SHARC EZ-KIT Lite experiments

[jwb]

I'd like to use this thread for a general discussion of the audio applications of the Analog Devices EZ-KIT Lite evaluation board. The 21262 board has many interesting audio applications, as does the upcoming 21364 eval board. The 21262 exposes a 20-pin header with access to the Digital Audio Interface of the Sharc DSP. (In fact, every pin of the entire DSP is exposed, but on a less-convenient daughterboard connector on the bottom). There is enough functionality here to make a 2-way or 3-way digital crossover, and perhaps even enough cycles leftover to do room correction. For experimental purposes, there's enough hardware included for a digital-in, analog-out 2-way stereo digital crossover.

The EZ-KIT comes with its own copy of VisualDSP for Windows. The possibilities seem pretty wide open.

[jean-paul]

OK, can it do non o...... Sorry, I could not resist

[jwb]

Heheh, oh boy!

The EZ-Kit is $495, which compares favorably with, for example, $15,000 processor cards for Meridian DSPs.

A similar product is made by these guys, but without any included analog I/O abilities:

http://www.danvillesignal.com/index....oducts_dspstak

You could add the analog I/O with their c192k22 expansion module, but then you're spending up to $600 without getting any software development tools in the deal.

[jwb]

I nearly forgot to mention Danville Signal also provides a 2-in, 4-out S/PDIF daughterboard for multichannel or crossover applications, but I can't imagine this being of any use. How could you keep 2 S/PDIF streams synchronized?

[rfbrw]

Originally posted by jwb
I nearly forgot to mention Danville Signal also provides a 2-in, 4-out S/PDIF daughterboard for multichannel or crossover applications, but I can't imagine this being of any use. How could you keep 2 S/PDIF streams synchronized?

The same way one keeps a multichannel AD in sync. You run the receivers as slaves and sync them to a common clock.

[jwb]

Sure, I understand that concept, but I cling to an irrational fear that one of the S/PDIF tx/rx pairs will be running one or more samples ahead of the other one.

[tiroth]

JWB,

Have you seen the D2audio XRS modules? They do not have the flexibility to do anything complex, like FIR filters, but they have a complete feature set as far as mixer, crossovers, delay, and EQ, and include the digital power amp as well.

Send me an email, ttt at ani-dian.com if you'd like to discuss. (remove the "-")

I don't have any relationship with D2audio, but I was very impressed with the datasheet and the pricing.

[illusionxx]

tiroth,

these modules are really interesting especially due to the possible customisation.
I couldn`t find any prices on the D2Audio homepage. As you seem to have informations about the pricing could you post them or send me a mail?
Are the modules available for private customers or only the OEM?

_______
illusionxx

[tiroth]

Their North American sales rep told me they plan to offer 1-99 unit quantities sometime in 1Q2005. I don't think the pricing info is public information, but you can probably get it from the sales rep--it is very reasonable in my opinion. Far south of the demo boards being discussed here.

I am almost certainly going to get one when available for testing--if the SQ is good, this could be the missing link in an all-digital reproduction chain. It wouldn't be hard to put together an interface for programming from the computer, and volume control via PIC or similar.

A similar unit, the XRT, is being used in the Harman-Kardon DPR-1005/2005 recievers...

[dwk123]

The D2 units are analog-in, aren't they?

The Sharc EZ-Kit would be a very good match to the TI Equibit Eval board. It runs about $500 as well, and takes 3 pairs of I2S input to drive the 6 channels of amp. Hook up a pot to the EZ-Kit to do internal volume control, run the Equibit board from SLA batteries and you'd have a very very nice all-digital setup for about $1k.