Olle:s first chipamp with LM3886! Board layout?

Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.
I have found some components at the local junk yard lately :)
This is how it looks: :D

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.


Yes, I am building a gainclone with the LM3886 :cool:
Mabye a little oversized heatsink and power transformers for a normal two channel gainclone :D
The powersupply was finnished last week...
 
Need pcb-layout!

I recently became a member of a electronic-association for students, so now I can make my own pcb:s :) That's cool!

I want to build a "normal gainclone", like BrianGT:s pcbs... But I want to make the pcb myself, it's more fun! ;)

I'm looking for a board-layout: Non-inverted, single-sided for LM3886.

There are hundreds of layouts out there, some are made by newbies, and some by experienced people.
Of course I have searched, but its hard for me do decide a good layout.

I found a a layout made by "bigparsnip" here at the forum.
It is non inverted right? There are no errors right?
Shall I use it for my pcb:s?

What do you think?
 
Hi,
there is no RF attenuation nor chip decoupling on the PCB, nor DC blocking cap on the input.
The decoupling can easily be added directly to the chip power pins on the back of the PCB.
Similarly the RF cap can be paralleled with the Zin resistor on the back.

I don't like the common signal ground with the chip ground.
Similarly the Power Ground is commoned with the Signal Ground.

Either, select a layout with some or all of these features designed into the layout or be prepared to experiment with add ons after you have listened/measured the performance.
 
there is no RF attenuation nor chip decoupling on the PCB, nor DC blocking cap on the input.
The decoupling can easily be added directly to the chip power pins on the back of the PCB.
Similarly the RF cap can be paralleled with the Zin resistor on the back.
Okay, these things can easily be fixed, but not the other ones you mension...

Is there a better layout out there? :)
 
This is the first attempt at PCB design and I am still figuring out eagle.
FYI, I made the board using toner transfer, but yet to build the amp.
So I cannot vouch for hum, ground loops etc.

Use at your own risk.

I tried to read and follow the info in previous posts on this forum when
doing the layout.
Feedback resistor is as close as possible to the chip.
The decoupling caps are as close as possible to the chip.
The power lines are on one side, closest to the chip.
The input signal is away from the power traces.
All traces are as thick as I could make them.
 

Attachments

  • lm3886-brd.jpg
    lm3886-brd.jpg
    53.7 KB · Views: 1,422
DC coupled amplifier.
Where is the DC detect and output isolation?
No RF attenuation.
The decoupling caps are far too bulky and as a result had to be located too far from the power pins.
Look for 0.1inch or 0.2inch pin pitch for the 100nF decoupling.
NFB tied into the Power Ground instead of the Signal Ground.
Signal Ground sharing trace impedance with Power Ground.
 
Andrew, thanks for the feedback on the layout.

> DC coupled amp

The amp will be used with a preamp. I'll put in a coupling cap for safety.

> No RF attenuation.

There is an RC filter on the output. I wanted to avoid an inductor.
Others like BrainGT seem to follow the same.

> NFB tied into the Power Ground instead of the Signal Ground.
> Signal Ground sharing trace impedance with Power Ground.

Fixed now.

Decoupling caps are large, as that's what I have at hand now.

- Prasad
 
quadtech said:
Andrew, thanks for the feedback on the layout.

> DC coupled amp

The amp will be used with a preamp. I'll put in a coupling cap for safety.

> No RF attenuation.

There is an RC filter on the output. I wanted to avoid an inductor.
Others like BrainGT seem to follow the same.
adding one DC blocking cap leaves the amp with mixed AC & DC coupling.
I recommend you AC couple
or
DC couple with DC detect and output isolation.

There is no input RF attenuation. Fix it.
 
Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.