Analog Devices Inc. DC1796A-B

Overview

DC1796A-B from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTC6360 low-noise SAR ADC driver IC, configured as a unity-gain single-ended buffer with 10Ω/330pF output filter and on-board charge pump decoupling. It supports true-zero-output swing (–0.48V to 4.91V) on a single 5V supply, delivers 110dB SNR in 3MHz bandwidth, and enables fast 150ns settling to 16-bit accuracy for precision data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1796A-B datasheet, DC1796A-B pinout, DC1796A-B application, or DC1796A-B equivalent, this board provides validated layout, thermal management, and charge pump filtering for evaluating LTC6360 performance in high-resolution SAR ADC front-ends, low-distortion signal chains, and single-supply zero-swing sensor interfaces.

Technical Context

The DC1796A-B implements the LTC6360 in a fixed unity-gain configuration with RFILT = 10Ω and CFILT = 330pF at the output, matching the recommended decompensation network for stable operation. It integrates dedicated 0.1µF CPI bypass and 10µF CPO bulk capacitors to suppress 10MHz charge pump ripple, achieving <12µVRMS output noise floor.

This board exposes all LTC6360 pins-including CPO, CPI, SHDN, +IN, –IN, OUT, VCC, VDD, and GND-on test points and solder pads, enabling direct probing, signal injection, and alternative gain configurations while preserving the internal charge pump's negative rail generation capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1796A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, industrial sensor signal conditioning, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply and validated reference design implementation.

Supply support for DC1796A-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. is a global semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and signal chain applications.

The DC1796A-B belongs to Analog Devices' Linear Technology evaluation board product line, designed to accelerate prototyping and validation of high-speed, low-noise amplifier solutions in demanding data conversion and sensor interface applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1796A-B evaluation board?

The DC1796A-B evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested demonstration platform for the LTC6360 SAR ADC driver IC. It implements the recommended unity-gain configuration with 10Ω/330pF output filtering and optimized charge pump decoupling (0.1µF CPI + 10µF CPO), enabling immediate characterization of true-zero-output swing, 110dB SNR, and 150ns settling performance without custom PCB development. The DC1796A-B allows engineers to validate LTC6360 behavior in real-world ADC front-end designs.

Does the DC1796A-B support alternative gain configurations beyond unity gain?

Yes, the DC1796A-B provides full access to all LTC6360 pins-including +IN, –IN, OUT, VCC, VDD, SHDN, CPO, CPI, and GND-via test points and solder pads. While shipped in unity-gain configuration, users can reconfigure it for noninverting or inverting gains by adding external feedback resistors (e.g., RF and RG per Figure 3/4 of LTC6360 datasheet). The board's layout preserves signal integrity and thermal performance regardless of gain setting, making DC1796A-B suitable for evaluating multiple LTC6360 operating modes.

How does the DC1796A-B manage LTC6360's on-chip charge pump noise?

The DC1796A-B mitigates LTC6360's 10MHz charge pump ripple using a two-tier decoupling strategy: a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor directly between CPI and GND suppresses high-frequency switching noise, while a 10µF tantalum capacitor between CPO and GND handles bulk current transients. This combination reduces output ripple to <12µVRMS (measured at OUT with 50Ω load), ensuring clean signal delivery to SAR ADCs. The DC1796A-B's layout routes CPI/CPO traces short and wide, minimizing inductance that could degrade ripple suppression.

Can the DC1796A-B be used with ADCs other than those specified in the LTC6360 datasheet?

Yes, the DC1796A-B is not ADC-specific-it is a general-purpose LTC6360 evaluation platform. Its 50Ω SMA output connector and accessible input nodes allow interfacing with any SAR ADC requiring a low-noise, fast-settling, true-zero-output driver, including but not limited to ADI's own AD7980, AD7960, or third-party equivalents. Users must verify timing compatibility (e.g., acquisition window vs. 150ns settling) and input capacitance loading effects, but the DC1796A-B provides the validated analog front-end foundation for such integration.

What thermal considerations apply when operating the DC1796A-B at maximum ratings?

The DC1796A-B uses the LTC6360 in its 3mm × 3mm DFN package with exposed pad thermally connected to the board's ground plane, achieving θJA = 43°C/W. At full 17.5mA total supply current (ICC + IDD), power dissipation is ~88mW; ambient temperatures up to 125°C are supported provided airflow or heatsinking maintains junction temperature ≤150°C. No additional heatsink is required for standard lab use, but sustained operation above 85°C ambient should include thermal monitoring-especially when driving heavy capacitive loads that increase charge pump current demand. The DC1796A-B's thermal design ensures reliable LTC6360 operation across its full –40°C to 125°C specification range.