Analog Devices Inc. LTC2378CDE-20#PBF

Overview

LTC2378CDE-20#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 20-bit, 1 Msps successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter with ±0.5 ppm typical integral nonlinearity, 104 dB SNR at 2 kHz, and digital gain compression (DGC) for single-supply amplifier interfacing. It operates from a 2.5 V supply, supports ±V_REF fully differential inputs (V_REF = 2.5 V to 5.1 V), and consumes 21 mW at full throughput - used in high-precision medical imaging and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF datasheet, LTC2378CDE-20#PBF pinout, LTC2378CDE-20#PBF application, or LTC2378CDE-20#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 20-bit no-missing-codes performance, daisy-chain SPI interface compatibility, internal conversion clock, DGC-enabled 0.5 V–4.5 V input range with 5 V reference, and operation across 0°C to 70°C.

Technical Context

The LTC2378CDE-20#PBF implements a charge-redistribution SAR architecture with a 20-bit CDAC and differential comparator, achieving no pipeline delay and zero cycle latency. Its internal oscillator eliminates external timing dependencies, while auto power-down between conversions scales quiescent current from 21 mW at 1 Msps to 21 µW at 1 ksps.

Digital gain compression (DGC) is implemented via on-chip digital scaling that remaps zero-scale from 0 V to 0.1·V_REF and full-scale from V_REF to 0.9·V_REF, enabling rail-to-rail input swing compatibility with single 5.5 V–supplied amplifiers without negative bias - preserving full 20-bit resolution and ±2 ppm max INL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-lead (4 mm × 3 mm) plastic DFN with exposed pad (Pin 17 = GND). RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS127L01IRHBT and AD4020BRMZ, the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF uniquely combines 1 Msps throughput, ±0.5 ppm INL, and DGC-enabled single-supply operation - making it optimal for compact, battery-efficient systems where analog front-end simplification directly reduces BOM cost and board area.

Availability

LTC2378CDE-20#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical imaging systems, portable instrumentation, and industrial process control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LTC2378CDE-20#PBF 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 semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets.

The LTC2378-20 product line was developed by Linear Technology (acquired by ADI in 2017) to deliver ultra-low-noise, low-power, high-speed SAR ADCs for applications demanding both resolution and throughput - especially where power efficiency and analog interface simplicity are critical.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF?

The LTC2378CDE-20#PBF is specified for operation from 0°C to 70°C. This commercial-grade temperature range is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and Order Information section of the official datasheet, and applies specifically to the "C" grade variant denoted in the part number. The "I" grade (e.g., LTC2378IDE-20#PBF) extends to –40°C to 85°C.

Does the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF require an external clock source?

No, the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF features an internal oscillator that sets the conversion time, eliminating the need for an external clock source. This is explicitly stated in the datasheet's "Features" and "Applications Information" sections. The internal clock ensures consistent timing and simplifies system design - only the SCK signal is needed for serial data transfer, not for conversion initiation.

How does Digital Gain Compression (DGC) work in the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF?

In the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF, DGC is activated by grounding the REF/DGC pin (Pin 8). This causes the ADC to digitally remap zero-scale from 0 V to 0.1·V_REF and full-scale from V_REF to 0.9·V_REF. With a 5 V reference, the effective input range becomes 0.5 V to 4.5 V - enabling use of single-supply amplifiers without sacrificing 20-bit resolution or linearity.

What package type is used for the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF?

The LTC2378CDE-20#PBF uses a 16-lead plastic DFN package measuring 4 mm × 3 mm, with an exposed thermal pad (Pin 17) that must be soldered to the PCB ground plane. This is confirmed in the "Order Information" table and "Pin Configuration" diagram, distinguishing it from the MSOP variant (e.g., LTC2378CMS-20#PBF).

Is the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF pin-compatible with other variants in the LTC2378-20 family?

Yes, the LTC2378CDE-20#PBF shares identical pinout and footprint with all other LTC2378-20 variants, including LTC2378IMS-20#PBF and LTC2378IDE-20#PBF. The datasheet's "Pin Configuration" diagrams confirm identical top-view layouts for both DFN and MSOP packages, and the "Order Information" table lists identical pin counts and functions across grades and packages.