Analog Devices Inc. DC1684A-B

Overview

DC1684A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully assembled, ready-to-use evaluation board for the LTC2752 dual 16-bit SoftSpan™ current-output DAC. It supports all six programmable output ranges (±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V, –2.5V to 7.5V, 0V to 5V, 0V to 10V), features on-board LT1469 op-amps for precision I/V conversion, and enables full SPI readback and register verification. Designed for lab validation of high-accuracy analog output systems in industrial control and test instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the DC1684A-B datasheet, DC1684A-B pinout, DC1684A-B application, or DC1684A-B equivalent, this board delivers immediate hardware access to the LTC2752's dual-channel 16-bit monotonic performance, ±1 LSB INL over temperature, 2 µs settling time, and voltage-controlled offset/gain trim - with no custom PCB design required.

Technical Context

The DC1684A-B implements the complete LTC2752 reference circuit topology: dual independent I/V conversion paths using LT1469 amplifiers, precision external resistors for RIN/RCOM/REF/ROFS/RF, and configurable jumpers for manual span selection (S0–S2) and M-SPAN mode. It provides dedicated test points for all critical analog nodes (IOUT1A/B, VOSADJA/B, GEADJA/B, REFA/B, RFBA/B, ROFSA/B) and digital signals (SCK, SDI, SRO, CS/LD, LDAC, CLR).

Board-level design includes 0.1 µF ceramic bypassing at each VDD pin, Kelvin-sense routing for IOUT2AS/AF and IOUT2BS/BF, and jumper-selectable power supply options (3.3V or 5V). The layout adheres to Linear Technology's recommended grounding and decoupling practices for 16-bit DAC applications, minimizing noise coupling between digital and analog sections.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1684A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automatic test equipment (ATE), and data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for DC1684A-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 (DSP) technologies, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The DC1684A-B belongs to ADI's Linear Technology Evaluation Board family, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of precision analog ICs - including DACs, ADCs, amplifiers, and power management devices - with production-ready reference designs and comprehensive documentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1684A-B evaluation board?

The DC1684A-B evaluation board is a fully populated, tested platform for evaluating the LTC2752 dual 16-bit SoftSpan current-output DAC. It provides immediate access to all analog and digital pins, supports all six output ranges via SPI or hardware configuration, includes precision I/V conversion circuitry using LT1469 op-amps, and enables full register readback - allowing engineers to validate timing, accuracy, and system integration without custom hardware design. The DC1684A-B is not a standalone product but a tool for characterizing the LTC2752.

Does the DC1684A-B support both SoftSpan and manual span modes for the LTC2752?

Yes, the DC1684A-B supports both operating modes. Jumpers JU1–JU3 configure the S0, S1, and S2 pins for manual span selection (e.g., ±10V), while JP4 sets M-SPAN to GND for SoftSpan operation - enabling independent SPI programming of each DAC's output range. The board's schematic and layout match Linear Technology's recommended configurations for both modes, ensuring accurate functional validation of the LTC2752 in either setup.

Can the DC1684A-B be used to verify LTC2752 timing specifications such as t_SETTLE and glitch impulse?

Yes, the DC1684A-B is explicitly designed for timing validation. It includes SMA connectors for clean signal injection and probing, low-inductance ground paths, and matched-length traces for critical digital lines (SCK, SDI, SRO). With appropriate oscilloscope setup and the on-board LT1469 amplifiers, users can directly measure the LTC2752's 2 µs settling time (to ±0.0015% FS) and sub-2.2 nV·s glitch impulse (at 5V supply) as specified in the LTC2752 datasheet - confirming real-world performance under controlled conditions.

What external components are required to operate the DC1684A-B with the LTC2752?

No external components are required to operate the DC1684A-B. It includes all necessary passive components: precision thin-film resistors for RIN, RCOM, REF, ROFS, and RF networks; 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitors at each VDD pin; LT1469 op-amps for I/V conversion; and header pins for digital interface. Users need only a 3.3V or 5V DC power supply (selected via JP5), an SPI controller (e.g., microcontroller or PC-based interface), and optional test equipment (oscilloscope, DMM) to evaluate the LTC2752 functionality and performance.

Is the DC1684A-B compatible with other Linear Technology DAC evaluation boards or controllers?

Yes, the DC1684A-B uses standard 0.1"-spaced headers and follows Linear Technology's universal evaluation board mechanical and electrical conventions. Its SPI interface (CS/LD, SDI, SCK, SRO) and control signals (LDAC, CLR) are pin-compatible with ADI's QuikEval™ and Linduino platforms. Firmware examples and GUI software provided by Analog Devices for the DC1684A-B are interoperable with their broader suite of DAC evaluation tools, enabling consistent workflow across multiple device families including LTC2751, LTC2753, and LTC2754.