Analog Devices Inc. DC2989A

Overview

DC2989A from Analog Devices is a demonstration circuit for the LTM4657 µModule® step-down regulator, serving as a complete, thermally enhanced DC/DC point-of-load solution in a 6.25mm × 6.25mm × 3.87mm BGA-49 package. It supports 3.1V–20V input, delivers up to 8A output current, and provides jumper-selectable output voltages (1V, 1.5V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 5V) with remote sensing and rail sequencing capability - used for rapid evaluation of high-density power delivery in FPGA, ASIC, and processor core supply applications.

For engineers reviewing the DC2989A datasheet, DC2989A pinout, DC2989A application, or DC2989A equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, thermal performance data at 8A load, efficiency curves across five VOUT/frequency combinations, and confirmed jumper-configurable operating modes (CCM/DCM), all directly extracted from the official Analog Devices demo manual Rev. 0.

Technical Context

DC2989A implements the LTM4657 - a fully integrated µModule regulator combining controller, MOSFETs, inductors, and compensation in a single BGA package. It features stacked inductor architecture for reduced footprint and improved thermal dissipation, with programmable switching frequency (500kHz–1.25MHz depending on VOUT) and dual-mode operation (CCM for regulation stability, DCM for light-load efficiency).

The board enables precise evaluation of key system-level behaviors: output voltage tracking via TRACK/SS pin, external clock synchronization through SYNC/MODE, and load transient response (4A→8A step measured at 10μs/div). Thermal imaging confirms operation at 8A with no airflow at 25°C ambient, validating its suitability for convection-cooled embedded power designs.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC2989A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power evaluation, ASIC core supply prototyping, and high-density DC/DC design verification requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and documented thermal performance under full-load conditions.

Supply support for DC2989A 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, power management, and signal chain applications.

The DC2989A belongs to Analog Devices' µModule regulator evaluation board family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of their integrated power modules by providing production-representative thermal, electrical, and layout validation platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of DC2989A?

DC2989A is a demonstration circuit built around the LTM4657 µModule regulator, intended exclusively for evaluating its electrical performance, thermal behavior, and system integration - including rail sequencing, efficiency mapping, and load transient response. It is not a production-ready power module but a validated reference design for engineering validation prior to custom PCB implementation.

Does DC2989A support adjustable output voltage beyond the jumper settings?

No. DC2989A provides only five fixed output voltages (1V, 1.5V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 5V) selected via JP6. The LTM4657 itself supports 0.6V–5.5V programmability via external resistors, but DC2989A's board layout fixes feedback resistors for those five values only - no onboard potentiometer, DAC, or digital interface is included.

Can DC2989A be used with input voltages below 3.1V or above 20V?

No. DC2989A is strictly rated for 3.1V–20V input per the LTM4657 specification and the demo manual's Performance Summary. Operation outside this range risks damage to U1 (LTM4657EY#PBF) and violates the board's validated operating envelope - no overvoltage protection or undervoltage lockout circuitry is implemented beyond the IC's internal limits.

How is thermal performance validated on DC2989A?

Thermal performance of DC2989A is validated using infrared imaging (Fig. 4), showing surface temperature rise under 12VIN/1.5VOUT/8A load at 25°C ambient with no forced airflow. Peak temperature remains within LTM4657's safe operating area, confirming the effectiveness of the stacked inductor and BGA thermal path - critical for convection-cooled embedded systems.

Is DC2989A RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. DC2989A uses RoHS-compliant components throughout, including the LTM4657EY#PBF (lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with EU Directive 2011/65/EU), and all passive and connector parts listed in the Parts List meet applicable environmental standards - verified via manufacturer part numbers and Analog Devices' public compliance documentation.