"Reference" TDA1541A DAC with I2S-BUS architecture

[dvb-projekt]

The new Red Baron

aka TDA1541A DAC V4.0

The evolution brings the following changes

- Separate I2S-GND route to Digital-GND
- Separate Analog Output GND route
- Separate GND route for active divider decoupling caps to Analog-GND
- Modified active divider decoupling pads for better SMD 1210 caps soldering
- Onboard SOT353 footprint for fastest DEM-Synchronizer IC´s
- Un-interrupted ground plane
- MOSFET Source/Drain failure corrected


Still on the module

- Direct shunt voltage inputs with shortest onboard traces
- I2S In-/Outputs with shortest onboard traces
- I2S Attenuator and DEM Synchronizer
(by -ecdesigns-)
- Onboard Grounded-Gate MOSFET Current Buffer I/V Stage
(-ecdesigns- MK7 version)
- Separate GND-Trace for DEM-Synchroinizer
- Master/Slave connectors for parallel DAC module usage
and external I/V Buffer stages e.g.
Tube-I-zator & DDNF Stage
- no SMD Design[/B]




The PCB has the following data:

Material: FR4 - 2mm
Layers: 2
Board size: 125x73 mm
Surface finish: Immersion Gold
Copper weight: 35µm
Soldermask: Both sides - red
Silkscreen: Legend on top


Comming soon...

[regal]

Why are the decoupling caps so far away from the TDA? They should be underneath, is the ground plan still cut in half under the TDA?

[dvb-projekt]

Hi regal,

Why are the decoupling caps so far away from the TDA?

Keep in mind that my design is primarily a non SMD design!
The the decoupling caps trace length is 6.4mm max. with a resistance of 4mOhm. However, with a pure SMD design you could save the 4mOhm, but is this still audible...
With this real short trace length it sounds fantastic, especially with John´s recommended SMD caps.

is the ground plan still cut in half under the TDA?

As you could see on the photo, the ground plane is complete uninterrupted on the top layer. Compare the differences between V3.0 and V4.0 in my blog.

[dvb-projekt]

The new Red Baron

aka TDA1541A DAC V4.0





The evolution brings the following changes

- Separate I2S-GND route to Digital-GND
- Separate Analog Output GND route
- Separate GND route for active divider decoupling caps to Analog-GND
- Modified active divider decoupling pads for better SMD 1210 caps soldering
- Onboard SOT353 footprint for fastest DEM-Synchronizer IC´s
- Un-interrupted ground plane
- MOSFET Source/Drain failure corrected


Still on the module

- Direct shunt voltage inputs with shortest onboard traces
- I2S In-/Outputs with shortest onboard traces
- I2S Attenuator and DEM Synchronizer
(by -ecdesigns-)
- Onboard Grounded-Gate MOSFET Current Buffer I/V Stage
(-ecdesigns- MK7 version)
- Separate GND-Trace for DEM-Synchroinizer
- Master/Slave connectors for parallel DAC module usage
and external I/V Buffer stages e.g.
Tube-I-zator & DDNF Stage
- no SMD Design

The PCB has the following data:

Material: FR4 - 2mm
Layers: 2
Board size: 125x73 mm
Surface finish: Immersion Gold
Copper weight: 35µm
Soldermask: Both sides - red
Silkscreen: Legend on top


In Stock

The price will be as followed:

Professional 2-Layer PCB: $15
Worldwide shipping: $ 9
Europe shipping: $ 5
paypal fee: 3,9%

A donation of $3 USD to diyAudio will be done for every pcb sold.


The DAC module V2.3 will still be available for those,
who want to use it without the TDA1541A Shunt module!



If you want to use the onboard Grounded-Gate MOSFET Current Buffer I/V Stage,
you need additionally the DC-Reference Module



Description

Because the Grounded-Gate Buffer is connected between the DAC output and the passive I/V resistor,
normally the I/V resistor is connected between the DAC output and GND,
you must get rid off the approx. 4V DC on each I/V resistor.
Therefore we must get a new reference GND for each channel.

