Analog Devices Inc. DC758A

Overview

DC758A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a demonstration circuit board for evaluating the LTC5535ES6 300 MHz–7 GHz RF power detector IC with integrated output buffer and voltage reference. It supports 2.7V–6V DC supply, delivers DC output voltage proportional to RF input power up to +10 dBm, and features enable control and adjustable gain via external resistors. Used in RF power monitoring for wireless infrastructure transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the DC758A datasheet, DC758A pinout, DC758A application, or DC758A equivalent, key considerations include its role as an evaluation platform for the LTC5535ES6 detector, required SMA RF input interface, DC power supply range, Vos grounding requirement at E3, and gain adjustment via R2 resistor selection.

Technical Context

DC758A implements the LTC5535ES6 in a functional test configuration with fixed 500 Ω gain-setting resistors (R2/R4), unpopulated optional termination (R1) and output shunt (R3), and explicit Vos (E3) grounding path. The board routes RFin to pin 1 and Vout to pin 5 of the LTC5535ES6, preserving the IC's native 300 MHz–7 GHz frequency response and 200 mV ±20 mV quiescent output offset.

No on-board signal conditioning or digital interface is present; all measurements are analog DC voltage readouts at E2. The design assumes external RF source with SMA connector (J1), DC power applied at E1/E4/E5, and manual Vos grounding at E3 - no auto-calibration or digital control logic is implemented.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC758A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF power monitoring, wireless base station development, and microwave receiver design requiring stable component supply and validated reference performance.

Supply support for DC758A 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 RF technologies for precision signal processing applications.

The DC758A belongs to Analog Devices' demonstration circuit portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and integration of their RF power detectors - including the LTC5535ES6 - into communication infrastructure and test equipment.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the DC758A?

The DC758A is a dedicated evaluation board for the LTC5535ES6 RF power detector IC. It provides a ready-to-use hardware platform to characterize the IC's DC output voltage versus RF input power across 300 MHz–7 GHz, verify gain settings, and validate Vos nulling. DC758A does not function as a standalone product but enables rapid prototyping and measurement of the LTC5535ES6 under real-world RF conditions.

How is the RF input connected to the DC758A?

The RF input connects to the DC758A via J1, an SMA female connector directly routed to pin 1 (RFin) of the LTC5535ES6. The Quick Start Guide recommends using a 2 dB or 3 dB attenuator pad between the signal generator and J1 to minimize reflections. DC758A provides no internal impedance matching network beyond the IC's specified 50 Ω input, so external calibration and proper cabling are essential for accurate measurements.

What is the role of the E3 terminal on the DC758A?

E3 is the Vos (voltage offset) terminal of the LTC5535ES6, brought out to a test point on the DC758A. Per the Quick Start Guide, E3 must be connected to ground during initial setup and measurements to null the detector's inherent DC offset. This connection ensures the baseline Vout at pin 5 starts near 200 mV ±20 mV before RF application, enabling accurate power-level tracking. Leaving E3 floating invalidates calibration.

Can the gain of the DC758A be adjusted, and how?

Yes, the gain of the DC758A can be adjusted by modifying the R2 resistor. The board ships with R2 = 500 Ω, setting nominal gain = 2. Increasing R2's value raises the gain proportionally, as specified in the LTC5535ES6 datasheet. R2 is a surface-mount resistor accessible on the board; replacement requires soldering. No other gain-trimming components (e.g., R4) are user-adjustable in the standard DC758A configuration.

Does the DC758A include any digital interface or microcontroller?

No, the DC758A contains no digital interface, microcontroller, ADC, or firmware. It is a purely analog evaluation platform: RF input enters via J1, DC power enters at E1/E4/E5, and the resulting analog DC output voltage appears at E2. All control (enable, gain, Vos) is implemented through passive components and external connections per the LTC5535ES6's analog architecture. DC758A provides no USB, SPI, I²C, or serial connectivity.