Analog Devices Inc. DC1796A-H

Overview

DC1796A-H from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2364-18 - a low-noise, 18-bit, 250ksps pseudo-differential unipolar SAR ADC operating from a 2.5V supply with 97dB SNR, ±2.5LSB INL max, and 16-pin MSOP/DFN package support. It enables rapid validation of high-speed data acquisition in medical imaging, industrial process control, and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the DC1796A-H datasheet, DC1796A-H pinout, DC1796A-H application, or DC1796A-H equivalent, this board provides full access to the LTC2364-18's SPI-compatible serial interface, daisy-chain mode, internal conversion clock, and precision analog input path - all configured for immediate signal integrity and dynamic performance evaluation at 250ksps.

Technical Context

The DC1796A-H implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2364-18, including the LT6202 low-noise buffer amplifier, precision 5V reference (LTC6655-5), and optimized RC filtering (LPF1/LPF2) per Analog Devices' recommended layout. It supports both single-ended and pseudo-differential input configurations with calibrated gain/level-shifting circuitry for ±10V bipolar-to-0V–5V unipolar conversion.

Board-level features include independent VDD (2.5V) and OVDD (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5V) power domains, REF decoupling with 47µF X5R ceramic capacitor, and CNV-triggered acquisition timing verified to meet tACQ = 3.46µs and tCONV = 1.9–3µs specifications. All critical analog traces are impedance-controlled and isolated from digital noise sources.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1796A-H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical imaging systems, high-speed data acquisition platforms, and low-power battery-operated instrumentation requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs.

Supply support for DC1796A-H 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. (including legacy Linear Technology products) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement and control applications.

The DC1796A-H belongs to Analog Devices' LTC Evaluation Board product line, designed specifically to accelerate prototyping and performance validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding signal-chain applications - emphasizing low-noise layout, thermal stability, and production-relevant testability.

FAQ

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

The DC1796A-H evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for evaluating the LTC2364-18 18-bit SAR ADC. It provides all necessary signal conditioning, reference, power, and interface circuitry to validate dynamic performance (97dB SNR, ±2.5LSB INL), timing behavior (250ksps throughput, no latency), and system integration - directly supporting design-in decisions for DC1796A-H-based data acquisition systems.

Does the DC1796A-H support daisy-chain configuration for multiple ADCs?

Yes, the DC1796A-H supports daisy-chain operation via its implementation of the LTC2364-18's CHAIN pin and RDL/SDI/SDO/SCK interface. When CHAIN is asserted high, the board configures the LTC2364-18 into chain mode, enabling serial cascading of conversion results from multiple DC1796A-H boards or compatible LTC2364-18 devices without additional glue logic.

What reference voltage does the DC1796A-H use, and why is it selected?

The DC1796A-H uses the LTC6655-5 low-drift 5V reference, chosen for its 0.025% initial accuracy and 2ppm/°C temperature coefficient - matching the H-grade extended temperature range (–40°C to 125°C) of the LTC2364-18. This ensures <0.5LSB reference-induced error across the full code span and maintains DC1796A-H performance under thermal stress.

Can the DC1796A-H evaluate bipolar input signals?

Yes - the DC1796A-H includes an LT6202-configured inverting amplifier stage that converts ±10V true bipolar inputs to the 0V–5V pseudo-differential range required by the LTC2364-18. This circuit is validated per Figure 5a in the LTC2364-18 datasheet and delivers 96.9dB SNR and –99.1dB THD for such signals, confirming DC1796A-H capability for full-scale bipolar signal acquisition.

Is the DC1796A-H compatible with standard USB or PC-based data capture tools?

The DC1796A-H itself does not include USB or direct PC interface hardware. It requires connection to a compatible controller (e.g., Analog Devices' DC1075A demo board or custom FPGA/microcontroller) via its 0.1"-spaced header pins exposing CNV, BUSY, SCK, SDI, SDO, and power rails. Data capture is performed using external logic synchronized to the LTC2364-18's native SPI protocol - ensuring DC1796A-H remains a flexible, hardware-agnostic evaluation platform.