Analog Devices Inc. DC1620A-C

Overview

DC1620A-C from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 64-lead QFN evaluation board for the LTC2185 dual 16-bit, 125Msps analog-to-digital converter. It provides full access to differential analog inputs, CMOS/LVDS digital outputs, SPI configuration interface, and clock conditioning circuitry. Designed for high-fidelity IF sampling in software-defined radios and cellular base stations, it supports 76.8dB SNR and 90dB SFDR at 70MHz input.

For engineers reviewing the DC1620A-C datasheet, DC1620A-C pinout, DC1620A-C application, or DC1620A-C equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of LTC2185 performance under real-world RF front-end conditions-including jitter-sensitive undersampling, multi-channel synchronization, and low-power operation with shutdown modes.

Technical Context

The DC1620A-C implements a complete signal chain reference design centered on the LTC2185 ADC, featuring ultra-low-jitter clock distribution (0.07ps RMS), matched analog input paths with VCM biasing, and configurable output termination for CMOS, DDR CMOS, or DDR LVDS interfaces. It integrates precision voltage references (1.25V ±25ppm/°C), on-board LDOs for clean 1.8V analog/digital supplies, and selectable input ranges (1–2VP-P).

Board-level features include SMA-connected analog inputs, edge-mounted connectors for digital data and clock outputs, an onboard crystal oscillator for SPI clock generation, and jumpers for PAR/SER mode selection, duty cycle stabilizer enable, and power-down control-enabling direct correlation between register settings and measured AC/DC performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1620A-C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for software-defined radio development, cellular base station prototyping, and portable medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs.

Supply support for DC1620A-C 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-C belongs to ADI's Linear Technology evaluation board family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-validation for high-speed data converters-emphasizing signal integrity, layout best practices, and out-of-box measurement repeatability.

FAQ

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

The DC1620A-C evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for evaluating the LTC2185 dual 16-bit, 125Msps analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary power regulation, clock conditioning, analog input buffering, and digital output interfacing to validate AC performance (e.g., 76.8dB SNR, 90dB SFDR), timing behavior, and SPI configurability without custom PCB development. The DC1620A-C enables immediate lab characterization of the LTC2185 under realistic RF sampling conditions.

Does the DC1620A-C support all output modes of the LTC2185?

Yes, the DC1620A-C supports full-rate CMOS, double-data-rate CMOS, and double-data-rate LVDS output modes of the LTC2185. It includes OVDD regulation circuitry, configurable termination resistors, and edge-mounted connectors optimized for each interface type. Jumpers and solder pads allow hardware selection of output format and voltage levels (1.2V/1.5V/1.8V CMOS or 1.75mA/3.5mA LVDS), ensuring accurate correlation between register settings and measured eye diagrams or timing margins on the DC1620A-C.

Can the DC1620A-C be used to evaluate lower-speed variants like the LTC2184 or LTC2183?

Yes, the DC1620A-C is compatible with the pin-compatible LTC2184 (105Msps) and LTC2183 (80Msps) as they share identical 64-pin QFN packaging, pinout, power requirements, and register map. All analog and digital interface circuitry on the DC1620A-C meets the electrical and thermal specifications required for these variants. Users can directly substitute LTC2184 or LTC2183 ICs onto the DC1620A-C board and leverage the same test setup, documentation, and software tools originally developed for the DC1620A-C.

What clock sources are supported by the DC1620A-C for ENC+/ENC– inputs?

The DC1620A-C accepts differential sine wave, PECL, LVDS, TTL, or CMOS clock signals on its ENC+/ENC– inputs, with support for both single-ended (ENC– tied to GND) and differential encode modes. An onboard clock duty cycle stabilizer is included and can be enabled via jumper to maintain optimal aperture jitter (0.07psRMS) across wide input duty cycle variations-critical for maintaining SNR when using non-ideal clock sources on the DC1620A-C.

Is the DC1620A-C RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the DC1620A-C evaluation board complies with RoHS directives and uses lead-free finishes throughout, consistent with Analog Devices' standard manufacturing practices. The board ships with a lead-free LTC2185CUP#PBF device (0°C to 70°C grade), and all passives, connectors, and PCB materials meet IPC-J-STD-609 Class 1 requirements. Full compliance documentation, including material declarations and test reports, is available upon request for the DC1620A-C.