Analog Devices Inc. DC996B-H

Overview

DC996B-H from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a high-performance 16-bit, 80Msps analog-to-digital converter designed for wideband signal digitization in RF and communications systems. It features 81.5dBFS noise floor, 100dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), 85fsRMS aperture jitter, 2.75V_P-P fixed input range, and 400MHz full-power bandwidth - enabling undersampling of IF/RF signals up to 140MHz in cellular base station receivers and spectrum analyzers.

For engineers reviewing the DC996B-H datasheet, DC996B-H pinout, DC996B-H application, or DC996B-H equivalent, key selection criteria include its LVDS/CMOS dual-output flexibility, internal dither and data randomizer options, clock duty cycle stabilizer, ±3.5LSB INL, and compatibility with demanding wide-dynamic-range sampling architectures requiring low-noise, high-SFDR performance at 80Msps.

Technical Context

The DC996B-H implements a 16-bit pipelined ADC core with integrated sample-and-hold, internal reference generator, and correction logic. Its architecture supports both differential LVDS and single-ended CMOS digital outputs - with CMOS configurable as full-rate (16-bit bus @ 80MHz) or demultiplexed (two 16-bit buses @ 40MHz).

It accepts differential analog inputs up to 400MHz bandwidth and uses a 3.3V analog supply (VDD) with separate 0.5V–3.6V output supply (OVDD). Clocking is via differential ENC+/ENC– inputs supporting PECL, LVDS, TTL, or CMOS drive, with an optional duty-cycle stabilizer ensuring performance across 40%–60% duty cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DC996B-H is housed in a 64-pin (9mm × 9mm) plastic QFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 65 = GND). The package supports high-density PCB layout and efficient heat dissipation in compact RF modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed ADC applications.

Compared with AD9268BCPZ-80, DC996B-H delivers +10dB SFDR and integrated signal conditioning features; compared with LTC2217IUP#PBF, it offers identical functionality at lower power and cost while meeting 80Msps system requirements without over-specifying.

Availability

DC996B-H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, test instrumentation, spectrum monitoring, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for DC996B-H 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, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The DC996B-H belongs to ADI's high-speed precision ADC product line, engineered for wideband communications and instrumentation applications demanding ultra-low noise, high SFDR, and deterministic timing behavior in harsh RF environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum analog input frequency supported by the DC996B-H?

The DC996B-H supports a full-power analog input bandwidth of 400MHz, meaning it can accurately digitize signals with fundamental frequencies up to 400MHz while maintaining specified SNR and SFDR performance. This enables direct undersampling of IF signals in L-band and S-band radio systems without prior downconversion - a key capability for compact, high-performance receiver designs using the DC996B-H.

Does the DC996B-H require an external reference voltage?

No, the DC996B-H includes an internal 2.5V bandgap reference that sets the 2.75V_P-P full-scale input range. The SENSE pin (Pin 1) is tied to VDD to enable this mode. An external 2.5V or 1.25V reference may be used instead for specialized scaling, but it is not required - simplifying bill-of-materials and layout for most DC996B-H implementations.

How does the internal dither function improve performance in the DC996B-H?

When enabled via the DITH pin (Pin 20), the internal dither in the DC996B-H injects a small, uncorrelated noise signal into the ADC core to randomize quantization error. This raises the noise floor slightly but dramatically improves SFDR - e.g., from 105dBFS to 115dBFS at –25dBFS input and 70MHz - making the DC996B-H especially effective for low-level signal detection in spectrum analysis and sensitive receiver applications.

Can the DC996B-H operate with a single 3.3V supply?

Yes, the DC996B-H operates from a single 3.3V analog supply (VDD) and supports independent output supply voltages (OVDD) from 0.5V to 3.6V. This allows direct interfacing with 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V FPGA or ASIC I/O banks without level-shifting - a key advantage for minimizing board complexity and power delivery overhead in systems using the DC996B-H.

Is the DC996B-H pin-compatible with other members of the LTC22xx family?

Yes, the DC996B-H is pin-compatible with the LTC2208 and LTC2217, sharing identical 64-pin QFN packaging, pin assignments, and power sequencing requirements. This enables hardware reuse across sample rates - for example, migrating from 65Msps (LTC2215) to 80Msps (DC996B-H) or 105Msps (LTC2217) without PCB revision - a critical benefit for scalable platform development using the DC996B-H.