Analog Devices Inc. DC358A

Overview

DC358A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board designed to evaluate the LTC2411 - a differential-input, no-latency delta-sigma 24-bit analog-to-digital converter in MSOP-10 package. It delivers 2 ppm linearity, 4 ppm full-scale accuracy, 1 ppm offset accuracy, and 0.29 ppm RMS noise, operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V with <300 µA supply current. The board enables rapid evaluation of high-precision bridge, RTD, and bipolar sensor signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the DC358A datasheet, DC358A pinout, DC358A application, or DC358A equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration options, reference selection logic, RS232 interface timing constraints, jumper-based line-frequency rejection (50/60 Hz), and real-time noise analysis capabilities using included Windows software.

Technical Context

The DC358A implements a complete signal chain around the LTC2411 ADC, including dual precision references (LT1019-2.5 and LT1236-5), configurable excitation paths, and 6-wire Kelvin connections for ratiometric bridge measurements. Its analog/digital ground partitioning and bypassing scheme demonstrates best practices for low-noise 24-bit data acquisition.

Hardware operation relies on RS232-derived power and communication, with jumper-selectable reference sources (2.5 V or 5 V), excitation routing (VEX), and common-mode rejection tuning via JP4 (Fo pin tied to VCC or GND). Software supports real-time 7.5-digit display, histogram analysis, RMS noise calculation, and raw data logging without averaging or calibration artifacts.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC358A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision sensor evaluation, strain gauge characterization, RTD readout development, and metrology-grade ADC validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for DC358A 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 measurement and control systems.

The DC358A belongs to Analog Devices' Linear Technology demonstration board family, engineered to accelerate validation of ultra-precision ADCs in sensor interface applications where linearity, noise floor, and common-mode rejection are critical.

FAQ

Does the DC358A require an external power supply to operate?

The DC358A can operate solely from an RS232 port's ±12 V lines, making it self-powered for basic evaluation. However, external 9–12 V power is required when driving low-impedance bridges (e.g., 350 Ω strain gauges) or when using laptop computers with weak RS232 drivers. The board includes dedicated turret terminals (J1) for this purpose, and JP2 must be removed if external Vcc is applied.

How does the DC358A achieve 50 Hz or 60 Hz line frequency rejection?

The DC358A configures the LTC2411's internal oscillator via jumper JP4: connecting Pin 14 (Fo) to GND selects 60 Hz rejection (default, pins 2–3), while tying it to VCC enables 50 Hz rejection. An external clock may also drive Fo for custom rejection frequencies. This setting directly controls the ADC's conversion timing and notch filter center.

What reference voltage options does the DC358A support for the LTC2411?

The DC358A provides two on-board references: LT1019-2.5 (2.5 V bandgap) and LT1236-5 (5 V buried zener). JP3 selects REF+ source (2.5 V or 5 V), and JP5 selects REF– connection (GND or external). This allows flexible configurations - e.g., 2.5 V reference with 5 V excitation for bridge sensors, or external force-sense ratiometric setups.

Can the DC358A evaluate single-ended bipolar signals?

Yes - the DC358A supports ±2.5 V single-ended bipolar inputs by using the LT1019-2.5 output as a 2.5 V bias source. Connect the instrumentation amplifier's reference terminal to this 2.5 V rail, or bias a differential amplifier such that its outputs center at 2.5 V. VIN– (J9) and REF– (J7) are grounded or jumpered (JP5), and VIN+ (J8) accepts the biased signal.

What software functionality is included with the DC358A?

The DC358A ships with Demo2411.exe for Windows 95/98, offering real-time 7.5-digit display, noise histogram, RMS noise calculation (in ppm of Vref), averaging (8x/64x), zero/full-scale calibration, and raw data export to tab-delimited files. All metrics use unprocessed ADC readings - no scaling, averaging, or calibration is applied to noise or histogram calculations.