Analog Devices Inc. DC996B-G

Overview

DC996B-G from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 64-pin QFN evaluation board for the LTC2216 16-bit, 80Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables high-fidelity digitization of RF and IF signals up to 400MHz full-power bandwidth, with 81.5dBFS noise floor, 100dB SFDR, and 85fsRMS aperture jitter. Designed for telecom receiver and spectrum analysis applications requiring low-noise, wide-dynamic-range sampling.

For engineers reviewing the DC996B-G datasheet, DC996B-G pinout, DC996B-G application, or DC996B-G equivalent, this page provides verified hardware interface details, validated ADC performance metrics, layout-critical power and clock routing guidance, and direct alternatives for system-level ADC evaluation platform selection.

Technical Context

The DC996B-G implements the LTC2216 in a fully populated, impedance-controlled PCB layout optimized for signal integrity at 80Msps. It features differential analog input path with 50Ω matched trace routing, ultra-low-noise LDO-regulated 3.3V analog and digital supplies, and selectable LVDS/CMOS output termination networks. Clock distribution includes transformer-coupled differential ENC+/- inputs with adjustable bias and optional duty cycle stabilizer enable.

Board-level design supports both internal (2.5V bandgap) and external reference configurations via SENSE pin control, and integrates dither and data randomization functions through dedicated header-accessible control lines. All critical ADC timing parameters-including tD (ENC-to-data delay), tSKEW (data-to-CLKOUT skew), and data latency (7 cycles)-are preserved per LTC2216 specification under real-world PCB parasitics.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC996B-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver development, cellular base station prototyping, and automated test equipment (ATE) requiring stable component supply and production-ready evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for DC996B-G 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, acquired Linear Technology in 2017 to strengthen its precision data conversion portfolio.

The DC996B-G belongs to ADI's Linear Technology Evaluation Board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-validation for high-speed ADCs in demanding communications and instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC996B-G evaluation board?

The DC996B-G evaluation board is a fully assembled, production-tested hardware platform designed exclusively to evaluate the LTC2216 16-bit, 80Msps analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary signal conditioning, power regulation, clock interface, and digital output routing to validate DC996B-G performance in real-world RF sampling applications without custom PCB development.

Does the DC996B-G support both LTC2216 and LTC2215 devices?

Yes - the DC996B-G is pin-compatible with both the LTC2216 (80Msps) and LTC2215 (65Msps) as confirmed by Linear Technology's official documentation. The board's layout, power delivery, and signal routing meet the requirements of both variants, enabling flexible evaluation across the family without hardware modification.

What clock input options does the DC996B-G provide for the LTC2216?

The DC996B-G accepts differential sine wave, PECL, LVDS, TTL, or CMOS clock inputs via SMA connectors routed to the ENC+/ENC– pins of the LTC2216. It includes on-board biasing and optional duty cycle stabilizer enable, supporting high-performance undersampling up to 400MHz input frequencies while maintaining the LTC2216's specified 85fsRMS jitter.

How is analog input common-mode voltage managed on the DC996B-G?

The DC996B-G routes the LTC2216's VCM pin (1.575V nominal) to a dedicated 2.2μF low-ESR ceramic capacitor, as required by the datasheet. This ensures stable common-mode bias for the differential analog input pair (AIN+/AIN–), directly supporting the 1.2–1.8V specified common-mode range and enabling optimal SNR and SFDR performance across temperature.

Can the DC996B-G be used with external reference sources?

Yes - the DC996B-G supports both internal (2.5V bandgap) and external reference configurations via the SENSE pin. An external 2.5V or 1.25V reference can be applied to set the same 2.75VP-P full-scale input range, allowing system-level calibration traceability and improved gain/offset stability versus the internal reference, as validated in LTC2216 characterization data.