Analog Devices Inc. DC2191A-A

Overview

DC2191A-A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully assembled, production-ready evaluation board for the LT5579 high-linearity upconverting mixer IC. It supports RF output frequencies from 1.5GHz to 3.8GHz, delivers +27.3dBm OIP3 at 2.14GHz, achieves –158dBm/Hz noise floor (POUT = –5dBm), and operates from a single 3.3V supply. The board enables rapid characterization of W-CDMA, LTE, and WiMAX transmitter front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the DC2191A-A datasheet, DC2191A-A pinout, DC2191A-A application, or DC2191A-A equivalent, this page provides verified test-circuit implementation details, measured RF performance across 1.75–3.6GHz bands, thermal management guidance for QFN24 layout, and direct comparison with alternative mixer evaluation platforms supporting similar IF-to-RF upconversion tasks.

Technical Context

The DC2191A-A implements the LT5579's reference test circuit (Figure 1 in LT5579 datasheet) with precision-matched 11Ω resistors (0.1%), 40nH Coilcraft inductors, M/A-COM MABAES0061 4:1 balun, and optimized microstrip matching networks. It supports both high-side and low-side LO injection configurations via jumper-selectable biasing and external component placement.

Board-level design incorporates dedicated RF grounding: the LT5579's exposed pad (Pin 25) is soldered to a solid top-layer ground plane connected via ≥8 thermal vias to internal ground layers. Matching networks for 1750MHz, 2140MHz, 2600MHz, and 3600MHz are pre-populated with AVX and Taiyo Yuden components per datasheet Table 2 and Table 5.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2191A-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure development, 5G NR base station prototyping, and broadband transmitter validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for DC2191A-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, Inc. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF semiconductors, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and instrumentation markets.

The DC2191A-A belongs to Analog Devices' Linear Technology Evaluation Board family, designed specifically to accelerate RF system development by providing production-grade layouts, calibrated measurement data, and application-ready configurations for high-frequency mixer ICs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2191A-A evaluation board?

The DC2191A-A evaluation board is a ready-to-use platform for characterizing the LT5579 upconverting mixer IC. It implements the manufacturer's recommended test circuit with precision-matched components, enabling engineers to validate conversion gain, OIP3, noise figure, and LO leakage performance across 1.5–3.8GHz RF bands without custom PCB design.

Which frequency bands does the DC2191A-A support out-of-the-box?

The DC2191A-A supports four pre-configured RF bands: 1750MHz (low-side LO), 2140MHz (high-side LO), 2600MHz (high-side LO), and 3600MHz (low-side LO). Each uses datasheet-validated matching networks with AVX capacitors, Coilcraft inductors, and MABAES0061 balun per Figure 1 and Tables 2/5 in the LT5579 datasheet.

Does the DC2191A-A require external power supplies or signal sources?

Yes - the DC2191A-A requires an external 3.3V DC power supply (≤250mA), a calibrated RF signal generator for IF input (differential, 70–456MHz), and a second RF signal generator for LO input (single-ended, –1dBm typical). All I/O connectors are SMA-female; no onboard power regulation or signal generation is included.

How is thermal performance managed on the DC2191A-A board?

The DC2191A-A ensures thermal compliance by soldering the LT5579's exposed pad (Pin 25) directly to a large top-layer copper pour, connected via ≥8 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to inner ground planes. This satisfies the datasheet's θJC = 3°C/W requirement and sustains 226mA supply current at TA = 85°C.

Can the DC2191A-A be used for both high-side and low-side LO injection?

Yes - the DC2191A-A supports both configurations via jumper-selectable bias paths and pre-populated matching components. High-side LO operation is validated at 2140MHz (fLO = fRF + fIF = 2140 + 240MHz) and 2600MHz (fLO = 2600 + 456MHz); low-side LO at 1750MHz (fLO = 1750 – 240MHz) and 3600MHz (fLO = 3600 – 456MHz), per datasheet Figures 14–19.