Analog Devices Inc. DC2274A-B

Overview

DC2274A-B from Analog Devices (acquired Linear Technology) is a pre-programmed Access Point Mote (APM) evaluation board for SmartMesh IP wireless mesh networks, based on the LTC58xx/LTP59xx system-on-chip platform, operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band with IEEE 802.15.4e TSCH protocol, supporting secure over-the-air network management and time-synchronized communication. It serves as the gateway bridge between USB-connected host systems (e.g., VManager VM) and battery-powered sensor motes in industrial monitoring applications.

For engineers reviewing the DC2274A-B datasheet, DC2274A-B pinout, DC2274A-B application, or DC2274A-B equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware role, USB-to-mesh bridge functionality, TIMEn/reset signal support for GPS time synchronization, default AP Bridge software integration, and confirmed compatibility with VManager CLI and SmartMesh IP network formation workflows.

Technical Context

The DC2274A-B implements a full SmartMesh IP Access Point Mote using the LTP590x series SoC, integrating RF transceiver, ARM Cortex-M3 processor, flash memory, and TSCH MAC layer firmware. It exposes a virtual COM port via FTDI USB interface and supports automatic APC (AP Bridge Controller) instantiation within the VManager Linux guest environment.

It requires no external programming - shipped pre-flashed with APM firmware - and provides dedicated TIMEn (PPS input) and reset terminals to enable GPS-based time source configuration, distinguishing it from standard DC90xx reference boards that lack these signals.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2274A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial wireless sensor network deployment, SmartMesh IP gateway prototyping, and time-synchronized IoT infrastructure development requiring stable component supply and long-term evaluation kit continuity.

Supply support for DC2274A-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. (via acquisition of Linear Technology and Dust Networks) designs high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and wireless networking solutions for precision sensing, industrial automation, and mission-critical connectivity.

The DC2274A-B belongs to the SmartMesh IP evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate deployment of deterministic, ultra-low-power, time-synchronized wireless mesh networks in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

Is DC2274A-B a standalone IC or an evaluation board?

DC2274A-B is a fully assembled evaluation board - not a bare IC - featuring the LTP590x/LTC58xx SoC, USB interface circuitry, antenna, and pre-loaded Access Point Mote firmware. It functions as a plug-and-play gateway device when connected to a host running the VManager virtual machine, eliminating the need for separate programming or configuration before first use.

Does DC2274A-B require additional programming to operate as an Access Point Mote?

No - DC2274A-B ships factory-programmed with the latest APM firmware and is ready to function immediately upon USB connection to a VManager host. Unlike DC2274A-A, which requires reprogramming via Eterna Serial Programmer Utility, the DC2274A-B skips this step entirely and auto-instantiates as an APC (AP Bridge Controller) process inside the VManager VM.

What distinguishes DC2274A-B from DC2274A-A and DC90xx reference boards?

DC2274A-B includes hardware-level support for GPS time synchronization via dedicated TIMEn and reset terminals - features absent on DC2274A-A and all DC90xx boards. This enables precise time alignment across SmartMesh IP networks, a requirement for applications demanding sub-10ms timing accuracy and coordinated sensor sampling.

Can DC2274A-B be used without VManager or a virtual machine?

No - DC2274A-B is designed exclusively for use with the SmartMesh IP VManager software stack. Its operation depends on the APC daemon running inside the Ubuntu-based VManager VM, which handles USB enumeration, mote discovery, CLI command routing, and network health reporting. Standalone or bare-metal usage is not supported.

What network protocols does DC2274A-B support?

DC2274A-B implements the full SmartMesh IP protocol stack, including IEEE 802.15.4e Time-Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH), IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN), and Dust Networks' proprietary deterministic routing and security layers. It does not support Zigbee, Thread, BLE, or Wi-Fi protocols.