Analog Devices Inc. DC2924A-A

Overview

DC2924A-A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTM4681 quad 31.25A/125A digital µModule regulator, enabling full PMBus-based configuration, telemetry monitoring, and multi-rail sequencing of high-current processor/core power supplies. It supports 4.5V–16V input, 0.5V–3.3V output per channel, ±0.5% DC output accuracy, and real-time readback of voltage, current, temperature, and power across all four channels. Used in advanced server CPU/GPU VRMs and AI accelerator power delivery.

For engineers reviewing the DC2924A-A datasheet, DC2924A-A pinout, DC2924A-A application, or DC2924A-A equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level functionality, supported interface protocols (PMBus v1.3), thermal performance data, layout-validated decoupling, and integration guidance for multi-phase digital power systems requiring precise rail coordination and fault logging.

Technical Context

The DC2924A-A implements the LTM4681 in a fully populated, thermally optimized 15mm × 22mm BGA layout with 22µF ×6 bulk ceramic input capacitors, dedicated sense resistor networks for sub-milliohm DCR current sensing, and isolated analog ground (SGND) routing per channel pair. It integrates the LTpowerPlay GUI interface via DC1613 USB-to-PMBus adapter support and enables synchronized phase interleaving up to 4 channels with programmable slew rates and sequencing delays.

Board-level features include on-board EEPROM preconfigured for factory defaults, hardware-configurable VOUTn_CFG/VTRIMn_CFG pins for startup voltage setting, SHARE_CLK_01/23 and SYNC_01/23 nets for inter-module synchronization, and ALERT_01/23 + FAULT0–3 outputs routed to headers for system-level fault propagation and interrupt handling.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2924A-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-performance computing, AI accelerator power design, and multi-rail embedded processor applications requiring stable component supply, rapid evaluation, and production-ready reference implementation.

Supply support for DC2924A-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. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, industrial, and automotive markets.

The DC2924A-A belongs to Analog Devices' µModule regulator evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of digitally managed, high-density power solutions for next-generation compute and AI infrastructure where tight regulation, telemetry visibility, and multi-phase coordination are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the DC2924A-A evaluation board?

The DC2924A-A evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested demonstration platform for the LTM4681 quad-channel digital power module. It enables engineers to validate the LTM4681's full feature set-including PMBus configuration, real-time telemetry (voltage, current, temperature), multi-rail sequencing, and fault logging-in a production-representative layout. The board ships with preloaded EEPROM defaults and supports immediate connection to LTpowerPlay GUI via DC1613 adapter, eliminating firmware setup overhead for initial evaluation of DC2924A-A functionality.

Does the DC2924A-A support parallel operation of multiple LTM4681 modules?

Yes, the DC2924A-A supports parallel operation of multiple LTM4681 modules through its SHARE_CLK_01/23 and SYNC_01/23 header connections, which enable precise phase interleaving and current sharing across channels. The board implements dedicated current-sense resistor networks and low-inductance power paths validated for PolyPhase load sharing per Analog Devices' Application Note AN-1472. When used with additional DC2924A-A boards or other LTM4681-based designs, the DC2924A-A provides hardware-level synchronization signals and matching impedance routing to maintain <±5% current imbalance at full 125A output.

Can the DC2924A-A be used to evaluate input current sensing accuracy?

Yes, the DC2924A-A includes a calibrated input current sense amplifier circuit with matched RSENSE1/RSENSE2 networks and differential routing to the LTM4681's IIN_nn+/IIN_nn− pins, enabling direct validation of the ±2% input voltage readback accuracy and ±1.25A output current readback accuracy over 0°C–125°C. The board's layout follows Analog Devices' recommended Kelvin-sensing practice, and measured IIN readback error remains within datasheet limits (±2% of reading) when tested per Figure 16 in the LTM4681 datasheet using the DC2924A-A's onboard measurement points.

What software tools are required to configure the DC2924A-A?

The DC2924A-A is configured using Analog Devices' LTpowerPlay GUI software, which communicates with the board via the DC1613 USB-to-PMBus adapter (sold separately). LTpowerPlay provides full access to all PMBus v1.3 commands supported by the LTM4681, including output voltage margining, soft-start ramp rate control, fault threshold programming, EEPROM store/restore, and real-time telemetry dashboarding. No custom firmware or code development is needed - DC2924A-A operates out-of-box with factory-default EEPROM settings and requires only LTpowerPlay v5.10 or later for full feature access.

Is thermal performance data available for the DC2924A-A under full-load conditions?

Yes, Analog Devices provides validated thermal derating curves for the DC2924A-A in the LTM4681 datasheet (pages 71, 75–76), showing junction temperature rise versus output current at 12VIN/1.0VOUT with forced air cooling. At 31.25A per channel (125A total), the DC2924A-A achieves ≤105°C junction temperature with 200LFM airflow and maintains >92% peak efficiency. Thermal imaging data confirms uniform heat distribution across the LTM4681 BGA and validates the board's bottom-side thermal vias and 2oz copper pours as sufficient for continuous operation within the –40°C to 125°C ambient range specified for DC2924A-A.