Analog Devices Inc. DC1493A

Overview

DC1493A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully assembled, ready-to-use demonstration board for the LTC2461 and LTC2463 ultra-tiny 16-bit I²C ΔΣ ADCs with integrated 1.25V precision reference. It supports both single-ended (LTC2461) and differential (LTC2463) configurations, operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, delivers 60 conversions per second, and achieves ≤2 LSB offset error and ±0.01% gain error - enabling high-accuracy sensor monitoring in space-constrained industrial and environmental systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1493A datasheet, DC1493A pinout, DC1493A application, or DC1493A equivalent, this board provides immediate evaluation of low-power, no-latency I²C ADC performance - including internal reference stability (2 ppm/°C typ), 200 nA sleep current, and proprietary input sampling that reduces average input current to 50 nA - without requiring external clocking, calibration, or antialiasing filters.

Technical Context

The DC1493A implements the LTC2461/LTC2463 in MSOP-12 package with on-board 0.1 µF REFOUT and COMP decoupling, 10 µF VCC bulk capacitance, and pull-up resistors for SDA/SCL. It exposes all analog inputs (IN+, IN–/IN, REF–), digital control pins (A0), and power terminals to test points and headers, supporting direct connection to sensors, voltage sources, or microcontroller I²C buses.

This board leverages the LTC2461/LTC2463's internal oscillator, continuous offset/fullscale calibration, and single-conversion settling behavior - eliminating latency in multiplexed sensing. Its layout follows Linear Technology's recommended grounding and decoupling practices, with exposed-pad DFN variants supported via optional solder jumper configuration.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1493A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, environmental data loggers, and embedded instrumentation requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping capability, and validated signal chain performance with minimal design overhead.

Supply support for DC1493A 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) acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains its legacy precision analog product lines, including high-performance delta-sigma ADCs, references, and signal conditioning solutions.

The DC1493A belongs to ADI's demonstration board portfolio for precision data acquisition ICs, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and integration of ultra-low-power, high-resolution ADCs into compact, battery-operated, or thermally sensitive systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1493A evaluation board?

The DC1493A evaluation board is a complete, factory-tested platform for evaluating the LTC2461 and LTC2463 16-bit I²C ΔΣ ADCs. It provides immediate access to all critical signals - including IN+, IN–/IN, REFOUT, COMP, SDA, SCL, and A0 - with proper decoupling, pull-ups, and test points. The DC1493A requires only a 2.7V–5.5V supply and an I²C master to demonstrate conversion accuracy, low sleep current (200 nA), and reference stability without any additional components or firmware setup.

Does the DC1493A support both LTC2461 and LTC2463 devices interchangeably?

Yes - the DC1493A is designed to accommodate either the LTC2461 (single-ended input) or LTC2463 (differential input) in the same MSOP-12 footprint. Pinout compatibility between the two devices allows direct socket replacement. The DC1493A's schematic and layout follow Linear Technology's recommended practices for both parts, including dedicated REF– routing and ground isolation for optimal noise performance in either configuration.

How does the DC1493A implement power management for low-energy operation?

The DC1493A enables full power-state control of the underlying LTC2461/LTC2463 via its I²C interface. Users can issue register writes to enter Nap mode (ADC powered down, reference active) or Sleep mode (both ADC and reference powered down), reducing current draw to 800 µA or 200 nA respectively. The DC1493A includes no additional quiescent load beyond the IC itself, preserving the datasheet-specified ultra-low sleep current - verified under actual operating conditions on the board.

Can the DC1493A be used to evaluate reference output stability over temperature?

Yes - the DC1493A exposes REFOUT and COMP pins with appropriate 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors, matching the configuration used in Linear Technology's production characterization. When paired with a temperature chamber and calibrated multimeter, the DC1493A allows direct measurement of REFOUT drift (≤2 ppm/°C typ for I-grade) and line/load regulation - confirming the 1.25 V ±3 mV initial tolerance and <10 ppm/°C max drift across –40°C to +85°C as specified in the LTC2461/LTC2463 datasheet.

Is external antialiasing filtering required when using the DC1493A?

No - the DC1493A demonstrates the inherent antialiasing relaxation enabled by the LTC2461/LTC2463's very high oversampling ratio. With 60 Hz output rate and built-in sinc filter, the effective cutoff is ~30 Hz, allowing simple RC filters (e.g., 1 kΩ + 0.1 µF = 1.6 kHz) to provide >60 dB rejection at Nyquist. The DC1493A includes no onboard antialiasing components, confirming that robust performance is achieved with minimal external parts - consistent with the datasheet's claim of "extremely relaxed antialiasing requirements."