Analog Devices Inc. DC919A-C

Overview

DC919A-C from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully populated, USB-powered evaluation board for the LTC2204 16-bit, 40Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables high-fidelity digitization of wideband signals up to 700MHz full-power bandwidth, delivers 79dB SNR and 100dB SFDR at 5MHz input, and supports differential or single-ended clock inputs (LVDS/PECL/TTL/CMOS). It is used in spectrum analysis, communications receiver front-ends, and ATE systems requiring low-jitter sampling.

For engineers reviewing the DC919A-C datasheet, DC919A-C pinout, DC919A-C application, or DC919A-C equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, ADC interface timing constraints, FPGA-hosted data capture architecture, and direct compatibility guidance with LTC2204-based signal chain designs.

Technical Context

The DC919A-C implements the LTC2204 ADC in a fixed 40Msps sampling configuration with on-board differential analog input conditioning, programmable PGA gain (0 dB or 12 dB), optional internal dither, and data output randomization. Clocking is provided via an onboard crystal oscillator or external SMA input, with optional duty cycle stabilization enabled by default.

It features a Xilinx Spartan-3E FPGA for real-time data capture, buffering, and USB 2.0 streaming to host PC software (LTspice and DC890B-compatible). The board includes calibrated reference voltage generation, thermal monitoring, and configurable power sequencing aligned with LTC2204's 3.3V analog/digital supply requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC919A-C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for spectrum analysis instrumentation, cellular base station receiver validation, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply and pre-validated ADC evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for DC919A-C 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) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets.

The DC919A-C belongs to Analog Devices' LTC Evaluation Board family, designed specifically to accelerate prototyping and characterization of high-speed data converters in RF, telecom, and test & measurement applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC919A-C evaluation board?

The DC919A-C evaluation board is a complete, ready-to-run hardware platform for evaluating the LTC2204 16-bit, 40Msps analog-to-digital converter. It integrates all necessary signal conditioning, clocking, power regulation, FPGA-based data capture, and USB 2.0 streaming firmware - enabling immediate functional validation and performance benchmarking of the LTC2204 without custom PCB development. DC919A-C supports both AC-coupled and DC-coupled analog inputs, and includes jumper-selectable PGA gain settings.

Does the DC919A-C support the LTC2205 as well as the LTC2204?

No - the DC919A-C is specifically designed and validated for the LTC2204 (40Msps version). While the LTC2205 shares the same 48-pin QFN package and many control features, its higher 65Msps sample rate requires different FPGA timing constraints, clock distribution, and layout optimizations. Analog Devices provides the DC919A-A variant for LTC2205 evaluation; using DC919A-C with LTC2205 may result in timing violations or degraded dynamic performance. DC919A-C is not pin- or firmware-compatible with LTC2205 operation.

What software tools are compatible with the DC919A-C?

The DC919A-C is supported by Analog Devices' LTspice waveform viewer and the DC890B demonstration software suite, both of which provide real-time FFT analysis, histogram plotting, SNR/SFDR calculation, and time-domain waveform display. Firmware updates and configuration utilities are delivered via Analog Devices' Linduino IDE. No third-party drivers or SDKs are required - the board enumerates as a standard USB CDC device under Windows, macOS, and Linux. DC919A-C does not require vendor-specific FPGA programming tools for basic operation.

Can the DC919A-C operate with an external clock source?

Yes - the DC919A-C accepts external clock signals via the SMA connector labeled "CLK IN". It supports LVDS, PECL, TTL, and CMOS logic levels, and automatically routes the signal to the ENC+/ENC– inputs of the LTC2204. The onboard clock duty cycle stabilizer remains active unless disabled via jumper JP1. When using external clocks, users must ensure signal integrity (impedance matching, jitter < 90fs RMS), and verify that the applied frequency matches the LTC2204's 40Msps requirement. DC919A-C does not support variable-rate clocking or spread-spectrum clocking modes.

What is the role of the FPGA on the DC919A-C?

The Xilinx Spartan-3E FPGA on the DC919A-C performs three critical functions: (1) captures parallel 16-bit ADC output data synchronized to the LTC2204's CLKOUT signal, (2) buffers up to 1M samples in on-chip Block RAM for triggered acquisition, and (3) formats and streams data over USB 2.0 to host software. It also manages GPIO control of LTC2204 features including SHDN, OE, RAND, DITH, and MODE pins. The FPGA configuration is preloaded and non-field-upgradable; no JTAG programming is needed for standard DC919A-C operation.