Analog Devices Inc. DC919A-E

Overview

DC919A-E from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a fully populated, ready-to-use evaluation board for the LTC2203 16-bit, 25Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables high-fidelity digitization of wideband signals up to 380MHz full-power bandwidth, delivers 81.6dB SNR and 100dB SFDR at 2.5V input range, and supports PGA front-end configuration for 1.667VP-P or 2.5VP-P input ranges - ideal for spectrum analysis and communications receiver prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the DC919A-E datasheet, DC919A-E pinout, DC919A-E application, or DC919A-E equivalent, this board provides validated signal integrity, clock distribution, and power delivery for rapid characterization of the LTC2203 ADC under real-world RF sampling conditions - including dither, randomizer, and out-of-range indicator functionality verification.

Technical Context

The DC919A-E implements a differential analog input path with matched 50Ω termination, precision clock conditioning via an on-board ultra-low-jitter oscillator and duty-cycle stabilizer, and configurable digital output drive (CMOS, 0.5V–3.6V swing). It routes all 16 data bits (D0–D15), control signals (OE, SHDN, DITH, RAND, MODE), and auxiliary outputs (CLKOUT±, OF) to accessible headers.

Power delivery includes independent analog (3.3V) and digital (OVDD-selectable 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V) rails with multi-stage decoupling (1μF + 2.2μF ceramic), thermal management via exposed pad soldering, and provision for external reference injection at the SENSE pin - supporting both internal 2.5V bandgap and external 1.25V/2.5V references.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC919A-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for spectrum analyzers, communications receivers, automated test equipment (ATE), and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for DC919A-E 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. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving aerospace, industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The DC919A-E belongs to Analog Devices' LTC evaluation board family, designed specifically to accelerate development and validation of high-speed data converters - emphasizing signal integrity, low-noise layout, and out-of-the-box usability for RF and precision measurement applications.

FAQ

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

The DC919A-E evaluation board is a complete hardware platform for evaluating the LTC2203 16-bit, 25Msps analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary signal conditioning, clock generation, power regulation, and interface headers to characterize AC performance (SNR, SFDR), verify timing margins, and validate system integration - without requiring custom PCB design. The DC919A-E supports full-feature operation including PGA configuration, internal dither, data randomization, and out-of-range detection.

Does the DC919A-E support both LTC2203 and LTC2202 devices?

No - the DC919A-E is specifically designed and optimized for the LTC2203 (25Msps version). While the LTC2202 (10Msps) shares the same 48-pin QFN package and pinout, the DC919A-E's clock circuitry, layout tuning, and performance validation are targeted to the higher sample rate and associated bandwidth requirements of the LTC2203. Using it with the LTC2202 is possible but not characterized or guaranteed for optimal performance.

What input signal configurations does the DC919A-E support for the LTC2203?

The DC919A-E supports differential analog inputs via SMA connectors with 50Ω termination and adjustable common-mode bias. It enables both PGA = 0 (2.5VP-P full-scale) and PGA = 1 (1.667VP-P full-scale) modes through onboard jumpers, and allows selection between internal 2.5V reference and external 1.25V/2.5V reference via the SENSE pin. The board maintains tight amplitude and phase matching across the input path to preserve the LTC2203's specified 81.6dB SNR and 100dB SFDR.

Can the DC919A-E operate with different digital output supply voltages (OVDD)?

Yes - the DC919A-E provides jumper-selectable OVDD options of 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V to match the receiving logic family (e.g., FPGA I/O bank). This directly configures the LTC2203's CMOS output swing range (0.5V to 3.6V), ensuring clean signal integrity and proper voltage-level compatibility. All 16 data lines (D0–D15), clock outputs (CLKOUT±), and control signals (OE, OF) are routed to headers with appropriate buffering and termination.

Is the DC919A-E compatible with standard FPGA development tools and software?

The DC919A-E is hardware-compatible with common FPGA-based capture systems via its 0.1" header interface for D0–D15, CLK, OE, and control signals. While it does not include embedded firmware or vendor-specific drivers, its pinout and timing behavior align with the LTC2203 datasheet specifications - enabling straightforward integration into custom HDL designs or third-party ADC capture IP cores. Analog Devices provides reference schematics and layout notes, but no turnkey software stack is bundled with the DC919A-E.