Analog Devices Inc. DC1620A-R

Overview

DC1620A-R from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2142-12, a 12-bit, 65Msps dual-channel simultaneous-sampling ADC. It enables high-fidelity digitization of wideband analog signals with 70.8dB SNR, 89dB SFDR, and ultralow 0.08psRMS jitter-key for undersampling IF frequencies in software-defined radios and portable medical imaging systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1620A-R datasheet, DC1620A-R pinout, DC1620A-R application, or DC1620A-R equivalent, this board provides validated signal integrity, configurable CMOS/DDR CMOS/DDR LVDS output modes, selectable 1–2VP-P input range, and SPI-based configuration-critical for rapid prototyping of high-dynamic-range data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The DC1620A-R implements the full reference design for the LTC2142-12, including precision 1.25V internal reference (±25ppm/°C drift), matched analog input paths with 750MHz full-power bandwidth sample-and-hold, and independent VCM1/VCM2 bias outputs for differential input termination. It supports both single-ended and differential encode clocking with optional duty cycle stabilization.

It routes all 64 pins of the LTC2142-12 QFN package-including dedicated OVDD and OGND planes, CLKOUT± for clock distribution, and parallel/serial programming mode selection via PAR/SER-while providing test points for ENC+, ENC–, AIN1±, AIN2±, and all digital outputs to verify timing, noise, and crosstalk performance per specification.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1620A-R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for software-defined radio development, portable ultrasound front-ends, and multi-channel test equipment requiring stable component supply and production-ready evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for DC1620A-R 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. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and signal chain applications.

The DC1620A-R belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate validation and integration of ultra-low-jitter, wideband ADCs into demanding communications and instrumentation systems.

FAQ

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

The DC1620A-R evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform for the LTC2142-12 dual-channel 12-bit 65Msps ADC. It provides all necessary power regulation, clock conditioning, analog input termination, and digital output routing to enable immediate characterization of AC performance (SNR, SFDR), timing margins, and interface compatibility-without requiring custom PCB design. The DC1620A-R includes jumpers and headers for flexible configuration of output mode, reference source, and power states.

Does the DC1620A-R support all output modes listed in the LTC2142-12 datasheet?

Yes, the DC1620A-R supports full-rate CMOS, double-data-rate CMOS, and double-data-rate LVDS output configurations as specified for the LTC2142-12. It includes on-board termination resistors and selectable OVDD voltage (1.2V/1.5V/1.8V) for CMOS modes, and 100Ω differential termination with programmable current mode (1.75mA or 3.5mA) for LVDS operation-all accessible via solder jumpers and header pins. This allows direct validation of each mode's timing skew, jitter, and signal integrity per the DC1620A-R user guide.

Can the DC1620A-R be used to evaluate the LTC2141-12 or LTC2140-12?

No-the DC1620A-R is specifically optimized for the LTC2142-12 (65Msps version) and is not rated or validated for use with the lower-speed LTC2141-12 (40Msps) or LTC2140-12 (25Msps). While pin-compatible, differences in sampling clock requirements, power delivery stability, and layout-dependent high-frequency performance mean that using the DC1620A-R with those variants may not achieve datasheet-grade AC specifications. Analog Devices provides separate evaluation boards (e.g., DC1621A-R, DC1622A-R) for those parts.

What clock sources are compatible with the DC1620A-R?

The DC1620A-R accepts differential (LVDS, LVPECL) or single-ended (CMOS, TTL) clock inputs via SMA connectors, with on-board transformer coupling and adjustable termination. It supports encode frequencies up to 65MHz for the LTC2142-12, and includes a duty-cycle stabilizer enabled via the CS pin-critical for maintaining optimal aperture jitter when driving with non-50% duty-cycle clocks. The board also provides CLKOUT± outputs for clock fanout or synchronization with other devices.

How is analog input signal integrity maintained on the DC1620A-R?

The DC1620A-R uses controlled-impedance 50Ω coaxial traces from SMA connectors to the LTC2142-12 AIN1± and AIN2± pins, with matched-length differential routing and local 0.1μF ceramic bypassing at each input. It provides precision 50Ω termination options (AC-coupled or DC-coupled) and supports both transformer-coupled and direct-coupled configurations. VCM1 and VCM2 outputs are routed to input termination networks to ensure accurate common-mode bias-preserving the 70.8dB SNR and –110dBc crosstalk performance documented for the LTC2142-12.