Sierra Video DAC-162 User Manual

Sierra Video Systems

DAC-162

AES/EBU Digital to Analog Audio Converter – 75 Ohm

Owner's Manual

Sierra Video Part Number: DAC-162
Version: 1.1

11/23/2010

2

DAC-162 • AES/EBU Digital to Analog Audio Converter 75 Ohm User Manual

• Sierra Video Part Number: DAC-162

• Document Version: 1.1

• Printed in the United States.

The information contained in this User Manual is subject to change without notice or
obligation.

Copyright

© 2010 Sierra Video Systems All rights reserved.

Contents of this publication m ay not be reproduced in any form without the written perm ission
of Sierra Video Systems. Reproduction or reverse engineering of copyrighted software is
prohibited.

Notice

The material in this manual is furnished for informational use only. It is subject to change
without notice and should not be construed as a comm itm ent by Sierra Video Systems. Sierra
Video Systems assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this manual.

Trademarks

•

•

• All other product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks

mentioned in this manual are us ed f or identific ation purpos es only and remain the
exclusive property of their respective owners.

is a registered trademark of Ross Video Limited.

is a registered trademark of Sierra Video Systems.

3

Important Regulatory and Safety Notices

on the equipment refers you to important operating and

maintenance (servicing) instructions within the Product Manual
damage or injury to persons or equipment.

Warning

Caution

operating state.

Susceptibility

Caution

important safety instructions regarding the proper installation and safe
operation of the frame as well as it’s component products.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Before using this product and any associated equipment, refer to the “Important Safety
Instructions” listed below so as to avoid personnel injury and to prevent product damage.

Products may require specific equipm ent, and /or ins tallation procedures be carried out to satisfy
certain regulatory compliance requirem ents. Notices have been inc luded in this publication to call
attention to these Specific requirements.

Symbol Meanings

This symbol

Notice

ESD

Documentation. Failure to heed this inform ation may present a major risk of

The symbol with the word “Warning” within the equipm ent manual indicates
a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

The symbol with the word “Caution” within the equipment manual indicates a
potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

The symbol with the word “Notice” within the equipment manual indicates a
situation, which if not avoided, may result in major or minor equipment
damage or a s ituation which could place the equipment in a non-compliant

This symbol is us ed to alert the user that an electrical or electronic device or
assembly is susceptible to damage from an ESD event.

Important Safety Instructions

This product is intended to be a component product of t he openGear 8000
series frame. Refer to the openGear 8000 series frame User Manual for

Certain parts of this equipment nam ely the power supply area still present a
safety hazard, with the power switch in the OFF position. To avoid electrical

Warning

Warning

shock, disconnect all A/C power cords from the chassis' rear appliance
connectors before servicing this area.

Service barriers within this product are intended to protect the operator and
service personnel fr om hazardous voltages. For continued safety, replace all
barriers after any servicing.

This product contains saf ety critical parts, which if incorrectly replaced may
present a risk of fire or electrical shock. Components contained within the
product’s power supplies and power supply area, are not intended to be
customer serviced and should be returned to the factory for repair.

To reduce the risk of fire, replacement fuses must be the same type and
rating.

4

EMC Notices

Notice

Notice

US FCC Part 15

This equipment has been tested and f ound to c om ply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These lim its are designed to provide reasonable protect ion against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a com mercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case users will be required
to correct the interference at their own expense.

Changes or modif ications to this equipm ent not ex press ly approved by Sierra
Video Systems could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CANADA

This Class “A” digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de classe “A” est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

EUROPE

This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of CE
Directive 93/68/EEC.

INTERNATIONAL

This equipment has been tested to C ISPR 22:1997 along with amendments A1:2000 and A2:2002 and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A Digital device.

This is a Class A product. In dom estic environments this pr oduct may cause
radio interference in which case the user may have to take adequate
measures.

Maintenance/User Serviceable Parts

Routine maintenance to this openGear product is not required. T his produc t contains no us er serviceable
parts. If the m odule does not appear to be working proper ly, please contact Technical Support using the
numbers listed under the “Contact Us ” section on the last page of this manual. All openGear product s
are covered by a generous 5-year warranty and will be repaired without charge for materials or labor
within this period. See the “Warranty and Repair Policy” section in this manual for details.

5

Environmental Information

The equipment that you purchased required the extraction and use of natural resources for
its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the
environment.

To avoid the potential release of those substances into the environm ent and to diminish the need
for the extraction of natural resources, Sierra Video Systems encourages you to use the
appropriate take-back systems. These systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials from
your end-of-life equipment in an environmentally friendly and health conscious manner.

The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use these systems.

If you need more information on the collection, reus e, and recycling systems, please contact your
local or regional waste administration.

6

Introduction

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Overview

• Functional Block Diagram

• Features

• Documentation Terms

Overview

The DAC-162 is an AES/EBU digital to analog audio converter designed for broadcast
use. It provides digital to analog audio conversion along with AES/EBU signal distribution.

