved solely by changing the JP6 jumper position (180° vs. 0°) and internal MOSFET paralleling detection - no component changes are required. The DC1087A's 3A channel uses the combined 90mΩ + 180mΩ switches, validated for thermal performance within the 1.2mm height constraint.

What operating modes does the DC1087A support, and how are they selected?

The DC1087A supports Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), and Burst Mode operation, selected via jumper JP1 (CCM/DCM/Burst). In Burst Mode, quiescent current drops to 240µA at no load, improving light-load efficiency for battery-powered applications. External clock synchronization is possible with minor component changes (R13=100pF, R26=200kΩ), though the DC1087A defaults to free-running 1.5MHz operation using RT=143kΩ - a key parameter confirmed in Table 1 and Figure 5–6 efficiency plots.

Can the DC1087A be used for voltage tracking during startup?

Yes, the DC1087A supports output voltage tracking via jumper reconfiguration and external connections as defined in Table 4. For example, setting JP2 to TRACK2 and connecting VOUT1 to the TRACK2 pin configures Channel 1 as master and Channel 2 as slave, enabling coincidental or scaled ramp-up of VOUT2 relative to VOUT1. This functionality is verified in Figures 7–8 and allows controlled sequencing for FPGAs or processors requiring ordered power-up. The DC1087A's physical layout includes dedicated test points and routing for these tracking configurations.

What are the efficiency characteristics of the DC1087A under typical conditions?

Per Figures 5 and 6 in the Quick Start Guide, the DC1087A achieves 87% peak efficiency at VIN=3.3V, VOUT1=2.5V, full load; 77% at VIN=2.5V, VOUT2=1.2V, full load; and up to 87% at VIN=5V, VOUT1=2.5V, full load. Efficiency varies with input voltage, load, and operating mode - e.g., Burst Mode improves light-load efficiency but reduces heavy-load performance versus CCM. These measured values are specific to the DC1087A's component selection and layout, and are documented for both output channels independently.