Analog Devices Inc. DC1250A-BA

Overview

DC1250A-BA from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully assembled evaluation board for the LTM9001 16-bit receiver subsystem, integrating a high-linearity ADC driver, 16-bit SAR ADC, and CMOS output interface in a µModule package. It supports single-ended RF input via 50Ω-matched J1, low-phase-noise clock injection via J3, and demultiplexed CMOS data output at up to 130 MSPS for high-fidelity RF receiver testing.

For engineers reviewing the DC1250A-BA datasheet, DC1250A-BA pinout, DC1250A-BA application, or DC1250A-BA equivalent, key selection considerations include its LTM9001-based signal chain architecture, onboard transformer-coupled input network, jumper-configurable PGA gain and dither, LVDS/CMOS output mode support, and native compatibility with DC890 and PScope software for FFT-based performance validation.

Technical Context

The DC1250A-BA implements a complete front-end evaluation platform for the LTM9001, which integrates a 16-bit, 130 MSPS SAR ADC with a matched wideband amplifier and internal reference. Its input stage uses T1 as a balun for single-ended-to-differential conversion, while JP1 selects PGA gain (LOW/HIGH), and JP4 enables internal dither to improve SFDR at low input amplitudes.

Output formatting is configurable: default demultiplexed CMOS mode delivers alternating A/B channel words at half-rate (65 MSPS per channel), while removing R19 forces full-rate (130 MSPS) single-channel CMOS output. U5 EEPROM enables automatic PScope board identification and configuration loading.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1250A-BA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver prototyping, high-speed data acquisition system validation, and 16-bit ADC driver characterization requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for DC1250A-BA 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 acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains its µModule product line as highly integrated, tested, and packaged signal chain subsystems.

The DC1250A-BA belongs to Linear's demonstration circuit series designed specifically to validate LTM9001-based receiver architectures in lab and pre-production environments with minimal external setup.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1250A-BA evaluation board?

The DC1250A-BA is a ready-to-use evaluation platform for the LTM9001 16-bit receiver subsystem. It provides validated layout, transformer-coupled RF input, configurable gain/dither, and CMOS output routing - enabling immediate SNR, SFDR, and ENOB measurement of the LTM9001 without custom PCB design. DC1250A-BA requires only a signal generator, low-jitter clock source, DC890 interface, and PScope software to operate.

Does the DC1250A-BA support differential input signals?

Yes, the DC1250A-BA supports differential inputs by modifying the input network: remove R7, install R5, and optionally replace C1/C8 with 0Ω jumpers for DC coupling. J2 (AIN−) serves as the complementary input terminal. The LTM9001 itself is optimized for both single-ended and differential drive, with comparable distortion performance - confirmed in the LTM9001 datasheet's AC specifications table.

How do I configure the DC1250A-BA for full-data-rate CMOS output?

To enable full-data-rate (130 MSPS) CMOS output on the DC1250A-BA, remove surface-mount resistor R19 to ground the LVDS pin. This forces all digital output bits onto the "A" channel. Note that PScope must then be manually set to 2-channel mode and the "B" channel ignored - auto-detection will not apply, as the default firmware expects demultiplexed mode.

Is the DC1250A-BA compatible with other Linear/Analog Devices demo boards?

Yes, the DC1250A-BA is mechanically and electrically designed to plug directly into the DC890 Data Acquisition demo board via its standard 2×20 header interface. It also interoperates with DC1216 (low-phase-noise clock source) and DC1241 (LVDS output variant), forming a modular test ecosystem for LTM9001 evaluation across different interface and clocking configurations.

What role does the EEPROM (U5) play on the DC1250A-BA?

The EEPROM (U5) on the DC1250A-BA stores board identification and default configuration parameters for Linear's PScope software. During connection, PScope reads U5 to auto-detect DC1250A-BA and load correct sampling rate, channel count, and data format settings - eliminating manual setup. If auto-detection fails, users can disable "Auto-detect Device" in PScope's Configure menu and enter parameters manually.