Analog Devices Inc. DC2071A-B

Overview

DC2071A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2372-18 - an 18-bit, 500ksps, 8-channel SAR ADC with onboard 2.048V reference and SPI interface. It supports fully differential (±4.096V), pseudo-differential unipolar (0–4.096V), and bipolar (±2.048V) input ranges, achieves 100dB SNR (fully diff.), ±2.75LSB INL max, and operates from a single 5V supply. Designed for high-precision industrial data acquisition and ATE systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC2071A-B datasheet, DC2071A-B pinout, DC2071A-B application, or DC2071A-B equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC modes, reference buffer behavior, sequencer programming capability, and thermal performance up to 125°C - all critical for system-level validation and layout integration.

Technical Context

The DC2071A-B implements the full signal chain for the LTC2372-18, including precision analog front-end filtering (10Ω/1200pF RC networks per channel), low-noise 5V supply regulation (47µF + 2.2µF + 0.1µF bypassing), and configurable REFBUF output (4.096V or overdriven 5V). It routes all 32 QFN pins to test points and headers, enabling direct probing of CNV, BUSY, SDO/SCK/SDI, MUXOUT±, and ADCIN± signals.

Board-level features include jumpers for OVDD selection (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5V logic compatibility), RESET control, RDL bus enable, and CH0–CH7 channel access via screw terminals. The design adheres to the LTC2372-18's timing requirements: tCONV = 1.5µs, tCYC = 2µs, and supports sequencer depth of 16 with programmable digital gain compression.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2071A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, high-speed data acquisition, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and documented signal integrity validation.

Supply support for DC2071A-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 technologies, acquired Linear Technology in 2017 to expand precision data conversion capabilities.

The DC2071A-B belongs to ADI's Linear Technology Evaluation Board product line, engineered to accelerate prototyping and validation of high-resolution SAR ADCs in demanding measurement applications where noise floor, crosstalk, and thermal drift are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2071A-B evaluation board?

The DC2071A-B evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the LTC2372-18 18-bit, 8-channel SAR ADC. It provides accessible signal paths for all analog inputs (CH0–CH7), reference outputs (REFBUF/REFIN), and SPI interface lines (SCK/SDI/SDO/BUSY/CNV), enabling immediate characterization of dynamic performance (SNR, THD, SFDR), INL/DNL, and sequencer functionality without custom PCB development. DC2071A-B supports all three input configurations: fully differential, pseudo-differential unipolar, and pseudo-differential bipolar.

Does the DC2071A-B support the full 125°C operating range of the LTC2372-18?

Yes, the DC2071A-B is designed and tested to operate reliably across the full –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature range, matching the specifications of the LTC2372HUH-18 variant. Component selection (e.g., 1200pF C0G capacitors, 10Ω thick-film resistors, high-temp PCB finish) and thermal layout (exposed pad soldering, copper pour) ensure stability under extended thermal stress. DC2071A-B maintains 100dB SNR and ±2.75LSB INL performance across this range when used with appropriate external clock and power conditioning.

Can the DC2071A-B be used with external reference sources?

Yes, the DC2071A-B supports external reference operation via the REFIN pin. When an external 2.048V source is applied to REFIN, the internal reference buffer (REFBUF) must be disabled by grounding REFIN or setting it to 0V per datasheet Note 9. The board includes dedicated test points and jumper options to isolate the internal 2.048V reference and route external voltage directly to the ADC's reference input. This configuration preserves the LTC2372-18's specified 95–100dB SNR and ±2.75LSB INL accuracy.

How does the DC2071A-B implement channel sequencing and digital gain compression?

The DC2071A-B exposes all control signals required to program the LTC2372-18's 16-deep sequencer and digital gain compression feature via its SPI interface. Users configure channel order, input range per channel, and gain settings using standard SPI write commands to the device's configuration register. The board's BUSY and CNV signals synchronize acquisition, while RDL enables tri-state control of the SDO line during multi-board daisy-chaining. DC2071A-B's firmware-agnostic design allows integration with any host controller supporting SPI clock rates up to 100MHz.

Is the DC2071A-B compatible with standard Arduino or Raspberry Pi microcontrollers?

The DC2071A-B is not plug-and-play compatible with Arduino or Raspberry Pi due to its 5V analog supply requirement, precise timing constraints (tCNVH ≥ 20ns, tSCK ≤ 10ns), and lack of native level-shifting or driver firmware. However, it can be interfaced using external level translators (e.g., TXB0108 for 3.3V↔5V SPI) and custom software that adheres to the LTC2372-18's timing and command protocol. Successful integration requires careful attention to CNV edge alignment, BUSY polling, and SDO setup/hold timing - all validated on DC2071A-B through oscilloscope measurements documented in the user guide.