Analog Devices Inc. DC1996A-D

Overview

DC1996A-D from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTC2321-14 dual 14-bit + sign SAR ADC, supporting 2Msps per channel, ±1LSB INL (typ), 80dB SNR at 500kHz, and differential input ranges up to ±4.096V with internal 2.048V/4.096V reference. It enables rapid evaluation of high-speed data acquisition in industrial control and optical networking systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC1996A-D datasheet, DC1996A-D pinout, DC1996A-D application, or DC1996A-D equivalent, this board provides validated LVDS/CMOS serial interface timing, on-board reference decoupling, thermal management for 125°C operation, and FPGA-compatible SDO/CLKOUT skew-matched output alignment - critical for deterministic real-time sampling in motor control and remote DAQ designs.

Technical Context

The DC1996A-D implements the LTC2321-14 in a 28-lead 4mm × 5mm QFN package with exposed pad grounding, supporting both CMOS and LVDS I/O modes via the CMOS/LVDS pin (Pin 25). It routes all analog inputs (AIN1±, AIN2±), reference outputs (REFOUT1/2), and high-speed serial signals (SCK±, SDO1±/SDO2±, CLKOUT±) to edge-mounted SMA connectors and header pins for signal integrity validation.

Board-level design includes 10µF + 0.1µF ceramic decoupling on VDD and REFOUT pins, 1µF bypassing on VBYP1/VBYP2, and 100Ω differential termination for LVDS paths. The CNV input is conditioned for low-jitter triggering, and the REFINT pin is accessible for external reference enable/disable - preserving full LTC2321-14 functional fidelity across temperature grades (–40°C to 125°C).

Key Specifications

Availability

DC1996A-D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, optical networking equipment, and multiphase motor control applications requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for DC1996A-D 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 (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets.

The DC1996A-D belongs to Analog Devices' LTC Demonstration Board family, engineered specifically to validate high-speed, low-noise ADC performance under real-world layout, power, and thermal conditions - not just bench characterization.

FAQ

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

The DC1996A-D evaluation board is designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the full electrical and timing performance of the LTC2321-14 dual 14-bit + sign SAR ADC. It provides direct access to all analog inputs, reference outputs, and high-speed LVDS/CMOS serial interfaces - enabling engineers to verify 2Msps dual-channel sampling, ±1LSB INL, 80dB SNR, and no-cycle latency behavior in their target system context before committing to custom PCB design. The DC1996A-D does not include microcontroller firmware or abstraction layers.

Does the DC1996A-D support both CMOS and LVDS interface modes for the LTC2321-14?

Yes, the DC1996A-D fully supports both interface modes via hardware configuration. The CMOS/LVDS pin (Pin 25 of the LTC2321-14) is routed to a jumper option: grounded for CMOS mode, tied to OVDD for standard LVDS mode, or left floating for low-power LVDS mode. All associated signals - SCK±, SDO1±/SDO2±, and CLKOUT± - are properly terminated and routed with controlled impedance for each mode, ensuring compliance with LVDS differential voltage (100–300mV) and common-mode (0.85–1.4V) specifications per the LTC2321-14 datasheet.

Can the DC1996A-D be used to evaluate the LTC2321-14 at its maximum operating temperature of 125°C?

Yes, the DC1996A-D is qualified for operation across the full –40°C to 125°C range specified for the LTC2321HUFD-14 variant. Its PCB layout features thermal vias under the exposed pad (Pin 29), copper pour optimization for heat dissipation, and component selection rated for 125°C ambient. The board has been validated with thermal imaging and long-duration soak testing at 125°C while maintaining 2Msps sampling integrity, 80dB SNR, and stable REFOUT1/2 output - confirming compatibility with high-reliability industrial and automotive applications.

How is the internal reference of the LTC2321-14 implemented on the DC1996A-D?

The DC1996A-D implements the LTC2321-14's internal 2.048V/4.096V reference with precision decoupling: each REFOUT1 and REFOUT2 pin is bypassed using a parallel combination of a 10µF X5R ceramic capacitor (0805) and a 0.1µF X7R ceramic capacitor (0402), placed directly adjacent with no vias. REFRTN1 and REFRTN2 are individually bypassed to their respective REFOUT pins as specified. The REFINT pin is accessible via test point, allowing users to disable internal buffers and inject external references from 1.25V to 5V - preserving full datasheet-compliant reference flexibility.

What signal sources and measurement equipment are recommended for validating DC1996A-D performance?

To validate DC1996A-D performance per LTC2321-14 specifications, use a low-jitter function generator (e.g., Keysight 33600A) for CNV and SCK inputs, a calibrated differential signal source (e.g., Tektronix AWG5200) for AIN1±/AIN2±, and a high-bandwidth oscilloscope (≥1GHz) with differential probes for SDO/CLKOUT timing analysis. For dynamic performance, a spectrum analyzer (e.g., Keysight PXA) with 32k-point FFT capability is required to confirm 80dB SNR and –90dB THD at 500kHz. All measurements must follow the layout and decoupling guidelines documented in the DC1996A-D user guide and LTC2321-14 datasheet.