Analog Devices Inc. DC2111A-B

Overview

DC2111A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 4-phase, high-efficiency, 1.2V/120A step-down evaluation board built around the LTC3774EUHE controller and FDMF5820DC DrMOS power stages. It operates at 400kHz switching frequency across 10V–14V input, delivers ±1.5% output regulation, achieves 90.6% full-load efficiency at 12V_IN, and supports remote sensing, phase shedding, and dynamic load testing - designed for high-current CPU/GPU core power delivery in server and telecom infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the DC2111A-B datasheet, DC2111A-B pinout, DC2111A-B application, or DC2111A-B equivalent, this page provides verified performance data, thermal behavior under 120A load, comparative analysis vs. DC2111A-A, jumper configuration guidance, and design insights for implementing ultra-low-DCR inductor-based multiphase converters with sub-mΩ current sensing.

Technical Context

The DC2111A-B implements a synchronous 4-phase buck architecture using the LTC3774EUHE controller to drive four FDMF5820DC DrMOS modules, each paired with a Würth 744301033 (0.33µH, 0.325mΩ) inductor. It employs sub-mΩ DCR current sensing and supports interleaved operation with 90° phase shift to reduce input/output ripple.

Unlike the -A variant, the -B assembly omits LTC4226-1 hot-swap circuits and LTC4352 ideal diodes, eliminating N+1 MOSFET failure protection to maximize efficiency and output current capability. Its bias supply is shared across phases, and it lacks per-phase 5V isolation or external OVP crowbar circuitry.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2111A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-density server power delivery, AI accelerator board development, and telecom baseband unit design requiring stable component supply and validated 120A multiphase reference designs.

Supply support for DC2111A-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 acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains its portfolio of high-performance power management ICs, known for precision analog integration and rugged industrial reliability.

The DC2111A-B belongs to Linear's demonstration board family targeting high-current DC/DC converter validation; it was engineered to showcase the LTC3774EUHE's capability in ultra-low-DCR, high-phase-count applications for next-generation computing infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the key functional difference between DC2111A-B and DC2111A-A?

The DC2111A-B is optimized for maximum efficiency and output current (120A), omitting the LTC4226-1 hot-swap controllers and LTC4352 ideal diodes present on the DC2111A-A. This removes N+1 MOSFET failure protection but reduces conduction loss and increases power density. The DC2111A-B also lacks per-phase 5V bias isolation and external crowbar OVP, making it appropriate for non-fail-safe, high-performance deployments where uptime is managed at system level rather than per-phase hardware.

Does DC2111A-B support remote voltage sensing, and how is it implemented?

Yes, DC2111A-B supports true 4-wire remote sensing via dedicated VOS+ and VOS− turrets located near the output studs. These connections feed directly into the LTC3774EUHE's VOSNS1+/VOSNS1− and VOSNS2+/VOSNS2− pins, enabling accurate regulation at the load point by compensating for PCB trace IR drop. Users must avoid connecting loads between VOS+ and VOS−, as specified in the demo manual, to prevent damage.

Can DC2111A-B be used with input voltages outside the 10V–14V range?

No - DC2111A-B is validated only for 10V to 14V input per its performance summary and schematic constraints. The LTC3774EUHE controller supports wider VIN ranges, but the board-level design (including DrMOS ratings, input capacitor derating, and gate drive margins) is qualified strictly within 10–14V. Operating outside this range may compromise reliability, regulation, or safety margins and is not supported by Linear's documentation for DC2111A-B.

How is phase shedding enabled on DC2111A-B, and what benefit does it provide?

Phase shedding on DC2111A-B is implemented via the MODE pin (JP2) and internal LTC3774EUHE logic. When configured for CCM mode (JP2 pins 1–2 shorted), the controller dynamically disables phases under light load to maintain high efficiency - reducing switching and gate drive losses. This extends battery life in portable test setups and lowers no-load power dissipation in always-on infrastructure systems, with seamless reactivation as load increases.

What are the critical layout considerations when replicating DC2111A-B's 120A capability in a custom design?

Replicating DC2111A-B's 120A performance requires strict adherence to its 4-layer PCB stack-up, 2oz copper on power planes, symmetric current-loop routing for all four phases, Kelvin connections for DCR sense resistors (RS1–RS4), and thermal vias under DrMOS EP pads. The board uses 2512-format 0.007Ω sense resistors and Würth 744301033 inductors - substituting alternate magnetics or sense elements without recalculating compensation will degrade stability and current accuracy. DC2111A-B's layout is not a generic template but a thermally and electrically co-optimized reference.