
Introduction
27
SLES123 October 2004
TAS5504
1.10.2.3 Slope Parameter Computation
In developing the equations used to determine the subaddress of the input value required to realize a given
compression or expansion within a given region of the DRC, the following convention is adopted.
DRC Transfer = Input Increase : Output Increase
If the DRC realizes an output increase of n dB for every dB increase in the rms value of the audio into the DRC,
a 1:n expansion is being performed. If the DRC realizes a 1 dB increase in output level for every n dB increase
in the rms value of the audio into the DRC, a n:1 compression is being performed.
For 1:n expansion, the slope k can be found by:
k = n 1
For n:1 compression, the slope k can be found by: k + 1n–1
In both expansion (1:n) and compression (n:1), n is implied to be greater than 1. Thus, for expansion:
k = n 1 means k > 0 for n > 1. Likewise, for compression, k + 1n–1 means 1 < k < 0 for n > 1. Thus, it appears
that k must always lie in the range k > 1.
The DRC imposes no such restriction and k can be programmed to values as negative as 15.999. To
determine what results when such values of k are entered, it is first helpful to note that the compression and
expansion equations for k are actually the same equation. For example, a 1:2 expansion is also a 0.5:1
compression.
0.5 Compression k + 1
0.5
–1 + 1
1:2Expansion k + 2–1 + 1
As can be seen, the same value for k is obtained either way. The ability to choose values of k less than 1 allows
the DRC to implement negative slope transfer curves within a given region. Negative slope transfer curves
are usually not associated with compression and expansion operations, but the definition of these operations
can be expanded to include negative slope transfer functions. For example, if k = 4
Compression Equation : k +*4 + 1n *1 n + –
1
3 *
0.3333 : 1 compression
Expansion Equation : k +*4 + n–1 n + –3 1: *3 expansion
With k = 4, the output decreases 3 dB for every 1 dB increase in the rms value of the audio into the DRC.
As the input increases in volume, the output decreases in volume.
1.11 Output Mixer
The TAS5504 provides an 4x2 output mixer for channels 1 and 2. For channels 3 and 4, the TAS5504 provides
an 4x3 output mixer. These mixers allow each output to be any ratio of any two (three) signal processed
channels. The control parameters for the output crossbar mixer are programmable via the I2C interface.