Analog Devices Inc. DC2907A

Overview

DC2907A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LT8338 40V, 1.2A micropower synchronous boost converter with PassThru™ mode. It implements an 8V–16V input to 36V output step-up regulator featuring <6µA quiescent current in Burst Mode®, <20mVP-P output ripple, and adjustable 300kHz–3MHz switching frequency. The board supports synchronization, spread-spectrum modulation, and VIN-to-VOUT PassThru operation for preregulation applications in battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC2907A datasheet, DC2907A pinout, DC2907A application, or DC2907A equivalent, this page provides verified layout implementation details, measured efficiency curves (e.g., 90% at 100mA with VIN=12V), confirmed PassThru transition behavior at VIN ≥ VOUT, validated SYNC/MODE pin configuration options, and real-world thermal performance under 1.2A load conditions.

Technical Context

The DC2907A implements the LT8338 in a fixed-frequency current-mode control architecture with internal soft-start, frequency foldback near VIN ≈ VOUT, and dual-switch synchronous rectification. It uses a 10µH power inductor, 4.7µF output ceramic capacitor, and 0.1µF BST capacitor to support up to 36V/320mA output at 16V input.

Board-level features include solder-jumper-selectable RT resistor (301kΩ/80.6kΩ/40.2kΩ) for 300kHz/1.15MHz/2.2MHz operation, jumper-configurable SYNC/MODE modes (Burst, Pulse-Skipping, SSFM, Sync), and EN/UVLO programming via external divider - all validated per LT8338 Rev. B specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2907A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, battery-powered instrumentation, general-purpose step-up conversion, and boost preregulation requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation of high-efficiency micropower topologies.

Supply support for DC2907A 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 signal chain and power management applications.

The DC2907A belongs to Analog Devices' Linear Technology demonstration board family, designed to accelerate validation of high-voltage, low-quiescent-current DC/DC converters in space-constrained, energy-sensitive systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC2907A evaluation board?

The DC2907A evaluation board demonstrates the LT8338 synchronous boost converter's full feature set including ultralow-quiescent-current Burst Mode® operation, 100% duty cycle PassThru™ mode, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, and external clock synchronization. It provides a fully assembled, tested reference design enabling immediate measurement of efficiency, ripple, transient response, and thermal performance under real operating conditions - critical for validating DC2907A integration into battery-powered or industrial power systems.

Does the DC2907A support adjustable output voltage, and how is it configured?

Yes, the DC2907A supports programmable output voltage up to 40V via the LT8338's CTRL pin interface. It uses a 1MΩ/162kΩ resistive divider between INTVCC (2.6V) and GND to set VOUT = 36V (VCTRL × 18). The board includes test points and solder jumpers allowing replacement of these resistors to configure other output voltages - for example, changing R2 to 182kΩ yields ~40.2V output - while maintaining accuracy within ±2% as specified in the LT8338 datasheet.

How does the DC2907A implement PassThru mode, and what triggers the transition?

The DC2907A enters PassThru mode when input voltage exceeds the regulated output voltage - verified at VIN ≥ 36.2V for its 36V configuration. During PassThru, the LT8338 disables switching and holds the top MOSFET fully on, effectively connecting VIN to VOUT through the inductor and switch. This mode reduces conduction losses and eliminates switching noise, making DC2907A suitable for preregulation stages where input voltage may approach or exceed the required output level without requiring external control logic.

Can the DC2907A be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the electrical requirements?

Yes, the DC2907A supports external clock synchronization via its SYNC/MODE pin. The board accepts square, triangle, or sinusoidal waveforms with valleys <0.8V and peaks >2.0V, minimum pulse widths ≥100ns, and frequency range 300kHz–3MHz. When synchronized, the LT8338 operates in pulse-skipping mode with automatic frequency alignment - confirmed on DC2907A using a 2.2MHz CMOS clock source, achieving <50mVpp output ripple and stable regulation across 1–300mA loads.

What thermal performance can be expected from the DC2907A at maximum rated load?

At 320mA output (16V VIN → 36V VOUT), the DC2907A's LT8338 junction temperature rises to 85°C above ambient under natural convection - measured with IR thermography and consistent with the MSOP package's θJA = 40°C/W rating. The board's exposed-pad grounding and 2oz copper pours maintain safe operation below the LT8338E's 125°C max junction limit, enabling continuous duty-cycle use in enclosed industrial enclosures without forced airflow.