Analog Devices Inc. DC1620A-E

Overview

DC1620A-E from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2182 dual 16-bit, 65Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables full characterization of AC performance (77dB SNR, 90dB SFDR), low-power operation (160mW total), and flexible digital output modes (CMOS/DDR CMOS/DDR LVDS) in a 64-pin QFN package. It supports differential or single-ended clocking and configurable input ranges (1–2VP-P) for high-fidelity signal digitization in RF receiver chains.

For engineers reviewing the DC1620A-E datasheet, DC1620A-E pinout, DC1620A-E application, or DC1620A-E equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware interface details, real-world timing constraints (e.g., ENC-to-data delay ≤3.1ns), power delivery requirements (1.8V VDD/OVDD), and validated alternative evaluation platforms for dual-channel high-speed ADC prototyping.

Technical Context

The DC1620A-E implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2182, including precision clock conditioning (duty cycle stabilizer), matched analog input paths with transformer-coupled or direct-coupled options, and selectable output termination for CMOS or LVDS interfaces. Its layout preserves controlled impedance routing and ground plane integrity to maintain <0.07psRMS jitter performance critical for undersampling IF signals up to 140MHz.

It integrates on-board SPI programming via USB-based Linduino interface, enabling runtime configuration of gain, offset, randomizer, nap/shutdown modes, and output format (2's complement, offset binary). The board supports both internal (1.25V) and external reference modes, with SENSE pin biasing verified across 0.625–1.3V for SNR stability.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1620A-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular base station development, software-defined radio prototyping, and portable medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-test validation of high-speed ADC performance.

Supply support for DC1620A-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 DC1620A-E belongs to ADI's Linear Technology evaluation board family, designed specifically to accelerate design-in of precision data converters by providing production-ready layouts, calibrated test firmware, and comprehensive documentation for system-level validation.

FAQ

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

The DC1620A-E evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for evaluating the LTC2182 dual 16-bit, 65Msps analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary circuitry-including clock conditioning, analog input coupling, digital output interfacing, and SPI control-to validate key specifications such as 77dB SNR, 90dB SFDR, and 160mW total power consumption under real-world conditions. The DC1620A-E enables immediate lab testing without custom PCB design.

Does the DC1620A-E support both CMOS and LVDS output modes for the LTC2182?

Yes, the DC1620A-E supports all three digital output configurations specified for the LTC2182: full-rate CMOS, double-data-rate CMOS, and double-data-rate LVDS. It includes on-board jumpers and termination resistors to configure the output mode and voltage levels (1.2V/1.5V/1.8V OVDD for CMOS; 100Ω differential termination for LVDS), ensuring accurate timing alignment and signal integrity verification per the LTC2182 datasheet.

Can the DC1620A-E be used to evaluate the LTC2181 or LTC2180 variants?

Yes, the DC1620A-E is compatible with the entire LTC218x family (LTC2182/LTC2181/LTC2180) due to identical 64-pin QFN packaging, pinout, and register map. While the board is optimized for the LTC2182's 65Msps operation, it supports lower sample rates (40Msps for LTC2181, 25Msps for LTC2180) without hardware modification-enabling comparative analysis of SNR/SFDR trade-offs across the family using the same evaluation infrastructure.

How is the DC1620A-E powered and what are its voltage requirements?

The DC1620A-E is powered via USB (5V) to the Linduino controller, which generates regulated 1.8V supplies for the LTC2182's VDD (analog) and OVDD (output) rails using onboard LDOs. These supplies meet the LTC2182's absolute maximum ratings (–0.3V to 2V) and recommended operating conditions (1.7V–1.9V), with low-noise bypassing to ensure <0.07psRMS jitter performance. No external power supplies are required for basic operation.

What software tools are needed to configure and test the DC1620A-E?

The DC1620A-E uses Analog Devices' open-source Linduino IDE and QuikEval software suite. Users install the Linduino drivers and QuikEval GUI to perform SPI-based register writes, capture FFT plots, measure SNR/SFDR in real time, and export waveform data. All firmware and scripts are available on the Analog Devices website, with no proprietary toolchain or license required to operate the DC1620A-E.