Analog Devices Inc. DC1687A

Overview

DC1687A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTC3115-1 40V, 2A synchronous buck-boost DC/DC converter. It implements a non-isolated, wide-input (2.7V–40V) to regulated 5V output power supply delivering up to 2A in step-down mode and 1A with VIN ≥ 3.6V, supporting automotive, industrial, and telecom applications requiring seamless buck/boost transitions and low-noise operation.

For engineers reviewing the DC1687A datasheet, DC1687A pinout, DC1687A application, or DC1687A equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, thermal performance data under real load conditions, supported input/output configurations, synchronization capability with external clocks up to 2MHz, and design guidance for integrating the LTC3115-1 IC into high-reliability power systems.

Technical Context

The DC1687A implements the LTC3115-1 in a 16-lead DFN (4mm × 5mm) package with all critical support components pre-installed: 15µH power inductor (MSS1048), 47µF/25V and 4.7µF/25V output capacitors, 0.1µF BST capacitors, and precision feedback resistors. It supports both PWM and Burst Mode operation via the PWM/SYNC pin, with RT = 35.7kΩ setting f_SW ≈ 1MHz.

Thermal design uses the exposed PGND pad soldered to a 2-layer 2oz copper PCB with 2in² thermal pad area, achieving ≤40°C die temperature rise at 1A/5V output with VIN = 24V. The board includes test points for SW1, SW2, FB, RUN, and VOUT, enabling direct oscilloscope probing of switching waveforms and regulation behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1687A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial sensor node regulators, telecom backup power interfaces, and FireWire-compatible voltage conversion requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping validation.

Supply support for DC1687A 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. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, industrial automation, communications, and automotive markets.

The DC1687A belongs to Analog Devices' Power by Linear™ demonstration board family, designed to accelerate evaluation and adoption of high-voltage buck-boost converters in harsh-environment applications where input voltage unpredictability and efficiency under light loads are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1687A demonstration board?

The DC1687A demonstration board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform for evaluating the LTC3115-1 synchronous buck-boost DC/DC converter. It validates the IC's ability to regulate a stable 5V output across a 2.7V–40V input range, supports both PWM and Burst Mode operation, and demonstrates seamless transitions between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes without output disturbance - all using the DC1687A's pre-optimized layout and component selection.

Can the DC1687A be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes, the DC1687A supports external clock synchronization via the PWM/SYNC pin. When an external clock signal (100kHz–2MHz, ≥100ns pulse width) is applied to this pin, the LTC3115-1 on the DC1687A locks its switching frequency and phase to that clock while operating in fixed-frequency PWM mode - enabling EMI reduction and timing coordination in multi-rail systems using the DC1687A as a reference design.

What output current capabilities does the DC1687A demonstrate under different input conditions?

The DC1687A demonstrates 2A continuous output current when VIN ≥ 6V (step-down dominant operation), 1A when VIN ≥ 3.6V, and maintains regulation down to 2.7V input with reduced current capability. These values are confirmed by Figure 31151 G12 and G13 in the LTC3115-1 datasheet and validated on the DC1687A board using its 15µH MSS1048 inductor and dual-output-capacitor configuration.

Does the DC1687A include provisions for measuring key waveforms during operation?

Yes, the DC1687A includes dedicated test points for SW1, SW2, FB, RUN, and VOUT, allowing direct oscilloscope probing without soldering or modification. These points enable real-time observation of switch-node transitions, feedback loop response, enable/disable behavior, and output ripple - essential for validating dynamic performance and stability margins of the LTC3115-1 implementation on the DC1687A.

Is the DC1687A compatible with AEC-Q100 automotive requirements?

The DC1687A itself is not qualified to AEC-Q100, but it hosts the LTC3115-1EDHD-1 and LTC3115IDHD-1 variants - both explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. When used with those automotive-grade ICs and following recommended layout practices (including exposed pad soldering and thermal pad design), the DC1687A serves as a compliant evaluation platform for qualifying the LTC3115-1 in automotive power systems.