Analog Devices Inc. DC2686A

Overview

DC2686A from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the LT3960 I²C-to-CAN-physical transceiver IC, enabling robust differential extension of single-master I²C buses over twisted-pair cabling in harsh environments. It supports up to 400 kbps I²C data rates, operates from 4V–60V input (with integrated 3.3V LDO), and delivers ±40V fault protection on CANxH/CANxL lines - ideal for automotive sensor networks and industrial remote I²C slave interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the DC2686A datasheet, DC2686A pinout, DC2686A application, or DC2686A equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, power-up sequencing guidance, jumper-configurable master/slave mode operation, and layout-critical decoupling practices validated per LT3960 Rev. C design requirements.

Technical Context

The DC2686A implements a complete two-node I²C-over-CAN physical layer link using dual LT3960 transceivers: one configured as master (EN/MODE > 2.5V) near the controller, the other as slave (EN/MODE floating) at the remote node. It replicates SCL/SDA signals differentially across two twisted pairs (CANSCLH/L and CANSDAH/L), preserving I²C timing integrity with <130 ns propagation delay (dominant) and built-in dominant timeout (0.5–2 ms).

Board-level features include selectable 3.3V/5V VCC operation, 120Ω CAN bus termination, 4.99kΩ pull-ups on SDA/SCL, 1µF VIN bypass, and 2.2µF VCC bulk capacitance - all aligned with Figure 1 and Figure 2 test circuits in the LT3960 datasheet. The board supports AEC-Q100 qualified E- and J-grade LT3960 variants in 10-lead MSOP packages.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2686A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor networking, industrial remote I²C slave interfacing, and harsh-environment distributed control systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping support.

Supply support for DC2686A 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, industrial automation, and automotive applications.

The DC2686A belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation board portfolio for interface transceivers, designed specifically to validate LT3960-based I²C extension in electrically noisy, long-distance, or ground-isolated system architectures.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2686A evaluation board?

The DC2686A evaluation board demonstrates and validates the LT3960 I²C-to-CAN-physical transceiver IC. It enables engineers to extend a single-master I²C bus over twisted-pair cabling with differential signaling, supporting up to 400 kbps data rates while providing ±40V fault tolerance and extended common-mode range - critical for automotive and industrial deployments where ground loops and EMI are concerns. The DC2686A implements both master and slave configurations per LT3960 datasheet Rev. C requirements.

Does the DC2686A support both 3.3V and 5V VCC operation for the LT3960?

Yes, the DC2686A supports both 3.3V and 5V VCC operation for the LT3960. When powered via VIN (4V–60V), the onboard LDO regulates to 3.3V; alternatively, users can bypass the LDO by applying 3.3V or 5V directly to VCC. The board's design follows LT3960 Figure 1 and Figure 9 recommendations, including proper decoupling (2.2µF on VCC, 1µF on VIN) and EN/MODE biasing - ensuring correct operation across both voltage modes as specified in the LT3960 electrical characteristics table.

How is master vs. slave mode configured on the DC2686A?

Master vs. slave mode on the DC2686A is configured via the EN/MODE pin per LT3960 datasheet Rev. C. For master mode (near I²C controller), EN/MODE must be driven above 2.5V - the board provides a dedicated jumper and resistor network to enable clean digital control from a microcontroller GPIO. For slave mode (at remote I²C slave node), EN/MODE is left floating (internally pulled to ~1.2V), which automatically enables slave operation when VIN is powered. This configuration strictly follows LT3960 Section "Master and Slave Mode Configurations" and avoids the power-up glitch risk described in the datasheet.

Can the DC2686A be used with standard CAN transceivers on the same bus?

No, the DC2686A - and the LT3960 it evaluates - does not interoperate with standard CAN transceivers. The CANSCLH/L and CANSDAH/L signals generated by the DC2686A implement the CAN physical layer (differential signaling, ±40V fault tolerance, extended common-mode range) but carry time-aligned I²C clock and data, not CAN protocol frames. As explicitly stated in the LT3960 datasheet Section "LT3960 and Standard CAN Transceivers", these I²CAN buses cannot be shared in multidrop configurations with ISO 11898-compliant CAN nodes.

What layout and decoupling practices are implemented on the DC2686A to ensure LT3960 performance?

The DC2686A implements LT3960 Rev. C–recommended layout practices: 1µF ceramic capacitor placed adjacent to VIN pin, 2.2µF (or greater) low-ESR capacitor on VCC, 120Ω termination resistors at both ends of each twisted-pair segment, and 4.99kΩ pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL. Ground planes are solid and continuous, exposed pad (Pin 11) is soldered to GND, and CAN bus traces are routed as matched-length differential pairs - all validated against LT3960 Figures 1, 2, and 7. These practices minimize noise coupling and ensure stable 400 kbps operation.