Analog Devices Inc. DC2290A-C

Overview

DC2290A-C from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully assembled, tested, and documented evaluation board for the LTC2386-18 - an 18-bit, 10Msps SAR ADC with serial LVDS interface, ±4.096V differential input range, and internal 2.048V reference. It enables rapid characterization of dynamic performance (95.7dB SNR, 102dB SFDR at 1MHz), no-latency conversion, and two-lane LVDS data output in high-speed imaging, instrumentation, and control-loop applications.

For engineers reviewing the DC2290A-C datasheet, DC2290A-C pinout, DC2290A-C application, or DC2290A-C equivalent, this board provides validated signal integrity for LVDS timing (tCONV = 72ns), reference buffer stability (±20ppm/°C), and analog input drive compliance (±0.1V common-mode tolerance around VREFBUF/2), supporting design-in decisions for precision wide-dynamic-range data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The DC2290A-C implements the LTC2386-18 in its 32-pin 5mm × 5mm QFN package with optimized PCB layout: low-inductance ground plane, dedicated analog/digital supply decoupling (0.1µF + 10µF per rail), matched LVDS trace lengths (<5ps skew), and Kelvin-connected reference bypassing. It supports both one-lane and two-lane LVDS output modes via TWOLANES jumper, and accommodates external or internal reference configurations (REFIN = 2.048V, REFBUF = 4.096V).

Signal routing follows strict high-speed ADC guidelines: differential analog inputs (IN+/IN–) use 50Ω controlled-impedance traces terminated at the source, clock (CLK+/CLK–) and data (DA+/DA–, DB+/DB–) use 100Ω differential pairs, and CNV+/CNV– are routed as LVDS-compliant differential control signals with <200ps skew to DCO+/DCO–. Power sequencing is managed via on-board regulators ensuring VDD (5V), VDDL (2.5V), and OVDD (2.5V) meet monotonic startup requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2290A-C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, medical imaging, automated test equipment (ATE), and closed-loop industrial control requiring stable component supply and pre-validated signal integrity.

Supply support for DC2290A-C 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 digital signal processing semiconductors.

The DC2290A-C belongs to Analog Devices' precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate prototyping and validation of high-resolution, high-throughput ADCs in noise-sensitive, latency-critical applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2290A-C evaluation board?

The DC2290A-C evaluation board is a ready-to-use hardware platform for evaluating the LTC2386-18 18-bit, 10Msps SAR ADC. It provides full access to all critical signals - including LVDS data outputs (DA+/DA–, DB+/DB–), clock inputs (CLK+/CLK–), conversion start (CNV+/CNV–), and reference pins (REFIN, REFBUF) - enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance, timing margins, and system-level integration without custom PCB development. The DC2290A-C includes onboard power regulation, signal conditioning, and documentation aligned with the LTC2386-18 datasheet specifications.

Does the DC2290A-C support both one-lane and two-lane LVDS output modes?

Yes, the DC2290A-C supports both LVDS output configurations via a solder-jumper (JP1) labeled "TWOLANES". When installed, JP1 enables two-lane mode, routing LSB and MSB bits across DA+/DA– and DB+/DB– simultaneously for reduced data rate per lane. When removed, the board defaults to one-lane mode using only DA+/DA–, with DB+/DB– disabled per LTC2386-18 specification. This configuration directly controls the TWOLANES pin on the LTC2386-18, allowing real-time validation of interface flexibility and timing behavior in either mode on the DC2290A-C.

Can the DC2290A-C operate with an external reference instead of the internal one?

Yes, the DC2290A-C is configured to support both internal and external reference operation. The board routes the LTC2386-18's REFIN (2.048V output) and REFBUF (4.096V buffered output) pins to test points and header pins. To use an external reference, disconnect the internal reference by grounding REFIN (via jumper or trace cut) and apply a precision 4.096V buffered reference to the REFBUF pins. The DC2290A-C schematic and user guide provide explicit instructions for this reconfiguration, ensuring proper biasing and decoupling for optimal SNR and INL performance on the DC2290A-C.

What power supply requirements does the DC2290A-C have?

The DC2290A-C requires three clean, low-noise DC supplies: +5V (for VDD), +2.5V (for VDDL and OVDD). These are delivered via the on-board screw-terminal block (J1) or optional USB-powered linear regulator (U3). Each supply rail features dual-stage decoupling - 10µF X7R ceramic + 0.1µF C0G ceramic - placed adjacent to the LTC2386-18's respective power pins. The DC2290A-C also includes LED indicators and test points for monitoring rail voltages, ensuring compliance with LTC2386-18's absolute maximum ratings (VDD: 4.75–5.25V; VDDL/OVDD: 2.375–2.625V) during operation.

How is analog input signal integrity maintained on the DC2290A-C?

The DC2290A-C maintains analog input integrity through a rigorously laid-out differential front-end: 50Ω controlled-impedance traces for IN+/IN–, symmetric routing with <10mil length mismatch, 180pF AC-coupling capacitors, and 24.9Ω series termination resistors matching typical driver output impedance. The board provides SMA connectors for direct signal injection and includes provisions for external op-amp buffering (U1/U2 positions). Grounding follows split-plane methodology with low-inductance vias connecting top-layer analog ground to the solid internal ground plane, minimizing noise coupling into the LTC2386-18's sensitive analog inputs on the DC2290A-C.