Analog Devices Inc. DC806A

Overview

DC806A from Analog Devices is a demonstration board for the LTC1867 16-bit, 8-channel, 200ksps successive-approximation ADC with internal 2.5V reference and SPI/MICROWIRE interface. It supports single-ended or differential analog inputs, unipolar/bipolar conversion modes, and operates from a single 5V supply. The board enables rapid evaluation of high-precision data acquisition in industrial process control and battery-operated systems.

For engineers reviewing the DC806A datasheet, DC806A pinout, DC806A application, or DC806A equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC variants (LTC1867/LTC1867A), real-world signal chain performance metrics (89dB SNR, ±2LSB INL), and layout-critical bypassing guidance for noise-sensitive measurement applications.

Technical Context

The DC806A implements the LTC1867 ADC in a fully populated, production-ready evaluation platform with precision analog input conditioning, on-board 2.5V/4.096V reference circuitry (including 2.2µF VREF and 10µF REFCOMP bypassing), and robust digital interface routing to an external microcontroller or FPGA via standard 0.1"-spaced headers. It supports all multiplexer configurations - including CH7/COM as common-mode reference or independent channel - and validates timing-critical nap/sleep mode transitions per LTC1867 specification.

Board-level design strictly follows Analog Devices' layout recommendations: separate analog/digital ground planes joined at a single point near the ADC's GND pin (Pin 15), wide low-inductance power traces, shielded analog input paths, and dedicated 0.1µF ceramic + bulk tantalum capacitor placement directly adjacent to VDD, VREF, and REFCOMP pins to suppress switching noise and ensure stable reference settling during 3.5µs conversion cycles.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC806A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, high-speed data acquisition, and battery-operated systems requiring stable component supply and proven reference design validation.

Supply support for DC806A 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 industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The DC806A belongs to Analog Devices' Linear Technology evaluation board family, designed specifically to accelerate prototyping and validation of precision data acquisition subsystems using their SAR ADC portfolio.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC806A evaluation board?

The DC806A evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform designed to demonstrate and validate the performance of the LTC1867 16-bit, 8-channel SAR ADC. It provides accessible analog input terminals, configurable MUX options, precise reference circuitry, and a standardized SPI interface - enabling engineers to verify signal integrity, timing behavior, and dynamic specifications (e.g., 89dB SNR, ±2LSB INL) without custom PCB development. The DC806A directly supports the LTC1867 and LTC1867A variants per Analog Devices' documentation.

Which ADC models are compatible with the DC806A board?

The DC806A is explicitly designed for the LTC1867 and LTC1867A 16-bit, 8-channel SAR ADCs, as confirmed by Analog Devices' official documentation and board labeling. It is not compatible with the 12-bit LTC1863 variant due to differences in internal reference architecture and output code formatting. The board accommodates both commercial (0°C to 70°C) and industrial (–40°C to 85°C) temperature grade LTC1867 packages in 16-pin narrow SSOP, matching the pinout and power requirements specified in the LTC1867 datasheet Rev. E.

Does the DC806A support differential input configurations?

Yes, the DC806A fully supports differential input configurations using the LTC1867's built-in 8-channel analog multiplexer. It enables four differential pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, CH6/CH7) or mixed-mode operation where CH7/COM serves as a shared reference node. The board's analog input section includes matched trace routing and termination options to preserve common-mode rejection and minimize skew - critical for achieving the LTC1867's specified –117dB channel-to-channel isolation at 100kHz. This capability is validated in the DC806A user guide and schematic.

How does the DC806A implement power management for low-power applications?

The DC806A implements LTC1867 power management features including automatic nap mode (150µA typical between conversions) and explicit sleep mode (≤0.2µA). It provides direct access to the CS/CONV, SLP bit control, and wake-up timing signals, allowing users to validate power-state transitions and measure current draw across sample rates from 1ksps to 200ksps. The board includes test points for VDD current monitoring and integrates the required 2.2µF (VREF) and 10µF (REFCOMP) bypass capacitors to meet the 60ms wake-up specification after sleep mode release - as defined in the LTC1867 datasheet Rev. E.

Can the DC806A be used with an external reference instead of the internal one?

Yes, the DC806A supports external reference operation by disconnecting the internal 2.5V VREF output and applying an external voltage to the REFCOMP pin, as documented in the LTC1867 datasheet Section "Internal Reference" and DC806A schematic. The board includes jumper options and routing to isolate the internal reference amplifier and accommodate precision external sources such as the LT1019A-2.5, enabling improved accuracy and drift performance. This configuration has been verified to achieve 90dB SNR when a clean 5V source drives REFCOMP with VREF tied to GND - matching the performance data in Figure 3 of the LTC1867 datasheet Rev. E.