Analog Devices Inc. DC2251A

Overview

DC2251A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTM8065 40V input, 2.5A continuous Silent Switcher µModule regulator. It implements a 5V/2.5A step-down converter with 7V–40V input, uses external resistors to set output voltage and switching frequency (1MHz), and features low-noise operation validated per CISPR22 Class B radiated emissions without filtering. It serves as a reference design for high-density point-of-load regulation in industrial and portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC2251A datasheet, DC2251A pinout, DC2251A application, or DC2251A equivalent, this demo board provides verified layout, thermal derating curves, efficiency data across load/temperature/VIN, and configuration guidance for LTM8065-based power supplies requiring compact, low-EMI 2.5A regulation.

Technical Context

The DC2251A is a fully assembled, tested evaluation platform that implements the LTM8065 in a fixed 5V output configuration with 1MHz switching frequency (RT = 41.2kΩ), using 2.2µF input and 22µF output ceramic capacitors. It validates the LTM8065's Silent Switcher architecture under real thermal and EMI conditions, including CISPR22 Class B radiated emissions testing with no external filters.

It supports all LTM8065 operating modes via accessible pins: Burst Mode (SYNC grounded), pulse-skipping (SYNC floating), spread spectrum (SYNC at 2.9–4.2V), and external synchronization (SYNC driven). The board routes TR/SS, RUN, PG, and FB for soft-start, enable control, power-good monitoring, and output voltage adjustment.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2251A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial embedded power design, portable product development, and distributed supply regulation requiring stable component supply and proven reference implementation.

Supply support for DC2251A 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. is a global semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision instrumentation, power management, and signal integrity applications.

The DC2251A belongs to Analog Devices' µModule evaluation board family, designed to accelerate adoption of their integrated power modules by providing fully validated hardware, layout files, thermal data, and compliance test results for rapid prototyping and system integration.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2251A?

The DC2251A is a demonstration board for the LTM8065 µModule regulator, configured as a 5V/2.5A step-down converter. It provides a complete, tested hardware reference for evaluating the LTM8065's performance-including efficiency, thermal behavior, EMI, and dynamic response-under real-world conditions. Engineers use DC2251A to validate designs before custom PCB spin.

Does the DC2251A support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the DC2251A supports output voltage adjustment via the FB resistor divider. Though factory-configured for 5V (using 60.4kΩ R_FB), the board exposes FB, GND, and VOUT nodes, allowing replacement of the feedback resistor to set any output from 0.97V to 18V per the LTM8065's regulation equation. Full instructions are in the LTM8065 datasheet.

Can the DC2251A be used for negative output configurations?

Yes-the underlying LTM8065 supports inverting buck-boost topologies for negative outputs (e.g., –3.3V to –18V), and the DC2251A schematic and layout accommodate this. The board's documentation includes derating curves for –5V operation with BIAS tied to LTM8065 GND, confirming its suitability for bipolar supply generation when modified per Analog Devices' application guidelines.

What EMI validation data is included with the DC2251A?

The DC2251A includes full CISPR22 Class B radiated emissions test data measured with no external filtering-specifically with FB1 and L1 shorted and C6/C7 open. This demonstrates the inherent low-noise capability of the LTM8065's Silent Switcher architecture. Test plots and measurement setup details are published in the DC2251A user guide and LTM8065 datasheet Figure G60.

How does the DC2251A assist in thermal design?

The DC2251A provides experimentally derived derating curves showing maximum load current vs. ambient temperature (0–125°C) and input voltage (7–40V) for 5V output. These curves-generated using the actual board layout and copper area-are essential for predicting real-world thermal performance and avoiding junction temperature violations in space-constrained applications where the LTM8065's 6.25mm × 6.25mm × 2.32mm BGA package is deployed.