Analog Devices Inc. DC1564A-E

Overview

DC1564A-E from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a dual-channel, 12-bit, 250Msps analog-to-digital converter evaluation board designed to demonstrate the LTC2157-12 ADC. It delivers 68.5dB SNR and 90dB SFDR at 70MHz input, operates from a single 1.8V supply, features DDR LVDS outputs, and supports 1.25GHz full-power bandwidth for undersampling in high-frequency communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1564A-E datasheet, DC1564A-E pinout, DC1564A-E application, or DC1564A-E equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated board-level specifications, confirmed interface compatibility with LTC2157-12, and real-world deployment guidance for SDR, basestation, and test instrumentation design.

Technical Context

The DC1564A-E implements the LTC2157-12 dual 12-bit ADC in a fully populated, optimized layout with matched differential analog input paths, precision clock distribution, on-board 1.8V LDO regulation, and configurable DDR LVDS termination. It supports both serial SPI and parallel programming modes via dedicated headers.

Board-level timing includes programmable CLKOUT phase delay, integrated duty cycle stabilizer control, and low-jitter (<0.15ps RMS) sample-and-hold acquisition-enabling accurate high-speed waveform capture up to Nyquist (125MHz) and beyond via undersampling of RF signals up to 907MHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1564A-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular basestations, software-defined radios, and high-definition video digitization requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation-to-production transition.

Supply support for DC1564A-E 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 technologies, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and healthcare markets.

The DC1564A-E belongs to ADI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and validation of RF-sampling ADCs in demanding communications infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1564A-E evaluation board?

The DC1564A-E evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for the LTC2157-12 dual 12-bit, 250Msps ADC. Its primary function is to enable rapid characterization, signal integrity validation, and system-level integration testing of the LTC2157-12 in real-world high-speed sampling applications such as SDR and basestation receivers. The DC1564A-E includes all necessary power regulation, clock conditioning, and LVDS output routing to replicate production-grade performance.

Which ADC does the DC1564A-E evaluate, and what are its key sampling capabilities?

The DC1564A-E evaluates the LTC2157-12 - a dual-channel, 12-bit, 250Msps analog-to-digital converter. Its key sampling capabilities include 68.5dB SNR and 90dB SFDR at 70MHz input, 1.25GHz full-power bandwidth enabling undersampling of RF signals up to 907MHz, and 6-cycle pipeline latency. These capabilities make the DC1564A-E ideal for validating high-dynamic-range, wideband digitization in communications test equipment and wireless infrastructure.

Does the DC1564A-E support both serial and parallel configuration of the LTC2157-12?

Yes, the DC1564A-E supports both serial and parallel configuration modes for the LTC2157-12. It provides dedicated headers for SPI interface (CS, SCK, SDI, SDO) to configure operating modes via serial programming, and separate logic-level inputs (PAR/SER, CS, SCK, SDI) for parallel mode control - allowing users to select between full-feature register access or simplified pin-strapped operation depending on their development stage or system constraints.

What power supply requirements does the DC1564A-E have, and how is power delivered to the LTC2157-12?

The DC1564A-E requires a single +5V input via its barrel jack or screw terminal, which is internally regulated to generate clean, low-noise 1.8V analog (VDD) and 1.8V output driver (OVDD) supplies for the LTC2157-12. Each supply rail is independently bypassed with 0.1µF ceramic capacitors per pin group, and the board includes dedicated ground planes and thermal vias under the exposed pad (Pin 65) to ensure stable, low-impedance power delivery essential for achieving the DC1564A-E's specified 628mW total power consumption at 250Msps.

Can the DC1564A-E be used to evaluate undersampling performance of the LTC2157-12 at RF frequencies?

Yes, the DC1564A-E is explicitly designed to evaluate undersampling performance of the LTC2157-12 at RF frequencies. Its analog input path features 50Ω SMA connectors, impedance-matched differential traces, and optimized layout for minimal skew and reflection - supporting validated FFT measurements up to 907MHz (e.g., 32K-point FFT at –1dBFS). The board's 1.25GHz full-power bandwidth and low 0.15ps RMS aperture jitter allow accurate digitization of high-frequency signals without external downconversion, making it suitable for direct RF sampling validation in SDR and test instrumentation.