Analog Devices Inc. DC991A

Overview

DC991A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a demonstration circuit board built around the LT5560 low-power active down-converting mixer IC, optimized for RF test & measurement applications in 700–1680 MHz RF input and 515–915 MHz LO frequency bands, with 110–170 MHz IF output and 2.6 dB conversion gain at -2dBm LO drive.

For engineers reviewing the DC991A datasheet, DC991A pinout, DC991A application, or DC991A equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of LT5560 mixer performance-including IIP3 (+9.7 dBm), SSB noise figure (10.1 dB), LO-to-RF isolation (-57 dBm), and adjustable supply current (10 mA typical) under real-world 50 Ω matched conditions.

Technical Context

DC991A implements a fully populated, impedance-matched layout for the LT5560 double-balanced active mixer, supporting single-ended LO drive and broadband RF/IF port matching via external components. It operates across 2.7 V to 5.3 V supply voltage with enable-controlled shutdown (10 µA max).

The board is configured specifically for down-conversion: RF input (700–1680 MHz), LO input (515–915 MHz), and IF output (110–170 MHz, 12 dB return loss bandwidth), with on-board R1 resistor (3 Ω default) setting nominal 10 mA supply current for optimal linearity vs. power trade-off.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC991A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test & measurement systems, wireless infrastructure prototyping, and spectrum analyzer front-end development requiring stable component supply and validated reference design support.

Supply support for DC991A 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 RF semiconductors for precision signal processing and connectivity applications.

The DC991A belongs to Analog Devices' demonstration circuit product line, developed to accelerate customer evaluation of LT5560 mixer performance in real-world RF system integration scenarios.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC991A demonstration circuit?

DC991A is a fully assembled evaluation board designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the down-conversion performance of the LT5560 active mixer IC. It provides pre-characterized RF, LO, and IF port matching networks, biasing, and enable control-enabling immediate measurement of conversion gain, noise figure, IIP3, and LO leakage without custom PCB development. The DC991A is not a standalone IC or module but a ready-to-use test platform.

Does DC991A support both up-conversion and down-conversion modes?

While the underlying LT5560 IC is capable of both up- and down-conversion, the DC991A board is specifically optimized and characterized for down-conversion operation. Its layout, external matching components, and Quick Start Guide procedures target RF→IF translation (e.g., 900 MHz RF + 760 MHz LO → 140 MHz IF). Up-conversion use would require redesign of matching networks and is not validated or supported by the DC991A documentation.

What supply voltage and current does DC991A require during operation?

DC991A operates from a single 2.7 V to 5.3 V DC supply, with nominal 3 V recommended per the Quick Start Guide. Supply current is set by on-board resistor R1: 10 mA typical when R1 = 3 Ω. Current is adjustable to trade off linearity (e.g., IIP3 degrades below 10 mA), and shutdown current drops to ≤10 µA when EN is pulled low.

Can DC991A be used directly in a production RF system?

No-DC991A is a demonstration circuit intended solely for lab evaluation and design verification of the LT5560 mixer. It is not qualified for production deployment: it lacks environmental ratings, long-term reliability validation, or EMI/EMC certification. For production, designers must integrate the LT5560 IC into their own application-specific PCB with appropriate layout, filtering, and thermal management per the LT5560 datasheet.

Where can I obtain design files (Gerber, schematic) for DC991A?

Design files for DC991A-including schematic, layout Gerbers, and bill of materials-are available directly from Analog Devices. As stated in the Quick Start Guide: "Design files for this circuit board are available. Call the LTC factory." Customers should contact Analog Devices' technical support or visit analog.com/support to request these files under applicable NDA or license terms.