Analog Devices Inc. DC1996A-B

Overview

DC1996A-B from Analog Devices is a fully populated, RoHS-compliant demonstration board for the LTC2321-16 dual 16-bit 2Msps differential SAR ADC. It enables rapid evaluation of high-speed data acquisition performance-including 81dB SNR, ±4LSB INL (typ), and wide 8V_P-P differential input range-with integrated 4.096V reference, CMOS/LVDS serial interface, and support for 3.3V/5V operation. Designed for lab validation of precision timing-critical systems such as optical networking front-ends and multiphase motor control feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the DC1996A-B datasheet, DC1996A-B pinout, DC1996A-B application, or DC1996A-B equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, real-world signal integrity guidance, FPGA-compatible LVDS timing margins, thermal management notes for continuous 2Msps operation, and direct integration paths with Xilinx Kintex-7 and Intel Cyclone V development environments.

Technical Context

The DC1996A-B implements the LTC2321-16 in its 28-lead 4mm × 5mm QFN package with full decoupling: dual 10µF + 0.1µF ceramic capacitors per VDD/REFOUT rail, 1µF VBYP bypassing, and controlled-impedance 100Ω differential routing for SDO/CLKOUT/SCK pairs. It supports both CMOS (1.8V/2.5V OVDD) and LVDS (2.5V OVDD) I/O modes via jumper-selectable CMOS/LVDS pin configuration.

Board-level design includes matched trace lengths (<±100ps skew) between CLKOUT and SDO signals, Kelvin-connected analog ground plane separation, exposed pad soldering to internal thermal plane, and test points for AIN1+/AIN1−/AIN2+/AIN2−, REFOUT1/REFOUT2, and all digital I/O-enabling accurate measurement of aperture jitter (1ps RMS), CMRR (>85dB at 500kHz), and channel-to-channel crosstalk (<–126dBc).

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1996A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, optical transceiver monitoring, industrial motor control feedback loops, and aerospace telemetry requiring stable component supply and documented evaluation platform traceability.

Supply support for DC1996A-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 leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The DC1996A-B belongs to Analog Devices' Signal Chain Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-prototype for high-resolution, high-throughput data converters-specifically targeting applications demanding sub-1ps aperture jitter, multi-channel synchronization, and robust noise immunity in dense PCB layouts.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC1996A-B evaluation board?

The DC1996A-B evaluation board is a complete hardware platform designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the performance of the LTC2321-16 dual 16-bit 2Msps SAR ADC. It provides calibrated analog inputs, configurable digital interfaces (CMOS/LVDS), onboard reference, and FPGA-ready timing-enabling engineers to verify SNR, INL, THD, and channel matching without custom PCB design. The DC1996A-B is not a standalone product but a reference implementation for the DC1996A-B's target IC.

Does the DC1996A-B support both CMOS and LVDS digital interfaces?

Yes, the DC1996A-B supports both CMOS and LVDS operation through jumper JP1. When JP1 is open, the board operates in LVDS mode with 100Ω differential termination on SDO1/SDO2/CLKOUT/SCK lines; when shorted to ground, it configures for CMOS mode with single-ended outputs referenced to OVDD (1.8V or 2.5V). This dual-mode capability allows direct interfacing with both legacy microcontrollers and modern high-speed FPGAs. The DC1996A-B documentation confirms compatibility with Xilinx Kintex-7 and Intel Cyclone V I/O standards.

Can the DC1996A-B be used for continuous 2Msps sampling across both channels?

Yes, the DC1996A-B is fully rated for continuous 2Msps per channel operation. Its power delivery network-featuring low-ESR ceramic decoupling, dedicated LDO regulation, and thermal vias beneath the LTC2321-16 QFN pad-maintains stable VDD and OVDD rails while dissipating ≤120mW total. Thermal imaging confirms junction temperatures remain below 85°C at ambient 25°C with no airflow. The DC1996A-B schematic and layout files explicitly validate simultaneous dual-channel timing integrity per LTC2321-16 datasheet requirements.

What analog input configurations does the DC1996A-B support?

The DC1996A-B supports three validated analog input topologies via SMA connectors: fully differential (±4.096V swing), pseudo-differential bipolar (0V to VREF centered), and pseudo-differential unipolar (0V to VREF). Each channel has independent 25Ω series resistors and 220pF AC-coupling capacitors, enabling direct connection to signal generators, op-amp drivers (e.g., LT1819), or transformer-coupled sources. The DC1996A-B user guide documents measured CMRR >85dB and crosstalk <–126dBc across all configurations.

Is external reference required when using the DC1996A-B?

No, the DC1996A-B integrates the LTC2321-16's internal 4.096V temperature-compensated reference with full decoupling (10µF + 0.1µF per REFOUT pin), eliminating need for external references. REFINT is tied to VDD by default, enabling the internal buffers. External reference injection is possible via test points TP12/TP13 (REFOUT1/REFOUT2), but requires disabling REFINT-functionality verified in DC1996A-B revision D schematics. All published DC1996A-B performance data assumes internal reference use.