The DAC-162 supports audio sampling frequencies from 30k Hz to 192 kHz. It converts the
incoming AES/EBU digital audio signal to a stereo analog audio signal using 24 bit conversion
technology.

Cable equalization and reclocking techniques enable the DAC-162 to recover the incoming
digital audio signal reliably.

The DAC-162 is designed for use in the openGear 8310-C series frames.

7

Functional Block Di a gram

Figure 1. Simplified Block Diagram of the DAC-162 Functions

Features

The following features make the DAC-162 the best solution for digital to analog audio
conversion.

• Converts AES/EBU digital to analog audio while providing AES/EBU signal
distribution

• Cable equalization and data reclocking on the incoming AES/EBU signal

• 24 bit technology provides the highest quality signal conversion

• Supports audio sampling frequencies from 30kHz to 192 kHz

• 5 year warranty

• Fits openGear 8310-C series frames

Documentation Terms

The following terms are used throughout this guide:

• “Frame” refers to the 8310-C frame that houses the DAC-162 card.

• “Operator” and “User” refer to the person who uses the DAC-162.

• “Board”, and “Card” refer to the DAC-162 card itself, including all

components and switches.

8

Installation and Setup

ted areas, and
when wearing synthetic fiber clothing. Always exercise
proper grounding precautions when working on circuit

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Static Discharge

• Unpacking

• Rear Module Options

• Board Installation

Static Discharge

Whenever handling the DAC-162 and other related equipment, please observe all static
discharge precautions as described in the following note:

ESD
Susceptibility

Static discharge can cause serious damage to sensitive
semiconductor devices. Avoid handling circuit boards in
high static environments such as carpe

boards and related equipment.

Unpacking

Unpack each DAC-162 you received from the shipping container, and check the contents
against the packing list to ensure that all items are included. If any items are missing or
damaged, contact your sales representative or Sierra Video Systems directly.

9

Rear Module Inst allation

If you are installing the card into a slot with no rear module, you should have ord ered and received one
of the DAC-162-B module. You will need to install it in your 8310 frame before you can connect
cables.

Use the following steps to install a rear module in an 8310 openGear

1. Refer to the openGear

properly installed according to instructions.

2. On the rear of the 8310, locate the card frame slot.

3. As shown in Figure 2, seat the bottom of the rear module in the seating slot at the

base of the frame’s back plane.

TM

frame:

TM

8310 frame Owner’s Manual, to ensure that the frame is

Figure 2. Rear Module Installati on

4. Align the top hole of the DAC-162-B with the screw hole on the top edge of the 8310

back plane.

5. Using a Phillips driver and the supplied screw, fasten the rear module to the 8310

back plane. Do not over tighten.

All modules are installed using the same method above.

The following section contains a drawing of the DAC-162-B module.

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Rear Module Opt ions

This is a drawing of the DAC-162-B rear module to be used in the 10 slot 8310-C frame only.

Figure 2. Rear Module

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User Controls

This chapter contains a description of the DAC-162 user controls:

• EQ Switch

• LEDs

• DIP Switch Settings

.

User Controls

Figure 3. Card-edge User Controls

12

EQ Switch — SW1

When on there is a valid AES/EBU signal at the input.

When on a valid AES/EBU signal is not present
When on this indicates that the cable EQ has been inserted by

The EQ Switch (SW1) is used to insert the cable equalizer into the incoming AES/EBU signal. The DAC-162

can recover digital audio signals conforming to AES/EBU specifications and transmitted over 75ohm, coaxial
cable, up to 600 metres (2000 ft) long without equalization. For cable lengths in excess of 600 metres, we
recommend that the input equalization be activated. Note that switching the EQ in and out can cause audible
artefacts.

• Pressing the EQ Switch SW1 will activate the yellow EQ LED to indicate this feature is

activated.

• While the EQ Switch SW1 is activated pressing it again will disable the EQ and the

yellow EQ LED will go off.

LEDs

The front-edge of the card features LEDs that display the status of the input signals.
As selections are made in the menus, (refer the subsequent chapter for complete menu

descriptions), the LEDs display the status of the input signals. Descriptions are provided in the
following table:

LED Color Location Display and Description

Lock

No Lock Red

EQ Yellow
Com

Activity
Error

Green

Green

Red

Top of the
card

Second
from the
top

Third from
the top

Fourth from
the top

Fifth from
the top

pressing SW1 or that feature has been enabled through Dashboard.
When on this indicates that the DAC-162 is communicating to

Dashboard through the CAN bus.
When on this indicates that there is an error in the communications

to Dashboard through the CAN bus.

