Analog Devices Inc. DC2089A-A

Overview

DC2089A-A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 2-phase PolyPhase® step-down slave controller evaluation board for the LTC3870 IC. It enables multiphase operation with LTC3880-family master controllers, supports 4.5V–60V input, 0.5V–14V output, and provides precise current sharing across phases using peak current mode control and synchronized switching up to 1MHz. Used in high-current telecom power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the DC2089A-A datasheet, DC2089A-A pinout, DC2089A-A application, or DC2089A-A equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, supported master controller interfaces (LTC3880/3883/3886/3887), phase extension capability, EXTVCC biasing options, and real-world load transient performance data from the official demo circuit.

Technical Context

The DC2089A-A implements the LTC3870's dual-channel slave architecture in a production-ready layout, featuring two independent synchronous buck phases with integrated N-channel MOSFET gate drivers (TG/BG), programmable CCM/DCM mode via MODE0/MODE1 pins, and phase-shift control via PHASMD. It interfaces exclusively with LTC3880-family masters through ITH, RUN, SYNC, FAULT, and ILIM signal routing.

Board-level design incorporates critical support circuitry: 4.7µF INTVCC bypass, 4.7µF EXTVCC bypass, precision DCR-based current sensing networks matching master reference designs, and thermal management via exposed-pad soldering per LTC3870 UFD package requirements. No onboard voltage regulation - output voltage and loop compensation are fully managed by the master controller.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2089A-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power systems, industrial distributed power architectures, and high-reliability embedded computing applications requiring stable component supply and validated multiphase reference designs.

Supply support for DC2089A-A 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 manufacturing continuity for all Linear power products, including the LTC3870 family and its evaluation platforms.

The DC2089A-A belongs to Linear Technology's Power by Linear™ evaluation board portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate development of digital power system management solutions using the LTC3880-family master + LTC3870 slave architecture.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2089A-A evaluation board?

The DC2089A-A is a fully assembled and tested demonstration platform for the LTC3870 dual-phase PolyPhase® slave controller. It does not operate autonomously - it must be used with an LTC3880-family master controller (e.g., LTC3880, LTC3883) to form a complete multiphase DC/DC converter. The DC2089A-A validates phase extension, current sharing accuracy, transient response, and interface compatibility per the LTC3870 datasheet specifications.

Which master controllers are compatible with DC2089A-A?

The DC2089A-A is explicitly designed for use with LTC3880, LTC3880-1, LTC3883, LTC3883-1, LTC3886, and LTC3887 master controllers - as confirmed in the LTC3870 datasheet Applications section and Typical Application schematic. Compatibility relies on shared pin definitions (ITH, RUN, SYNC, FAULT, ILIM) and PMBus command mapping; no third-party or non-LTC masters are supported.

Does DC2089A-A include onboard output voltage regulation or feedback compensation?

No. The DC2089A-A implements only the slave-side power stage and interface circuitry. Output voltage regulation, loop compensation, and fault management are handled entirely by the master controller (e.g., LTC3880). The DC2089A-A provides no local error amplifier, VFB network, or compensation components - those reside on the master board per the LTC3870's system architecture.

Can DC2089A-A operate without an external master controller?

No. The DC2089A-A has no internal oscillator, voltage reference, or control loop - it is a pure slave board. All timing (SYNC), enable (RUN), current command (ITH), and protection (FAULT) signals must be driven by an LTC3880-family master. Attempting standalone operation results in no switching activity, as confirmed by the LTC3870's dependency on master-sourced ITH voltage and RUN logic.

What thermal and layout requirements apply to DC2089A-A?

The DC2089A-A uses the LTC3870EUFD/IUFD in a 28-pin 4mm × 5mm QFN (UFD) package with exposed pad (Pin 29 = SGND). Per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings and Pin Functions section, the exposed pad must be soldered to PCB copper for thermal conduction and signal grounding. Layout must minimize PGND/SNGD separation, use low-ESR 4.7µF capacitors on INTVCC and EXTVCC, and match DCR sensing networks to the master controller's configuration to ensure accurate current sharing on the DC2089A-A.