The circuit is connected to the ref.+5V at the output of the buffer and GND,
with a decoupling cap for each channel.
By trimming each voltage so it exactly matches DC voltage on the I/V resistor,
the DC voltage between I/V resistor and reference becomes zero.
In other words, the DC component is removed without using a coupling cap.







Material: FR4 - 2mm
Layers: 2
Board size: 54x34 mm
Surface finish: Immersion Gold
Copper weight: 35µm
Soldermask: Both sides - red
Silkscreen: Legend on top


Following parts are needed:
2* 2-Way vertical header; 5mm pitch - Mouser Part No.: 571-2828362
2* 470µF/min. 10V decoupling cap - Mouser Part No.: 647-RR71A471MDN1
2* 1K0 multiturn trimmer - Mouser Part No.: 652-3006P-1-102-LF



In Stock

The price for it is $9

Worldwide shipping: $ 4
paypal fee: 3,9%

You could see the setting points for the onboard I/V stage HERE.

[noizas]

Originally Posted by dvb-projekt

Hi regal,



Keep in mind that my design is primarily a non SMD design!
The the decoupling caps trace length is 6.4mm max. with a resistance of 4mOhm. However, with a pure SMD design you could save the 4mOhm, but is this still audible...

Hi Oliver,

nice upgrades, indeed
Solid ground plane especially, better soldering pads for 1210 too.

As you already have those PCBs in stock , so I will send you PM soon for order.

It would be fine if you show us layout of downside of your Red Baron.

[dvb-projekt]

Originally Posted by noizas

It would be fine if you show us layout of downside of your Red Baron.

I think you mean especially this region...

[saptemari]

Thank you very much for the modules! Quality, service and price = top class!

I will post the result here. For the moment I am in the process of purchasing the parts. I am gonna try some Philips blue MKT caps instead of "classic" Wima for decoupling caps.

Best wishes to all!

[dtses]

got mine pack as well (V4, PS, DDNF)!

hell yeeeeee, these are just splendid, real hi-end product! and yes, it does worth every cent! I'll keep it on my table for few week to enjoy thank you, Oliver! Especially the red dac board is very sexy!

Has anybody gone for a different 10uf cap on DDNF board than Supreme? I was advice by Oliver to use EVO, but found that old Russian teflon caps are highly regarded and advised for DBC1 (output) and My Rev FE (input) and even superior or at least same quality as Supremes. The combination is FT3 + K75. So I wonder if anybody could provide any input on these. EVOs are fine with me, just like the look and dimensions (110x55) of K75

[saptemari]

Originally Posted by dtses

got mine pack as well (V4, PS, DDNF)!

hell yeeeeee, these are just splendid, real hi-end product! and yes, it does worth every cent! I'll keep it on my table for few week to enjoy thank you, Oliver! Especially the red dac board is very sexy!

Has anybody gone for a different 10uf cap on DDNF board than Supreme? I was advice by Oliver to use EVO, but found that old Russian teflon caps are highly regarded and advised for DBC1 (output) and My Rev FE (input) and even superior or at least same quality as Supremes. The combination is FT3 + K75. So I wonder if anybody could provide any input on these. EVOs are fine with me, just like the look and dimensions (110x55) of K75

Hi,
I am using FT-3 .22 uF as a coupling cap in my tube amp. I feel that it is a good cap in this position, but please keep in mind that they are very large.

[dvb-projekt]

Originally Posted by dtses

got mine pack as well (V4, PS, DDNF)!

hell yeeeeee, these are just splendid, real hi-end product! and yes, it does worth every cent! I'll keep it on my table for few week to enjoy thank you, Oliver! Especially the red dac board is very sexy!

Has anybody gone for a different 10uf cap on DDNF board than Supreme? I was advice by Oliver to use EVO, but found that old Russian teflon caps are highly regarded and advised for DBC1 (output) and My Rev FE (input) and even superior or at least same quality as Supremes. The combination is FT3 + K75. So I wonder if anybody could provide any input on these. EVOs are fine with me, just like the look and dimensions (110x55) of K75

The price performance ratio of the K75-10 is good. Also the sound is really nice.
Bypassed with a FT3 teflon is a good idea. Go ahead!