An open source layout for LM3886?

Over the weekend I managed to build out the amp and power supply with no issues other than having to learn about what a snubber is. I am new to the audio world so this has actually been fun. Am attaching pics of my build.

For 00940 - I am so new to this all I don't understand how to size the DC protect TVS... I am using a 42VAC transformer (21VAC CT). Should the TVS be on the order of 60V or 30V?

Gregg
 

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If you have a 2x 21 volt (AC) transformer, you should see around 2x 30 volt DC at the power supply. So you have +30V / 0V /-30V to feed your amp.
I am seeing +30.8V / 0V / -30.8V unloaded with it dropping under load. The question I am asking is what size should the TVS diode be for the DC protect board. After doing a bunch of reading, I now believe it should be a 33V bi-directional TVS. Is my conclusion correct?
 
What DC protection are you talking about? The LM3886 does not need one. If you get a real one, it is the best protected amp chip ever build. Or do you want to keep the transformer DC free? That is a very critical part as you deal with grid voltage and not necessary for the amps function. A mistake will blow up the capacitors like large fire crackers...
 
The board that is part of this thread. I recognize it is probably overkill, but am building it as part of educating myself about all the things around audio amplifiers. You can find the details here in this same thread: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/an-open-source-layout-for-lm3886.321922/page-7

Regardless of if I am wasting my time understanding and building the board for use with the LM3886, I want to understand how to properly size the TVS diode. The protect board sits between the LM3886 and the speaker so we aren't dealing with mains level voltages.

Gregg
 
Sorry, I missed this quite useless board and can not help you with the diode. The (real, not faked!) LM3886 is practically bullet proof. Even shorts under load and one supply voltage missing do not harm it. In fact, this is a test for fakes, as these usually do not stand such treatment. Anything in the path from amp to loudspeaker degrades sound and should be avoided.
 
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@bozoc: sadly that heatsink didn't fit. Not wide enough for the diode bridge :(
@Lingwendil: yes, that's worth a try. On 2 layers boards, their cost of shipping is actually a bit higher than smartproto, so the final price is about the same.

Anyway, here are two auxiliary pcb. One is the PS (60*100mm), one is a simple DC protect (60*40mm). Eagle files in the zip. There's a small error to correct on the ps, the top molex connector should of course be labeled v- and not v+.


Really nice project, this one!

I have a question about the schematics of the power supply. It looks like there is a snubber capacitor and RC snubber that were connected before the rectifier bridge. On the official PDF from TI they have hose placed after the rectifier. Why was it placed before in this project?

Thank you,
Pavlo
 
Hey guys,

It took a fair while for the project to come to fruition but I finished my dual mono gainclone using 00940's boards.

Fantastic boards, highly recommended.
 

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Question on the Protection board's D5 (TVS diode) - schematic indicates its bi-directional and I am stuck between these two (4A and 11.1A TVS) TVS Diode P6KE110CA Littlefuse and TVS Diode 1.3KE100CA Littlefuse both at Mouser. Hoping someone could confirm if one is a better option, or are they both adequate for this position on the board.
Also, is there a maximum supply voltage, power rating for this protection? Since it's in a LM3886 thread, is it still adequate for a 150-200w amplifier build?

protect schematic.PNG
 
A bipolar capacitor by definition can have either polarity of voltage across it,
and still function properly.

A capacitor connected to ground could still have either polarity of signal across it,
depending on the circuit used, such as this one. Shunt parts are definitely in the signal path
as much as series parts are. Think of a voltage divider, for example.

Some believe that a polarized capacitor can be used for AC signals if the reverse voltage is small.
This is not a good idea.
 
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