Analog Devices Inc. DC2025A-B

Overview

DC2025A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 16-channel, 16-bit ±10V SoftSpan DAC evaluation board for the LTC2668-16 family. It provides full access to all 16 analog outputs, independent channel range programming (0V–5V, 0V–10V, ±2.5V, ±5V, ±10V), integrated 2.5V reference with ≤10ppm/°C drift, and SPI/Microwire interface up to 50MHz. It supports precision instrumentation and automated test equipment requiring multichannel voltage synthesis.

For engineers reviewing the DC2025A-B datasheet, DC2025A-B pinout, DC2025A-B application, or DC2025A-B equivalent, key selection considerations include its direct support for LTC2668-16 operation, onboard reference buffering, hardware-configurable MSPAN pins, A/B toggle capability via TGP, and compatibility with ±15V/5V/1.8V logic supplies - critical for validating rail-to-rail output performance and monotonicity across temperature.

Technical Context

The DC2025A-B implements the full signal chain of the LTC2668-16 IC: dual 32-bit shift registers (Register A/B), per-channel programmable span control, internal 2.5V reference routed to REF/REFCOMP, and monitor multiplexer routing any VOUTx to the MUX pin. All 16 DAC outputs feature rail-to-rail buffers capable of sourcing/sinking ±10mA with ≤4LSB INL error at 16 bits.

It exposes all critical control signals - CS/LD, SCK, SDI, SDO, LDAC, CLR, TGP, and MSP0–MSP2 - enabling both software-controlled range configuration and hardware-selectable power-on defaults. The board includes bypass capacitors (1µF on AVP/V+/V–, 0.1µF on OVP/REFCOMP), thermal protection monitoring via OVRTMP, and solderable exposed pad for V– thermal management.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2025A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision instrumentation, automatic test equipment, process control systems, and optical networking applications requiring stable component supply and validated DAC performance.

Supply support for DC2025A-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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, formed through the acquisition of Linear Technology in 2017.

The DC2025A-B belongs to ADI's precision DAC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate validation of the LTC2668-16's multichannel SoftSpan architecture, A/B toggle functionality, and ±10V rail-to-rail output performance in industrial and test-system environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2025A-B evaluation board?

The DC2025A-B evaluation board is a fully populated, ready-to-use platform for evaluating the LTC2668-16 16-channel, 16-bit ±10V SoftSpan DAC. It enables rapid prototyping and characterization of all device features - including independent channel range selection, A/B register toggling, SPI interface timing, reference stability, and rail-to-rail output drive - without custom PCB design. DC2025A-B directly interfaces with standard controllers via its accessible header pins and onboard jumpers.

Does the DC2025A-B support both LTC2668-16 and LTC2668-12 variants?

No - the DC2025A-B is specifically configured and tested for the LTC2668-16 (16-bit resolution) variant. While the physical footprint and pinout are identical between LTC2668-16 and LTC2668-12 QFN packages, the board's firmware, default configurations, and characterization data (e.g., INL ≤±4LSB, DNL ≤±1LSB) reflect the 16-bit part's specifications. Using it with LTC2668-12 requires explicit validation of timing and register behavior per that variant's datasheet.

How is the output voltage range selected on the DC2025A-B?

Output range selection on the DC2025A-B is implemented via two methods: (1) Hardware configuration using the MSP0, MSP1, and MSP2 pins (accessible via onboard jumpers) to set power-on default span and reset code; and (2) Software control via SPI writes to each channel's span register. Both methods support all five ranges: 0V–5V, 0V–10V, ±2.5V, ±5V, and ±10V. The board includes pull-up/pull-down options to configure MSPAN pins per Table 4 in the LTC2668 datasheet.

Can the DC2025A-B operate with single-supply (V– = GND) configurations?

Yes - the DC2025A-B supports single-supply operation by connecting V– to GND, enabling unipolar output ranges (0V–5V, 0V–10V). In this mode, the analog outputs swing rail-to-rail from GND to V+, with headroom limited only by the output amplifier's 60Ω typical channel resistance. The board's layout and bypassing (1µF on V–) accommodate both bipolar (±15V) and single-supply (5V/GND) use cases without modification.

What reference options does the DC2025A-B provide for the LTC2668-16?

The DC2025A-B supports both internal and external reference modes. By default, the integrated 2.5V reference is enabled and routed to the REF and REFCOMP pins (with 0.1µF capacitor on REFCOMP). To use an external reference, users disconnect the internal reference by tying REFCOMP to GND and apply a precision voltage (0.5V to AVP–1.75V) to the REF pin. The board includes dedicated test points and jumper options for seamless switching between reference sources.