Analog Devices Inc. DC996B-J

Overview

DC996B-J from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 16-bit, 80Msps high-speed analog-to-digital converter optimized for undersampling wideband RF signals up to 400MHz. It features 81.5dBFS noise floor, 100dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and 85fsRMS aperture jitter. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply and supports LVDS or CMOS digital outputs - used in cellular base station receivers and spectrum analyzers.

For engineers reviewing the DC996B-J datasheet, DC996B-J pinout, DC996B-J application, or DC996B-J equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.75VP-P fixed input range, 64-pin QFN package, dither-enabled SFDR enhancement, and compatibility with high-frequency sampling architectures requiring low-noise digitization of IF/RF bands.

Technical Context

The DC996B-J implements a pipelined ADC architecture with integrated sample-and-hold, internal reference generator, and clock duty cycle stabilizer. Its analog front-end supports differential inputs up to 400MHz full-power bandwidth and accepts sine wave, PECL, LVDS, TTL, or CMOS clock inputs.

Digital output flexibility includes standard or low-power LVDS modes (100Ω load), full-rate or demultiplexed CMOS buses (0.5V–3.6V OVDD), and configurable data latency (7 cycles). Optional internal dither and output randomization improve SFDR at low input levels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DC996B-J is housed in a 64-pin (9mm × 9mm) plastic QFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 65 = GND). The package supports reflow soldering and requires PCB thermal vias under the exposed pad for reliable operation at full speed.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD9268BCPZ-80 and LTC2208IUP#PBF, DC996B-J delivers superior SFDR and integrated jitter mitigation features - making it optimal for RF receiver front-ends where spectral purity and undersampling fidelity are non-negotiable.

Availability

DC996B-J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, test instrumentation, spectrum monitoring, and medical ultrasound systems requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for DC996B-J 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 RF ICs for precision signal processing.

The DC996B-J belongs to Linear's high-speed ADC product line, engineered specifically for communications infrastructure and instrumentation where wideband digitization, low jitter, and high SFDR are essential.

FAQ

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

The DC996B-J supports a full-power analog input bandwidth of 400MHz, enabling direct undersampling of IF signals up to that frequency. This specification is measured with RS < 25Ω source impedance and applies across the full operating temperature range. The device maintains 81.5dBFS noise floor and ≥95dB SFDR at 70MHz input, confirming robust high-frequency performance. DC996B-J achieves this using a high-fidelity sample-and-hold stage and low-noise pipelined core.

Does the DC996B-J require an external reference voltage?

No, the DC996B-J includes an internal 2.5V bandgap reference and generates a fixed 2.75VP-P input range. The SENSE pin defaults to internal reference when tied to VDD. An external 1.25V or 2.5V reference may be applied to SENSE for identical full-scale range - but no external reference is required for standard operation. DC996B-J's internal reference exhibits ±12ppm/°C drift over temperature, ensuring stable gain calibration in thermally varying environments.

Can the DC996B-J operate with a 2.5V digital output supply (OVDD)?

Yes, the DC996B-J supports OVDD from 0.5V to 3.6V in CMOS mode, including 2.5V. At OVDD = 2.5V, VOH is guaranteed ≥2.49V and VOL ≤0.1V under specified load conditions. This allows seamless interfacing with 2.5V FPGA I/O banks without level shifters. DC996B-J maintains full 80Msps operation and specified timing parameters (e.g., 2.7ns ENC-to-data delay) across the entire OVDD range.

How does the internal dither function improve SFDR in the DC996B-J?

When enabled via the DITH pin, the DC996B-J injects controlled noise into the ADC core to randomize quantization error, reducing harmonic correlation and raising SFDR by ≥10dB at low input levels (e.g., –25dBFS). This is especially effective for narrowband interferers near strong carriers. DC996B-J's dither is fully integrated - no external components or clock synchronization required - and remains active across temperature and supply variations.

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

Yes, the DC996B-J shares the same 64-pin QFN package and pinout as LTC2208, LTC2217, and LTC2215 - confirmed in the official Linear datasheet (22165f, page 2). This enables drop-in upgrades from 65Msps (LTC2215) or migration to higher performance (LTC2217) without PCB redesign. DC996B-J retains identical power, ground, analog input, clock, and control pin assignments - only performance parameters like SFDR and jitter differ.