50Msps, 16-bit DAC Demo Board Released
Compatible with Embedded Micro's 'Mojo' FPGA development board


Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the release of a new demo board (product name: DC2459A) equipped with the 50 Msps, 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) LTC1668. This high-performance DAC is highly popular in applications using analog frequency content ranging from the audible frequency band to several megahertz (MHz).

The DC2459A has been completely redesigned from the original demo circuit. Various signal conditioning options can be utilized for analog output, and digital signals can be provided using one of several convenient, low-cost FPGA development boards. FPGA example code for generating digital sine wave data for the DAC is also provided.

Semiconductor demo boards enable synergy between the 'Maker' community and the production design sector. A 50Msps DAC requires a well-designed board and a suitable digital signal source. One piece of equipment to consider in this case is a desktop digital pattern generator; however, if you do not already possess such equipment and its sole purpose is to evaluate the DAC, purchasing a new one tends to be expensive.

Fortunately, the maker community supplies various types of boards that combine the three elements of performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Boards like the DC2459A allow makers to utilize true high-performance devices, example code, and well-layouted PC boards for projects and prototyping.

One of the DC2459A's digital connectors is directly compatible with Embedded Micro's popular "Mojo" Spartan 6 FPGA board. Additionally, Mojo features an ATmega32U4 processor that supports the Arduino bootloader, providing options to control the LTC1668 or add analog and mixed-signal functions using Linduino® code (http://www.linear.com/solutions/linduino).