Changing DAC chips - Query

poynton · 22nd August 2008, 09:35 AM

Ignoring such factors as voltages, i/v conversion, etc.....

Can I replace a 16-bit DAC chip (eg TDA1541A) with a different chip but 18- or 20-bit.

What happens to the extra "unused" bits ?
Are they automatically set to '0' ?

Andy

rfbrw · 22nd August 2008, 12:14 PM

Depending on the alignment and the source of the data, there are a number of possibilities.

poynton · 22nd August 2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rfbrw
Depending on the alignment and the source of the data, there are a number of possibilities.

Such as .... please explain.

rfbrw · 22nd August 2008, 04:11 PM

Is the data left or right justified ?
Is the MSB or the LSB extended ?
Can the source limit the wordlength or vary the justification and
can the receiving DAC do likewise?

For modern dacs it isn't an issue as the left and right data is expected to be in one serial form or another and there is a reasonable range of input formats available allowing one to set the wordlength and the justification to match the source. It is only when the left and right data is simultaneous or the dac is a mono device or some other anachronism that problems arise.

22nd August 2008, 09:35 AM	#1
poynton diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK	Changing DAC chips - Query Ignoring such factors as voltages, i/v conversion, etc..... Can I replace a 16-bit DAC chip (eg TDA1541A) with a different chip but 18- or 20-bit. What happens to the extra "unused" bits ? Are they automatically set to '0' ? Andy __________________ If it ain't broke, break it !! Then fix it again. It's called DIY !

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22nd August 2008, 12:14 PM	#2
rfbrw diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: .	Depending on the alignment and the source of the data, there are a number of possibilities.

22nd August 2008, 04:11 PM	#4
rfbrw diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: .	Is the data left or right justified ? Is the MSB or the LSB extended ? Can the source limit the wordlength or vary the justification and can the receiving DAC do likewise? For modern dacs it isn't an issue as the left and right data is expected to be in one serial form or another and there is a reasonable range of input formats available allowing one to set the wordlength and the justification to match the source. It is only when the left and right data is simultaneous or the dac is a mono device or some other anachronism that problems arise.