Analog Devices Inc. DC1186A

Overview

DC1186A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2308 - a low-noise, 500ksps, 8-channel, 12-bit SAR ADC with internal 2.5V reference and SPI-compatible serial interface. It supports unipolar/bipolar input ranges, auto-shutdown, and operates from a single 5V supply. The board enables rapid validation of high-accuracy data acquisition in battery-powered or isolated systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1186A datasheet, DC1186A pinout, DC1186A application, or DC1186A equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC modes, interface timing constraints, power delivery layout guidance, and real-world performance validation data including SINAD = 73.3dB and THD = –89.5dB at 1kHz.

Technical Context

The DC1186A implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2308 QFN-24 ADC, featuring precision analog input conditioning, decoupling networks optimized for 500ksps operation, and a 4-wire SPI interface routed to standard headers. It supports both single-ended and differential input configurations via jumper-selectable COM connections and includes dedicated REFCOMP and VREF bypassing per datasheet requirements (10µF + 0.1µF on REFCOMP; 2.2µF on VREF).

Board-level design incorporates ground plane partitioning between analog (AVDD/GND) and digital (DVDD/OVDD/SDO/SCK/SDI) domains, exposes all 8 analog inputs (CH0–CH7), CONVST, and serial control signals, and provides test points for acquisition timing verification (tACQ = 240ns), conversion time (tCONV = 1.3µs), and SDO timing margins (tdDO = 10.8ns).

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1186A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, motor control feedback loops, accelerometer-based condition monitoring, and isolated remote data acquisition requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for DC1186A 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, formed through the acquisition of Linear Technology in 2017.

The DC1186A belongs to ADI's Linear Technology Evaluation Board product line, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of precision data acquisition ICs like the LTC2308 in real-world system environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1186A evaluation board?

The DC1186A evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform for the LTC2308 12-bit, 500ksps, 8-channel SAR ADC. It provides immediate access to all analog inputs (CH0–CH7), digital interface signals (SCK, SDI, SDO, CONVST), and reference pins (VREF, REFCOMP), enabling engineers to validate signal integrity, timing compliance, noise performance, and software driver integration without custom PCB design. DC1186A includes documented schematics, layout files, and example firmware for quick start.

Does the DC1186A support both unipolar and bipolar input configurations for the LTC2308?

Yes, the DC1186A supports both unipolar (0V to 4.096V) and bipolar (±2.048V) input ranges for the LTC2308. This is achieved through configurable jumpers that route the COM pin either to ground (for unipolar) or to REFCOMP/2 (for bipolar), as specified in the LTC2308 datasheet. The board also provides test points to verify proper COM biasing and input common-mode rejection during validation of DC1186A operation.

Can the DC1186A be used with external reference sources instead of the LTC2308's internal reference?

Yes, the DC1186A supports external reference configurations per LTC2308 specifications. To use an external reference, VREF must be grounded to disable the internal reference buffer, and REFCOMP driven by an external source (e.g., LT1790A-4.096). The board includes solder pads and routing for such modifications, and the schematic documents required component changes. DC1186A maintains full signal integrity and decoupling compliance when operated with external references up to 5.25V.

What are the key timing parameters validated on the DC1186A for reliable LTC2308 operation at 500ksps?

The DC1186A has been validated for critical LTC2308 timing parameters including tACQ = 240ns (acquisition time), tCONV = 1.3µs (typical conversion time), tCYC = 2µs (total cycle time), tdDO = 10.8ns (SDO data valid after SCK↓), and tWLCONVST = 410ns (CONVST low time during data transfer). These values meet or exceed LTC2308 datasheet min/max limits across temperature and supply voltage ranges, ensuring robust SPI communication and accurate sampling when using DC1186A in production-grade designs.

Is the DC1186A compatible with standard microcontroller SPI peripherals?

Yes, the DC1186A is fully compatible with standard microcontroller SPI peripherals operating in master mode with CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0 (rising-edge capture, falling-edge shift). It uses standard 4-wire SPI signaling (SCK, SDI, SDO, CONVST) and supports SCK frequencies up to 40MHz. The board includes level-shifting options for OVDD (2.7–5.25V), allowing direct interfacing with 3.3V or 5V MCUs without additional logic. Example code for popular platforms (ARM Cortex-M, Arduino) is available for DC1186A integration.