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Data Sheet
SSM2166
Rev. E | Page 11 of 20
Because limiting occurs for signals larger than the rotation point
(VIN > VRP), the rotation point effectively sets the maximum output
signal level. It is recommended that the rotation point be set at
the upper extreme of the range of typical input signals so that
the compression region covers the entire desired input signal
range. Occasional larger signal transients are then attenuated by
the action of the limiter.
VCA
GAIN
VCA
GAIN
VCA
GAIN
OU
TP
U
T
(
dB
)
INPUT (dB)
VRP1
r:1
1
00357-
020
VDE
VRP2 VRP3
Figure 21. Effect of Varying the Rotation Point
VCA Gain Setting and Muting
The maximum gain of th
e SSM2166 is set by the GAIN ADJUST
pin (Pin 2) via RGAIN. This resistor, with a range of 1 k to
20 k, causes the nominal VCA gain to vary from 0 dB to
approximately 20 dB, respectively. Setting the VCA gain to its
maximum can also be achieved by leaving the GAIN ADJUST
pin in an open condition (no connect).
Figure 22 illustrates the
effect on the transfer characteristic by varying this parameter.
For low level signal sources, the VCA should be set to maximum
gain using a 20 k resistor.
VCA GAIN
OU
TP
U
T
(
dB
)
INPUT (dB)
VRP
r:1
1
00357-
021
VDE
Figure 22. Effect of Varying the VCA Gain Setting
The gain of the VCA can be reduced below 0 dB by making
RGAIN smaller than 1 k. Switching Pin 2 through 330 or less
to GND mutes the output. Either a switch connected to ground or a
transistor can be used, as shown i
n Figure 23. To avoid audible
clicks when using the mute feature, a capacitor (C5) can be
connected from Pin 2 to GND. The value of the capacitor is
arbitrary and should be determined empirically, but a 0.01 F
capacitor is a good starting value.
00357-
022
RGAIN
C5
330
2
GAIN ADJUST
SSM2166
NOTES
1. ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT DETAILS OMITTED
MUTE
(CLOSED SWITCH)
FOR CLARITY.
Figure 23. Details of Mute Option
Downward Expansion Threshold
The downward expansion threshold, or noise gate, is deter-
mined via a second reference voltage internal to the control
circuitry. This second reference can be varied in the
SSM2166using a resistor, RGATE, connected between the positive supply
and the NOISE GATE SET pin (Pin 9). The effect of varying this
threshold can be set between 300 V rms and 20 mV rms by
varying the resistance value between Pin 9 and the supply
voltage. Like the ROTATION SET pin, the downward expansion
threshold is inversely proportional to the value of this resistance:
setting this resistance to 1 M sets the threshold at approximately
250 V rms, whereas a 10 k resistance sets the threshold at
approximately 20 mV rms. This relationship is illustrated in
Figure 5. A potentiometer network is provided on the evaluation
board for this adjustment. In general, the downward expansion
threshold should be set at the lower extreme of the desired range of
the input signals so that signals below this level are attenuated.
OU
TP
U
T
(
dB
)
INPUT (dB)
1
VRP
VDE1
r:1
VCA GAIN
00357-
023
VDE3
VDE2
Figure 24. Effect of Varying the Downward Expansion (Noise Gate) Threshold