Analog Devices Inc. DC2483A-A

Overview

DC2483A-A from Analog Devices is a standard evaluation board designed specifically for the LTC5562 wideband low-power active mixer IC. It supports upconverting operation (e.g., 240MHz input → 3.6GHz output) with verified 1dB conversion gain, +20dBm OIP3 at 3.6GHz, and –35dBm LO-to-OUT leakage. The board uses Rogers RO4003C RF substrate, includes a Mini-Circuits NCS4-442+ 4:1 balun, and is optimized for 30MHz–7GHz RF signal path validation in portable radios and wireless infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the DC2483A-A datasheet, DC2483A-A pinout, DC2483A-A application, or DC2483A-A equivalent, this evaluation board provides fully characterized RF performance data, schematic reference design (including C1–C12, L1–L4, T1, T2, R1), thermal stack-up details, and validated test configurations for both single-ended and differential drive modes of the LTC5562 mixer core.

Technical Context

The DC2483A-A implements the LTC5562's upconverting configuration per Figure 1 of the datasheet, using a TC1-1-13M+ 1:1 balun on the input and an NCS4-442+ 4:1 balun on the output to deliver single-ended 50Ω RF I/O. It incorporates all recommended bypassing (10nF on VCC, 100pF/1.2pF/10pF network), bias control (R1 series resistor on LGND), and enable logic (EN pin interface).

This board validates key LTC5562 behaviors under real-world conditions: LO impedance match retention during shutdown, adjustable supply current (15–40mA via R1), and broadband input return loss >12dB from 30MHz to 7GHz. Its layout follows RF best practices with dedicated ground planes, controlled impedance traces, and exposed-pad thermal management aligned with the 2mm × 2mm QFN package.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2483A-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end prototyping, wireless repeater development, and portable test instrument qualification requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for DC2483A-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 (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and instrumentation markets.

The DC2483A-A belongs to Analog Devices' LTC evaluation board family, engineered to accelerate RF system validation for wideband mixers, enabling rapid characterization of conversion gain, OIP3, noise figure, and LO suppression without custom PCB spin.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2483A-A evaluation board?

The DC2483A-A evaluation board is a standardized platform for characterizing the LTC5562 wideband active mixer in upconverting mode. It provides full RF signal path implementation-including baluns, matching networks, biasing, and enable control-to validate conversion gain, OIP3, LO leakage, and noise figure across 30MHz–7GHz. DC2483A-A is not a standalone product but a reference design tool for RF system integration.

Does DC2483A-A support downconverting applications?

No - DC2483A-A is explicitly configured for upconverting operation per the "Standard Evaluation Board Schematic, DC2483A-A" note in the datasheet. Downconversion is supported by the companion board DC2483A-B (Figure 2). Attempting downconversion on DC2483A-A would require component-level modifications to the balun selection, matching network, and LO injection topology.

What baluns are used on the DC2483A-A board?

The DC2483A-A uses a Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13M+ 1:1 transmission-line balun on the input (IN port) and a Mini-Circuits NCS4-442+ 4:1 multilayer chip balun on the output (OUT port). These are specified in the Figure 1 test circuit and confirmed in the Bill of Materials on page 12 of the LTC5562 datasheet.

How is supply current adjusted on the DC2483A-A?

Supply current on DC2483A-A is adjusted via resistor R1 connected in series with the LGND pin of the LTC5562. With R1 = 0Ω, total current is ~40mA; increasing R1 to 35Ω reduces current to ~20mA. This adjustment directly scales mixer core bias while preserving RF performance within datasheet limits - a feature validated in Figure G19 and Table 7.

Is the DC2483A-A board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - DC2483A-A uses RoHS-compliant components and lead-free finish per Analog Devices' standard evaluation board manufacturing practice. The LTC5562 IC itself is offered in lead-free packaging (e.g., LTC5562IUC#PBF), and all passive components listed (Murata GRM, Coilcraft 0402HP, Mini-Circuits baluns) meet JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 requirements.