Analog Devices Inc. DC2070A

Overview

DC2070A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC5577 wideband active downconverting mixer IC, supporting RF input from 300MHz to 6GHz and IF output up to 1.5GHz. It implements a fully characterized 100Ω differential IF interface with external 180° combiner, integrated 50Ω-matched RF/LO single-ended inputs, and supports +15dBm input P1dB and +30dBm IIP3 performance across multiple frequency bands including 450MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz, 2550MHz, 3500MHz, 4900MHz, and 5900MHz.

For engineers reviewing the DC2070A datasheet, DC2070A pinout, DC2070A application, or DC2070A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-linearity receiver architectures in wireless infrastructure, DPD observation paths, and CATV systems - with full support for LO-side selection (high/low), IF impedance tuning, supply current adjustment via IADJ, and on-die temperature monitoring.

Technical Context

The DC2070A implements the standard test circuit from the LTC5577 datasheet (Figure 1), featuring Murata 0402/0603 passive components, Coilcraft 0603LS IF inductors, and NELCO N4000-13 PCB stack-up optimized for broadband RF integrity. It provides direct access to all 16 pins of the LTC5570A's 4mm × 4mm QFN package, including dedicated RF, LO, IF+, IF–, EN, TEMP, and IADJ test points.

Board-level design incorporates 1nF DC-blocking capacitors on RF/LO/IF paths, 115Ω IF termination resistors for 100Ω differential load matching, 560nH IF pull-up inductors, and configurable matching networks (C3/C4 for RF; C5/C6 for LO) per frequency band - enabling validated operation from 375MHz to 5.9GHz with documented return loss >10dB across all supported ranges.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2070A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure receivers, DPD observation receivers, and CATV infrastructure applications requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and production-ready RF layout reference.

Supply support for DC2070A 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 and maintains full technical and supply chain continuity for all Linear evaluation boards and ICs.

The DC2070A belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-performance receiver subsystems using Linear's high-linearity active mixers.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2070A evaluation board?

The DC2070A evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for the LTC5577 wideband active downconverting mixer. It enables engineers to validate RF-to-IF conversion performance - including conversion gain, IIP3, noise figure, and spurious suppression - across 300MHz–6GHz RF and up to 1.5GHz IF bandwidths, using standardized test configurations defined in the LTC5577 datasheet.

Does the DC2070A support both high-side and low-side LO injection?

Yes, the DC2070A supports both high-side and low-side LO injection as confirmed by its implementation of the Figure 1 test circuit in the LTC5577 datasheet (p.10), which explicitly lists matching component values for both LO configurations across multiple RF bands (e.g., 450MHz/850MHz high-side; 1900MHz/2550MHz low-side). Performance data for both modes appears in Figures G03–G08.

Can the DC2070A be used to evaluate different IF output impedances?

Yes, the DC2070A supports IF output impedance tuning from 50Ω to 400Ω differential by modifying R1/R2 resistor values and L1/L2 inductor values - as stated in the LTC5577 datasheet (p.1): "although it can be used with output impedances ranging from 50Ω to 400Ω, with higher gain and reduced IIP3 and P1dB at the higher impedance levels." The default 115Ω configuration yields 100Ω differential load.

Is temperature monitoring supported on the DC2070A?

Yes, the DC2070A provides direct access to the LTC5577's TEMP pin (Pin 12), enabling die temperature measurement via external current source and voltage readback - as documented in the LTC5577 datasheet (p.4, "Temperature Sensing Diode") and verified in the board's schematic (p.11, Pin 12 labeled "TEMP").

What is the recommended power supply configuration for the DC2070A?

The DC2070A requires a clean, regulated 3.3V supply delivering ≥200mA, connected to VCC pins 6 and 7. The datasheet specifies VCC = 3.3V ±0.3V (p.4) and typical supply current of 180mA when enabled (p.4, p.11). Bypass capacitors (C1, C9 = 1nF and 1µF) are placed per layout guidelines to ensure stable operation across RF frequencies.