Analog Devices Inc. DC2588A-A

Overview

DC2588A-A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an evaluation board for the LTC2387-18 - a low-noise, 18-bit, 15Msps successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with serial LVDS interface, ±4.096V differential input range, and internal 2.048V reference. It enables rapid prototyping of high-speed data acquisition systems requiring 95.7dB SNR and no pipeline latency in imaging, instrumentation, and control loop applications.

For engineers reviewing the DC2588A-A datasheet, DC2588A-A pinout, DC2588A-A application, or DC2588A-A equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC operating modes (one/two-lane LVDS), power supply sequencing, analog input drive guidance, and layout-critical grounding practices derived directly from the official DC2588A-A design files and LTC2387-18 datasheet.

Technical Context

The DC2588A-A implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2387-18, including precision 2.5V/5V LDO regulation, configurable LVDS termination, selectable single-ended or differential CNV clocking, and on-board VCM generation at 2.048V. It supports both one-lane (18-bit serial) and two-lane (9-bit parallel per lane) LVDS output modes via TWOLANES jumper.

Board-level features include calibrated analog input filtering (24.9Ω series + 82pF shunt), REFIN/REFBUF decoupling with 10µF X7R + 0.1µF ceramic capacitors, exposed-pad thermal management, and dedicated test points for CLK±, DCO±, DA±, DB±, and CNV± signals - all aligned to the LTC2387-18's absolute maximum ratings and timing constraints (e.g., tCONV = 54–63ns, tJITTER = 0.25psRMS).

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2588A-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, medical imaging, automated test equipment (ATE), and real-time control loop development requiring stable component supply and validated reference design fidelity.

Supply support for DC2588A-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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The DC2588A-A belongs to ADI's Linear Technology evaluation board portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of precision high-speed ADCs like the LTC2387-18 in noise-sensitive, latency-critical measurement systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2588A-A evaluation board?

The DC2588A-A evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested platform for evaluating the LTC2387-18 18-bit, 15Msps SAR ADC. It provides all necessary power regulation, clock conditioning, analog input filtering, LVDS signal routing, and test point access to validate performance metrics including SNR (95.7dB typ), SFDR (102dB typ), and INL (±3LSB max) under real-world conditions. The DC2588A-A enables immediate functional verification without custom PCB design.

Does the DC2588A-A support both one-lane and two-lane LVDS output modes for the LTC2387-18?

Yes, the DC2588A-A supports both LVDS output configurations via the TWOLANES jumper. When installed, the board configures the LTC2387-18 for two-lane mode (9-bit words on DA± and DB± simultaneously); when removed, it defaults to one-lane mode (18-bit serial word on DA± only). This matches the LTC2387-18's native capability and allows users to optimize data throughput versus interface complexity - critical for FPGA or ASIC host integration in the DC2588A-A system.

How is analog input common-mode voltage (VCM) established on the DC2588A-A?

The DC2588A-A generates VCM = 2.048V using the LTC2387-18's internal reference buffer (REFBUF) routed through a low-impedance buffer stage and filtered with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor. This precisely matches the required (VREFBUF/2 ± 0.1V) common-mode window for the LTC2387-18's differential inputs (IN+/IN−), ensuring optimal CMRR and linearity. The VCM net is isolated from digital return paths to prevent noise coupling into the DC2588A-A analog signal chain.

Can the DC2588A-A operate with an external reference instead of the LTC2387-18's internal 2.048V reference?

Yes, the DC2588A-A provides direct access to the REFIN pin of the LTC2387-18 via a dedicated test pad and 0.1µF bypass capacitor location. Users may disconnect the internal reference by grounding REFIN (as specified in the LTC2387-18 datasheet) and inject a higher-accuracy external reference - enabling calibration-grade performance where the DC2588A-A's layout preserves signal integrity and minimizes noise pickup on the reference path.

What power supply requirements must be met to operate the DC2588A-A correctly?

The DC2588A-A requires a single 5.5V DC input (±5% tolerance) applied to its screw terminal block. On-board LDOs condition this into three clean rails: 5V (VDD), 2.5V (VDDL), and 2.5V (OVDD), each meeting the LTC2387-18's absolute specifications (VDD = 4.75–5.25V; VDDL/OVDD = 2.375–2.625V). Input current draw is ~45mA at 15Msps operation. The DC2588A-A does not support alternative input voltages or AC operation.