Table 1. Status LED Des criptions

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DIP switch settings

SW 1-1 SW 1-2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7 SW8

ON

OFF

Table 1 Analog Output Level

SW 1-1 SW 1-2

1 ON ON Mute
2 ON OFF -12dBFS/+4dBu
3 OFF ON -18dBFS/+4dBu
4 OFF OFF -20dBFS/+4dBu

SW3 Tone Generator
‘ON’ – Generates -20dBFS line up tone. T his feature requires an input signal

for reference. The tone is 1Khz when input sample rate is 48K, 2KHz at 96K
and 4KHz at 192 K.

‘OFF’ – Normal operation.

SW7 Default

‘ON’ – Get card parameter s from non volatile memory, ignore dip switch
settings. (Config ur able with Dashboard Control system )

‘OFF’ – Get card paramet er s from the Dip switch.

SW8 Dashboard Enable

‘ON’ – Only card status is available on Dashboard, users are prevented from
changing parameters.

‘OFF’ – Normal operation, users have f ull access t o t he c ar ds parameters.

Figure 4. DIP Switc h

(power up default parameter settings)

14

Specifications

Technical Specifications

DIGITAL INPUT

Resolution 24 Bit
Input Level 0.2-7 Vp-p
Input Impedance (transformer balanced) 75Ω,110 Ω, HiZ
Sampling Frequency Range 30 kHz to 192 kHz

DIGITAL OUTPUT

Resolution 24 Bit
Output Level 1 V p-p nominal
Output Impedance 75Ω unbalanced
Sampling Frequency Range 30 kHz to 192 kHz
Jitter Less than 5 ns

ANALOG (fs=48 kHz, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu)

Maximum Output Level +24 dBu
Frequency Response +/-0.2 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Noise(un-weighted) 84 dBu ,20 Hz to 20 kHz
THD+N < 0.01%
Stereo Separation 100 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Output Impedance 60Ω Balanced

GENERAL

Power Requirements +12 V,4Wat t s , MAX
Dimensions 3.025" high x 12.800" deep
Weight approx.0.115 kg (0.252 lbs)

Sierra Video Systems reserves the right to change performance specifications without prior notice.

15

Warranty and Service Information

Warranty and Repair Policy

The openGear DAC-162 is warranted to be free of any defect with respect to perform ance,
quality, reliability, and workmanship f or a period of FIVE (5) years from the date of shipment
from our f actory. In the event that your openGear DAC-162 proves to be defective in any way
during this warranty period, Sierra Video Systems reserves the right to repair or replace this
piece of equipment with a unit of equal or superior performance characteristics.

Should you find that this openGear DAC-162 has failed after your warranty period has expired,
we will repair your defective product should suitable replacement components be available.
You, the owner, will bear any labor and/or part costs incurred in the repair or refurbishm ent of
said equipment beyond the FIVE (5) year warranty period.

In no event shall Sierra Video Systems be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including loss of profits) incurr ed by the use of this product. Implied
warranties are expressly limited to the duration of this warranty.

This openGear DAC-162 User Manual provides all pertinent information for the safe
installation and operation of your openGear Product. Sierra Video policy dictates that all
repairs to the openGear DAC-162 are to be conducted only by an authorized Sierra Video
factory representative. Therefore, any unauthorized attempt to repair this produc t, by anyone
other than an authorized Sierra Video factory representative, will automatically void the
warranty. Please contact Sierra Video Technical Support for more information.

In Case of Problems

Should any problem arise with your openGear DAC-162, please contact the Sierra Video
Technical Support Department. (Contact information is supplied at the end of this
publication.)

A Return Material Authorization number (RMA) will be issued to you, as well as specific
shipping instructions, should you wish our factory to repair your openGear DAC-162. If
required, a temporary replacement m odule will be made available at a nominal charge. Any
shipping costs incurred will be the responsibility of you, the customer. All products shipped to
you from Sierra Video Systems will be shipped collect.

The Sierra Video Technical Support Department will continue to provide advice on any
product manufactured by Sierra Video, beyond the warranty period without charge, for the life
of the equipment.

16

Ordering Information

Standard Equipment

• DAC-162 AES/EBU Digital to Analog Audio Converter 75 Ohm

Optional Equipment

• DAC-162OM AES/EBU Digital to Analog Audio Converter 75 Ohm

Owner's Manual (additional Owner’s Manual)

• DAC-162-B Single Card Rear Module (6 BNC, 4 Phoenix Connector
Rear Module)

Your DAC-162 Digital to Analog Audio Converter is a part of the openGear family of
products. Sierra Video offers a full line of openGear terminal equipment including
distribution, conversion, monitoring, m uxing, demuxing and processing of AES/EBU
and HD/SD-SDI as well as analog audio and video products.

17

Sales Information

[e-mail]

Contact Us

Contact Sierra Video Systems

PHONE

E-MAIL

POSTAL

SERVICE

General Business Office
and Technical Support

Fax
General Information

Sierra Video Systems

530.478.1000

530.478.1105

[e-mail]

P.O. Box 2462
Grass Valley, CA 95945 USA

Visit us at the Sierra Video Systems website.

http://www.sierravideo.com

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