Analog Devices Inc. DC1931B

Overview

DC1931B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 196-lead, 15mm × 15mm BGA evaluation board for the LTM9013 μModule wideband I/Q receiver. It provides full access to the LTM9013's RF input (0.7–4 GHz), LO differential port, dual 14-bit 310 Msps DDR LVDS digital outputs, and configurable gain/enable/shutdown control pins. Designed for rapid prototyping of cellular base station receivers and digital predistortion feedback paths.

For engineers reviewing the DC1931B datasheet, DC1931B pinout, DC1931B application, or DC1931B equivalent, this page delivers verified layout integration details, power sequencing guidance, RF/LO interface validation data, and confirmed compatibility with LTM9013CY-AA#PBF and LTM9013IY-AA#PBF variants - critical for infrastructure-grade signal chain development.

Technical Context

The DC1931B implements a complete reference design for the LTM9013, including matched 50Ω single-ended RF input with integrated broadband transformer, 50Ω differential LO interface with external matching network provisions, and fully decoupled triple-supply rails (5V/VCC1, 3.3V/VCC2, 1.8V/VDD & OVDD). It supports both serial (SPI) and parallel programming modes via PAR/SER pin routing.

Board-level features include on-board clock duty cycle stabilizer enablement, selectable LVDS output current (3.5 mA or 7.5 mA), overflow/underflow monitoring via OF+/OF– headers, and independent channel shutdown (SHDN_I/SHDN_Q) and enable (EN_I/EN_Q) test points. All analog signal paths use controlled-impedance microstrip routing per LTM9013's 300 MHz lowpass filter bandwidth requirement.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1931B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular base station development, digital predistortion (DPD) receiver validation, and wideband low-IF receiver testing requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for DC1931B 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 semiconductors, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and instrumentation markets.

The DC1931B belongs to ADI's μModule evaluation board product line, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for complex SiP receivers like the LTM9013 by providing production-ready RF layout, validated power delivery, and debug-accessible control interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1931B evaluation board?

The DC1931B evaluation board is designed exclusively to prototype, validate, and characterize the LTM9013 μModule wideband I/Q receiver. It provides full electrical and mechanical interface access - including RF/LO SMA ports, DDR LVDS output headers, SPI programming interface, and test points for all gain/enable/shutdown pins - enabling engineers to verify AC performance (e.g., 59 dB SNR, 66 dBc IM3), frequency flatness (1.3 dB up to 300 MHz), and system-level timing (e.g., tJITTER = 0.15 psRMS) without custom PCB development. The DC1931B is not a standalone IC or functional module.

Does the DC1931B support both LTM9013C and LTM9013I temperature grades?

Yes, the DC1931B is hardware-compatible with both LTM9013CY-AA#PBF (0°C to 70°C) and LTM9013IY-AA#PBF (–40°C to 85°C) variants. Its layout, power delivery, and signal routing meet the thermal and electrical requirements specified across both temperature ranges. No board modification is required to swap between these LTM9013 variants, and all documented DC1931B performance data applies to both grades when operated within their respective ambient limits.

How is RF input matching implemented on the DC1931B for frequencies outside 1.5–2.7 GHz?

The DC1931B includes dedicated surface-mount pads adjacent to the RF SMA connector to support external impedance matching networks for operation below 1.5 GHz or above 2.7 GHz. These pads allow placement of series inductors and/or shunt capacitors - as specified in the LTM9013 datasheet Figure 2 - to transform the 50Ω source impedance to match the LTM9013's internal RF port across the full 0.7–4 GHz range. The board's default configuration assumes mid-band (1.5–2.7 GHz) operation where no external matching is needed due to internal 50Ω termination.

Can the DC1931B be used to evaluate LTM9013's clock duty cycle stabilizer feature?

Yes, the DC1931B provides direct access to the CS pin (used to enable/disable the clock duty cycle stabilizer per Table 4 of the LTM9013 datasheet) and includes appropriate bypassing and routing to maintain signal integrity for CLK+/CLK– inputs. When configured in parallel programming mode (PAR/SER tied to OVDD), asserting CS high enables the stabilizer, allowing the DC1931B to demonstrate high-performance sampling (e.g., 59 dB SNR) across wide clock duty cycle variations - a key capability verified in LTM9013 Typical Performance Characteristics (Figure G05–G07).

What digital output format does the DC1931B deliver from the LTM9013?

The DC1931B routes the LTM9013's native DDR LVDS digital outputs to 26-pin high-speed headers (13 differential pairs per I/Q channel), supporting 14-bit resolution at 310 Msps. Each pair carries multiplexed even/odd data bits synchronized to CLKOUT+, with programmable output current (3.5 mA or 7.5 mA) selected via SDI in parallel mode. The board includes on-board 100Ω differential termination and supports connection to FPGA-based capture systems compliant with ANSI/TIA/EIA-644-A LVDS standards.