Analog Devices Inc. DC916A-B

Overview

DC916A-B from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a demonstration circuit board featuring the LTC3204B-3.3 regulated charge pump IC, delivering a stable 3.3V output from 1.8V–4.5V input. It guarantees 50mA load current at VIN ≥1.9V, achieves ≤20mV_P–P output ripple, and operates at a fixed 1.2MHz switching frequency in a compact 2×2mm DFN footprint-ideal for space-constrained low-noise power rails in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the DC916A-B datasheet, DC916A-B pinout, DC916A-B application, or DC916A-B equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, input/output voltage boundaries, ripple performance under defined loads, efficiency curves at key operating points, and confirmed alternative evaluation platforms for 3.3V regulated charge pump validation.

Technical Context

The DC916A-B implements a two-phase non-overlapping switched-capacitor topology using the LTC3204B-3.3 IC to generate regulated 3.3V output without inductors or diodes. Regulation is achieved via internal resistor-divider feedback and charge-pump current modulation based on output error.

It supports constant-frequency operation across all load conditions, includes built-in soft-start to limit inrush current, and integrates thermal shutdown and current-limit protection enabling continuous VOUT-to-GND short-circuit survival-critical for unattended test environments and embedded prototyping.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC916A-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered IoT edge nodes, and low-voltage industrial data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply and rapid power architecture validation.

Supply support for DC916A-B 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. (including legacy Linear Technology products) designs high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for precision signal chain and power applications.

The DC916A-B belongs to Linear's Demonstration Circuit series, developed specifically to accelerate evaluation of regulated charge pump ICs like the LTC3204B family in real-world PCB layouts and load conditions.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC916A-B demonstration circuit?

The DC916A-B demonstration circuit implements the LTC3204B-3.3 regulated charge pump IC to generate a precise 3.3V output from a 1.8V–4.5V input without inductors. It serves as a validated reference design for evaluating output regulation accuracy, ripple performance, efficiency, and protection behavior-enabling rapid integration into battery-powered systems before custom layout.

What input voltage range must be observed when operating the DC916A-B?

The DC916A-B must be operated within 1.8V to 4.5V input voltage. Exceeding 4.5V risks damage to the LTC3204B-3.3 IC. For reliable 50mA output, VIN must be ≥1.9V; below that, guaranteed output drops to 40mA. Input bypassing with an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is recommended to suppress overshoot when connecting to live supplies.

How does the DC916A-B achieve low output ripple compared to inductor-based solutions?

The DC916A-B achieves ≤20mV_P–P output ripple through fixed 1.2MHz switching, optimized flying capacitor selection, and internal regulation loop stability-verified at VIN=2.4V/IOUT=50mA. Unlike inductor-based converters, its capacitor-only topology eliminates magnetic coupling and core saturation effects, reducing both conducted and radiated noise in sensitive analog sections.

Can the DC916A-B be used to power a microcontroller with 3.3V I/O requirements?

Yes-the DC916A-B delivers a tightly regulated 3.3V ±4% output (3.168V–3.432V), meeting standard 3.3V logic interface tolerances. With up to 50mA continuous output at VIN ≥1.9V and low 20mV_P–P ripple, it reliably powers ARM Cortex-M0/M3 microcontrollers, SPI peripherals, and low-power wireless SoCs without requiring additional filtering or post-regulation.

Is there a version of this demo board supporting 5V output?

Yes-DC916A-A is the companion board featuring the LTC3204B-5 IC, providing a regulated 5V output (4.8V–5.2V) from a 2.7V–5.5V input with up to 150mA load capability. Both DC916A-A and DC916A-B share identical 2×2mm DFN form factor and three-capacitor bill-of-materials, enabling direct comparison of 3.3V vs. 5V charge pump performance under matched layout conditions.