New Aleph Mini PCB GB

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BrianGT said:


There will be 2 pcb sets,
- amplifier pcb set: 2 amplifier boards and 4 output boards
- power supply set: 1 power supply board and 1 soft start board

I am revising the amplfier board set currently, and will post a new picture when I finish. I should be ready to order prototype pcbs next week for this. As for the power supply pcb set, I am working to put together a circuit for prototyping the soft start / momentary switch pcb. If people are constrained on time, I could remove the momentary switch board (based on this design: http://maxhawk.bravepages.com/projects/Ampturnon/index.html ) and only make the soft start board be a board with an AC recepticle, AC fuse and thermistors for handling inrush current.

My goal is to make each pcb set around $20 each (depends on interest and production cost), and make them with a blue soldermask and 3 to 4oz copper for extra current handling on the traces.

There are no dates currently set for this project, but it is not on the back burner and is my primary focus when it comes to new projects.

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Brian

i'm Wondering do we really need this inrush current thing ?
 
jleaman said:

i'm Wondering do we really need this inrush current thing ?

I can easily make the inrush current board with the a pcb mount AC recepticle, AC fuse and the thermistors (labelling for selection 120/240 wiring with the transformer).

The issue at hand is currently the creation of a board that would allow for the use of a momentary switch with a relay and flipflops for turning off an on the amp. If this is not needed, then the boards are almost ready to be ordered for prototypes.

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Brian
 
steenoe said:
Brian, are the board still 2,9"x2"? Or better still could you post the dimensions of each board, main and output? (inch or mm)
Thanks

Steen.

You should be able to see them from the above drawing, but here they are separately:

amp board: 2.2"x3.5"
output board: 1" x 3.5"

power supply board currently is 3.4" x 6.4"

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Brian
 
BrianGT said:

There are no dates currently set for this project, but it is not on the back burner and is my primary focus when it comes to new projects.
Brian


Hey Brian-

No hurry, I just plan out my projects so I can forecast funding and time needs.

I try not to have more than 3 projects going at once so at least ONE has a chance to be completed. 😀

I think your current plan for an "all inclusive" pwr supply PCB is best.

And thanks in advance, I know it will be as good a PCB as your LM3875/86. Of which I own both and enjoy.

Troy
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears that Peter's PCB is for an Aleph 30 and Brains' are for an Mini-A driver board with the "option” to expand to an aleph 30 or....

If that is the case, then Peters PCB should be a separate thread for the "integrated package" amp builders and Brian/Jason's PCB should continue as the versatile build any model thread.


I appreciate Peter's design and input. I will prolly build that one next to try it out.

I think Brian/Jason's PCB's have come far enough along to continue this project. 😀 Keep it up gentlemen. 🙂

moderator's Note: At PD's request, the thread has been split in 2 with PD's derivative here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53424
The Aleph30 PCB layout
 
I have created a poll for both designs to see what people prefer:
http://www.briangt.com/gallery/aleph-poll
(site will allow you to click vote multiple times, but only 1 vote is recorded per IP address)

I will make the poll results visible on the site, once a substantial number of votes are recorded. (wouldn't want to skew the vote through early reporting).

If the Peter's Aleph30 design is preferred over my Mini-A design, I will work with Peter to rework the design into this new form factor. I would also prefer to add the zener protection diodes to his layout, and make the mounting holes easier to access.

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Brian
 
For a sake of comparison, this image would be better, as it shows overall dimentions. It is also the latest version, with all pads and some traces further optimized. 4 mounting holes are added as well, for using board as front end only.
 

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I have created a poll for both designs to see what people prefer:
I think people would like you two guys to
stick your heads together, right about now, and create the most
elegant, flexible, scalable set of Aleph pcbs possible. Preferrably with all the good ideas that has come up so far. I am Zensing that
Peter is really fired up on this, so let us all get the advantages of that🙂 🙂 Can anyone second that oppinion?

Steen😎

BTW: I do like the idea of having output boards😉
 
Can anyone second that oppinion?

I absolutely second that opinion. Both designs are very good, with unique advantages, but really they are very similar. They are two arrangements on the same theme.

I like idea a seperate power stage PCB. I also know that I will opt for the Aleph30 configuration when I get a chance to build one.

If you reall only wanted to used one board for an Aleph30 Peter's PCB is very nice.

Otherwise, I tend to lean toward Brian's PCB as it seems a simple way to allow for very flexible heatsink layout. You could easily use one heatsink for all 6 devices, or 2 for each half, or even other options I am sure.

I am sure you could have a lot of flexibility with Peter's PCB too, but you would have to run wire to your output devices, and with 6 that 3 times for wire than you would be running with Brian's kit.

Still Peter's design is very attractive because if you can leave the devices on the PCB and layout you heatsinks accordingly it will not have any wires in the signal path. I doubt anyone would ever be able to discern that difference audibly, but technically it is apealling. 🙂
 
Still Peter's design is very attractive because if you can leave the devices on the PCB and layout you heatsinks accordingly it will not have any wires in the signal path. I doubt anyone would ever be able to discern that difference audibly, but technically it is apealling.

I agree it is very appealing, BUT, I strongly doubt that it would be possible to dissipate the heat from all the mosfets when they are sitting so close. Running 6x3 leads is not appealing though😉 I can only repeat: Outputboards is it, if you want several output devices.

Steen.🙂
 
I have some concern about having the Aleph30 in such a small form factor. Recalling how much heat the MiniA generates when I built my earlier prototype:
http://www.briangt.com/gallery/mini-a
The heatsink that I used ended up being too small, and ended up being too warm to touch. (I did orientate the heatsink in a vertical fashion when running extended tests, for proper heat dissipation)

I am thinking that unless active cooling is used, output boards would be a wise idea to space the devices out more.

Also, 4 wires per output boards won't be difficult to wire up.

EDIT: looks like we had the same idea...

--
Brian
 
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