Analog Devices Inc. DC1620A-B

Overview

DC1620A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a demonstration board for the LTC2185 dual 16-bit, 125Msps analog-to-digital converter. It implements full-rate CMOS and DDR LVDS output modes, supports differential analog inputs up to 550MHz bandwidth, delivers 76.8dB SNR and 90dB SFDR, and targets high-fidelity digitization in software-defined radio and portable medical imaging systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1620A-B datasheet, DC1620A-B pinout, DC1620A-B application, or DC1620A-B equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC interface modes, clocking architecture, FPGA interfacing guidance, and direct evaluation board alternatives compatible with LTC2185/LTC2184/LTC2183 family ADCs.

Technical Context

The DC1620A-B implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2185, including precision differential analog input conditioning with transformer-coupled or active front-end options, programmable clock distribution via LTC6957, on-board SPI control for ADC register configuration, and configurable digital output termination for CMOS, DDR CMOS, or DDR LVDS interfaces. It supports both single-ended and differential encode clocking with duty cycle stabilization.

Board-level features include independent power regulation for VDD (1.8V analog), OVDD (1.2V/1.5V/1.8V digital), and clock IC supplies; exposed thermal pad soldering for thermal management; and FPGA-compatible 0.5mm-pitch FMC-LPC connector for high-speed data capture and real-time processing. All critical ADC timing constraints-including ENC-to-data skew (<0.6ns), pipeline latency (6–6.5 cycles), and jitter-sensitive sampling-are preserved per LTC2185 specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1620A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for software-defined radio development, portable ultrasound imaging prototyping, multi-channel data acquisition system validation, and high-speed test equipment design requiring stable component supply and full evaluation board traceability.

Supply support for DC1620A-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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and healthcare markets.

The DC1620A-B belongs to ADI's Linear Technology legacy evaluation board portfolio, specifically designed to accelerate adoption of ultra-low-jitter, wide-bandwidth dual ADCs for demanding RF and medical digitization applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1620A-B evaluation board?

The DC1620A-B evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform for evaluating the LTC2185 dual 16-bit, 125Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables rapid characterization of AC/DC performance, interface validation (CMOS/DDR CMOS/DDR LVDS), clocking flexibility, and FPGA-based data capture-without requiring custom PCB design. The DC1620A-B includes all necessary power regulation, clock generation, and signal conditioning to operate the DC1620A-B out-of-the-box.

Does the DC1620A-B support both LTC2185 and LTC2184 devices?

Yes, the DC1620A-B is mechanically and electrically compatible with the entire LTC2185/LTC2184/LTC2183 family. Its layout accommodates the identical 64-pin (9mm × 9mm) QFN package used across all variants, and its firmware and configuration tools support register-level control for all three speed grades (125/105/80Msps). Users can directly substitute LTC2184 or LTC2183 on the DC1620A-B without hardware modification.

What clock sources are supported by the DC1620A-B?

The DC1620A-B integrates the LTC6957 low-jitter clock generator to provide clean, programmable encode clocks to the LTC2185. It accepts external 10MHz–250MHz reference inputs and supports differential (LVDS/LVPECL) or single-ended (CMOS) clock injection. The board also allows direct connection of external clock sources to the ENC+/ENC– pins, with onboard termination and duty cycle stabilization enabled per LTC2185 specifications.

Can the DC1620A-B be used with Xilinx or Intel FPGAs?

Yes-the DC1620A-B features an industry-standard FMC-LPC (Low Pin Count) connector compliant with ANSI/VITA 57.1, enabling direct mating with Xilinx KC705, KCU105, or Intel Arria 10 GX development boards. The 160+ I/O pins include dedicated high-speed lanes for parallel ADC data (D1_0–D1_15, D2_0–D2_15), clock outputs (CLKOUT±), frame/overflow signals (OF1/OF2), and SPI control lines-all routed with controlled impedance and length matching as required by the DC1620A-B timing specs.

Is DC1620A-B RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the DC1620A-B evaluation board uses RoHS-compliant components and lead-free PCB finish throughout. The mounted LTC2185 device is supplied in the lead-free QFN package (e.g., LTC2185CUP#PBF), and all passive components-including bypass capacitors, termination resistors, and clock ICs-meet JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 requirements. Full compliance documentation is available upon request from Analog Devices.