Analog Devices Inc. DC1620A-S

Overview

DC1620A-S from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a dual-channel, 16-bit, 20Msps simultaneous-sampling analog-to-digital converter evaluation board designed to demonstrate the LTC2188 ADC. It delivers 77dB SNR, 90dB SFDR, and ultralow 0.07psRMS jitter, enabling high-fidelity digitization of IF signals up to 550MHz full-power bandwidth in software-defined radio and portable medical imaging systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1620A-S datasheet, DC1620A-S pinout, DC1620A-S application, or DC1620A-S equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported output modes (CMOS/DDR CMOS/DDR LVDS), SPI-controlled feature set (duty cycle stabilizer, randomizer, nap/shutdown), thermal management guidance for the 64-lead QFN, and real-world performance validation across input ranges and clock conditions.

Technical Context

The DC1620A-S implements the LTC2188 in a fully populated, impedance-matched layout with differential analog input paths, low-noise power delivery (1.8V VDD + 1.2–1.8V OVDD), and configurable digital output interfaces. Its design supports all three native output formats-full-rate CMOS, DDR CMOS, and DDR LVDS-with on-board termination and clock conditioning circuitry.

It integrates a precision 1.25V internal reference (±25ppm/°C drift), programmable input range selection (1VP-P to 2VP-P), and SPI-configurable features including clock duty cycle stabilization, data output randomization, and channel-specific nap/shutdown modes-all validated per LTC2188's guaranteed AC/DC specifications across 0°C to 70°C (C-grade) or –40°C to 85°C (I-grade) operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1620A-S is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for software-defined radio development, portable medical ultrasound systems, and multi-channel data acquisition requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for DC1620A-S 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 aerospace, industrial, automotive, and communications markets with precision data conversion solutions.

The DC1620A-S belongs to ADI's Linear Technology evaluation board portfolio, specifically engineered to accelerate prototyping and validation of high-speed, low-power ADCs like the LTC2188 in RF, medical, and test equipment applications.

FAQ

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

The DC1620A-S evaluation board is a fully assembled platform for evaluating the LTC2188 dual 16-bit 20Msps ADC. It provides accessible analog input connectors, configurable digital output headers, SPI interface for register programming, and calibrated power delivery - enabling rapid characterization of SNR, SFDR, INL/DNL, and timing behavior under real-world signal conditions. The DC1620A-S directly supports all LTC2188 features including DDR LVDS mode, clock duty cycle stabilization, and nap/shutdown control.

Does the DC1620A-S support both CMOS and LVDS digital output modes?

Yes, the DC1620A-S supports all three native output configurations of the LTC2188: full-rate CMOS, double-data-rate (DDR) CMOS, and DDR LVDS. Jumper-selectable termination and voltage rails (OVDD = 1.2V/1.5V/1.8V) allow seamless mode switching without hardware modification. DDR LVDS operation uses on-board 100Ω differential termination and supports both 1.75mA and 3.5mA current modes, as specified in the LTC2188 datasheet. The DC1620A-S validates timing skew, setup/hold margins, and signal integrity for each mode.

How is analog input range configured on the DC1620A-S?

Analog input range on the DC1620A-S is configured via the SENSE pin per LTC2188 specifications: tying SENSE to VDD selects ±1V range (1VP-P), grounding SENSE selects ±0.5V range (1VP-P), and applying 0.625V–1.3V to SENSE sets ±0.8×VSENSE range. The board includes dedicated test points and jumpers for SENSE biasing, and its differential input path uses matched 50Ω terminations with transformer-coupled or direct-drive options - ensuring accurate implementation of the 1VP-P to 2VP-P selectable range.

Can the DC1620A-S be used with external clock sources?

Yes, the DC1620A-S accepts differential (LVDS/PECL) or single-ended (CMOS/TTL) clock inputs via SMA connectors, fully supporting the LTC2188's ENC+/ENC– interface. It includes on-board clock conditioning circuitry - including optional duty cycle stabilization enabled via SPI - and accommodates clock frequencies from 1MHz to 20MHz. The board's layout minimizes clock skew and jitter injection, preserving the LTC2188's 0.07psRMS jitter performance when driven by low-phase-noise external synthesizers.

What thermal management provisions does the DC1620A-S include for the LTC2188?

The DC1620A-S implements thermal best practices for the 64-lead 9mm × 9mm QFN-packaged LTC2188: the exposed thermal pad (Pin 65) is solidly soldered to an internal copper plane with multiple thermal vias, and the board uses 2oz copper layers with dedicated ground/power planes. This achieves θJA ≈ 20°C/W as specified, enabling stable 20Msps operation at ambient temperatures up to 70°C (C-grade) or 85°C (I-grade) without forced airflow - critical for enclosed medical or field-deployable instrumentation using the DC1620A-S.