Analog Devices Inc. DC1397B-B

Overview

DC1397B-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2656 octal 16-/12-bit rail-to-rail DAC family, supporting both internal (2.5V or 4.096V) and external reference operation. It enables full characterization of DAC monotonicity (±4LSB INL at 16-bit), ultralow crosstalk (<3nV·s), and 8.9µs settling time in precision instrumentation and industrial control applications.

For engineers reviewing the DC1397B-B datasheet, DC1397B-B pinout, DC1397B-B application, or DC1397B-B equivalent, this board provides verified SPI/MICROWIRE™ interface timing (50MHz max), hardware-controlled LDAC/CLR/PORSEL logic, and dual-package support (QFN/UFD and TSSOP/FE) for rapid prototyping of multi-channel analog output systems.

Technical Context

The DC1397B-B implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2656 IC, including buffered reference distribution (REFIN/OUT, REFCOMP, REFLO), isolated digital I/O routing (SDI, SDO, SCK, CS/LD, LDAC, PORSEL, CLR), and low-noise output conditioning for all eight DAC channels (VOUTA–VOUTH). It supports both power-on reset to zero-scale (PORSEL = GND) and mid-scale (PORSEL = VCC) configurations per LTC2656 specification.

Board-level design incorporates 0.1µF ceramic decoupling on REFCOMP and REFIN/OUT pins per datasheet requirements, 2kΩ//200pF load networks for settling time validation, and exposed-pad thermal anchoring matching the LTC2656 QFN package (UFD) and TSSOP (FE) footprints. All analog outputs are routed to test points and headers for oscilloscope or DMM verification.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1397B-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision instrumentation, automatic test equipment, and industrial process control requiring stable component supply and validated DAC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for DC1397B-B 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. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors.

The DC1397B-B belongs to Analog Devices' precision DAC evaluation platform series, designed specifically to accelerate development of multi-channel, high-accuracy analog output systems in test & measurement and industrial automation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1397B-B evaluation board?

The DC1397B-B evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for evaluating the LTC2656 octal 16-/12-bit rail-to-rail DAC. It provides immediate access to all DAC pins-including VOUTA–VOUTH, REFIN/OUT, LDAC, CLR, and PORSEL-along with onboard reference buffering, SPI interface headers, and test points for measuring INL, DNL, settling time, and crosstalk per the LTC2656 datasheet. The DC1397B-B enables rapid validation of DAC performance without custom PCB design.

Which LTC2656 variants are supported by the DC1397B-B?

The DC1397B-B supports all LTC2656 variants documented in the Linear Technology (now Analog Devices) datasheet: LTC2656-L16/L12 (2.5V full-scale, 2.7V–5.5V supply) and LTC2656-H16/H12 (4.096V full-scale, 4.5V–5.5V supply), in both B-grade (±4LSB INL) and C-grade (±12LSB INL) versions, across UFD (QFN) and FE (TSSOP) packages. Jumper-selectable reference mode and PORSEL configuration ensure compatibility with all combinations.

Does the DC1397B-B support external reference operation?

Yes, the DC1397B-B fully supports external reference operation for the LTC2656. It provides dedicated header pins for external reference input (REFIN), reference compensation (REFCOMP), and reference low (REFLO), with appropriate 0.1µF decoupling capacitors installed per datasheet recommendations. When REFCOMP is hardwired to GND (via jumper), the internal reference is disabled at startup, allowing seamless use of an external reference source up to VCC/2 (max 2.75V for 5.5V VCC).

How is power-on reset behavior configured on the DC1397B-B?

Power-on reset behavior on the DC1397B-B is configured via the PORSEL jumper: connecting PORSEL to GND resets all eight DAC outputs to zero-scale at power-up; connecting PORSEL to VCC resets them to mid-scale. This matches the LTC2656's native PORSEL functionality and is validated across temperature grades (C/I) and supply voltages. The board also includes a hardware CLR button that forces immediate zero-scale (PORSEL = GND) or mid-scale (PORSEL = VCC) reset independent of power sequence.

Can the DC1397B-B be used for daisy-chain SPI configuration?

Yes, the DC1397B-B supports daisy-chain SPI operation via its SDO (serial data out) header. The SDO pin routes the 32-bit shifted data from the LTC2656's internal shift register, delayed by 32 SCK rising edges as specified in the datasheet. This allows multiple DC1397B-B boards-or one DC1397B-B and other SPI-compatible devices-to be cascaded using a single master controller, enabling synchronized updates across multiple octal DACs without additional GPIO overhead. The DC1397B-B's SDO remains actively driven (non-high-Z) during CS/LD high, per LTC2656 specification.