
KS0164 MULTIMEDIA AUDIO
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19
Overview
Proper analog circuit design and PCB layout are
essential to achieving optimum audio performance,
as well as acceptable EMI (FCC/VDE)
characteristics from PC audio boards. This
document outlines the basic guidelines that should
be followed to ensure acceptable performance in
these critical areas. As a reference, please refer to
the evaluation board schematics and PCB layout.
Design Overview
In order to achieve optimum audio performance, in
terms of signal-to-noise ratio, noise, floor, and
distortion, always provide separate analog and
digital supplies and grounds. All digital components
should be connected to VCC and GND, directly
from the PC bus connectors. Single-ended analog
circuitry, such as D/A converters, CODECs, etc.,
should be operated from a separate +5V supply
which is locally regulated down from the +12V
supply available on the PC bus. All operational
amplifiers should be powered by filtered
±
12V
supplies derived from the
±
12V supplies available
on the PC bus. Operational amplifiers should
never
be operated from a single-ended supply. This will
not only reduce the dynamic range and headroom,
but also significantly degrade the signal-to-noise
ratio.
Handling Grounds
For optimum audio performance, it would be most
desirable to keep the analog and digital supplies
and returns totally isolated from one another.
However, for the sake of EMI (FCC) performance, it
is generally necessary to keep all supplies closely
coupled. Also, in a PC, there are a limited number
of supplies to work from, and only a single GND.
These conflicting requirements are best met by
allowing the digital and analog returns (GND &
AGND) to be directly connected at only a single
location, preferably directly adjacent to the card
bracket. This single connection should be a
substantial one, at least 100-200 mils. This
connection is indicated in the Evaluation Board
Schematics as a GNDSTRAP component. AC
coupling the returns by means of 1-10nF capacitors
straddling the perimeter of the AGND/GND
planes, at intervals of no more than 1-1.5
,
should
provide the coupling necessary to prevent EMI
problems which can be caused by the separate
ground planes. The DB-15 connector shell must be
securely connected to the GND plane, and the
connector must be securely screwed to the bottom
of the bracket, while the top of the bracket should
have a tab which is securely screwed of riveted to
the AGND plane, thus referencing all outgoing
signal lines to the (relatively) clean chassis ground
at the bracket. In past designs, these techniques
have consistently resulted in a > 10dB margin
relative to the FCC Class-B limits.
In the analog section, it is desirable to have two
AGND planes, rather than a single AGND plane,
and a single power plane. All analog supplies can
be easily routed as normal traces, since the
currents are very low. If possible, place the AGND
planes on the outer layer, and do all signal and
power routing on the two inner layers, to minimize
noise pickup from adjacent boards. In SMT designs,
make layers 2 & 4 AGND planes, and place as
much routing as possible on layer 3, minimizing
exposed routing on layer 1.
The AGND plane should completely underlie
all
analog circuitry, including and D/A or A/D
converters or CODECs. There should be
no
VCC or
GND routing, or unnecessary digital signal routing
through the area covered by the AGND plane.
Analog Signal Routing
Proper component is essential to getting optimum
audio performance. All traces should be kept as
short and straight as possible. Avoid running traces
parallel to other traces for other than very short
distances. Keep any digital or clock traces as far as
possible from A/D and D/A converters.
To minimize noise pickup, all routing to op-amp
inputs should be kept as short as possible. Op-amp
output signals are far less critical, being driven by a
relatively low impedance source. Avoid routing op-
amp input and output signals near each other to
prevent feedback problems. Also, be sure to follow
the supply bypassing guidelines below. never route
an analog signal through a digital area, or vice-
versa.