• Spdif input output. See what "Spdif" is in other dictionaries. Media player connectors. Spdif out on the motherboard What is the spdif connector for?

    Manufacturers of modern TV models have been able to ensure that the reproduced audio signal is clear and loud. But not all owners are satisfied with the standard sound and there is a need to output sound to an external media device, for example, a home theater.

    S/PDIF is an international standard for digital audio transmission. Data transfer is realized through several cables and connectors. It was first used in audio players. But the technology began to develop and the S/PDIF mode appeared on home theaters, car radios, personal computers and modern TV models.

    What is S/PDIF on TV

    A digital or optical S/PDIF connector on the TV is required for output and further transmission of audio signals in the appropriate format. If a movie or program is broadcast in HD quality on a TV receiver and the device supports 5.1 format, then sound will be output from the TV in digital or optical format. On modern TV models it is usually presented in the form of a Toslink or coaxial connector.

    S/PDIF Standard Types

    S/PDIF technology has two types of signal transmission: coaxial and optical.

    1. Coaxial output. Although this audio transmission option is becoming a thing of the past, some Internet and cable providers still use it. This connector is also present on home theaters, video and audio players and car radios. It provides digital quality audio transmission between digital equipment. To make this possible, you need to connect the devices to each other using an appropriate coaxial cable. The digital connector is capable of transmitting multi-channel or stereo sound without loss of audio signal quality. This connection option is inexpensive. But if there is an electromagnetic field nearby, the sound quality drops significantly.
    2. Toslink. At the moment, it is through this connector that the TV is connected to external devices for sound transmission. This is an optical interface capable of reproducing a signal that is not subject to external influences. To connect the media system to the TV receiver using the optical output, a fiber optic cable is required. If high-quality wire is used, the connection between the equipment will be reliable and the sound will be ideal. Currently produced televisions and media systems are equipped with an optical interface. When choosing, you must take into account the characteristics of the connected devices, as well as whether there are appropriate connectors. The connection and setup procedure itself is quite simple. You need to connect all devices using a cable, and in the sound settings of the TV you need to find the “Speakers” item and select “External speakers”.

    What is S/PDIF for?

    The Sony/Philips S/PDIF interface is very common. This is a standard channel for transmitting digital audio between equipment. It is very compact and is the only technology for transmitting sound that is completely resistant to external influences and various interferences, which allows for high-quality sound.

    REFERENCE! S/PDIF mode perfectly reproduces stereo surround sound, allowing you to fully enjoy audio or video files.

    This connector can be found on televisions, media devices, and personal computer motherboards. Its sole purpose is to transmit a high-quality digital signal between various digital equipment, excluding the mandatory procedure of converting a digital signal to analog.

    When connecting various media devices using this interface, you can fully enjoy 5.1 sound. It is especially relevant when it is not possible to connect equipment using a cable and an HDMI connector.

    This technology is very popular in televisions. Connection and settings take very little time, but in return the user receives high-quality sound.

    Digital interfaces have long been pushing aside their analog ancestors. Middle-class audio systems use sound encoded in one of many standards as a signal source. This could be banal PCM for stereo sound or the Dolby family of standards for their multi-channel relatives. But today we will not talk about encoding methods, but about how exactly the signal is transmitted. There are only two options - optical and coaxial cable. The optics guarantee complete electrical isolation, the coaxial cable is easy to connect.

    For ten years now, almost every motherboard has been equipped with an optical digital output S/PDIF (aka TOSLINK). But if you look at the back panel you can’t always find it. What's the catch? The manufacturer does not want to install another connector on the rear panel and increase the cost of the board by installing an optical module or a socket for a coaxial cable. If you open the documentation for the motherboard, you will find a typical set of four contacts similar to a socket for connecting a speaker.

    Buy now and save: RUB 6,435! The card is compact but doesn't cost anything, making it very versatile and versatile. A huge feature is the ability to work as a sound card as well as a standalone effects mixer without the need for a computer, making it great for hardware setups.

    Of course, you can adjust the gain of the eight inputs using dedicated buttons, and use phantom power with two buttons that activate or deactivate it four channels at a time. A small screen next to the buttons allows you to monitor the input signal, and two indicators tell us whether the PC board is recognized and synchronized with the clock.

    On the same page there is a branded strip with coaxial and optical outputs. Sometimes there are also optical inputs, but the author of the article only read about this on the Internet. Finding an original plank can turn into a non-trivial task - the price at foreign auctions is about $10, excluding delivery. A quick search on Russian-speaking forums finds only requests for its purchase and advice to buy a sound card with the appropriate socket instead.

    Finally, we have three controls that adjust the monitor volume and the volume of the two stereo headphone outputs. Almost all connections are on the back if you want to mount the card on a rack and have easy access to commands without a mess of cables covering them.

    However, we must admit that the software is not as intuitive as it seems and requires some familiarity, so it may be a bit of a stretch to get what you want for the first time. We have a total of 28 inputs and 30 outputs. Each mic input has its own limiter, which can provide 12 dB of headroom without clipping or unpleasant artifacts.

    According to the specification, the signal level on the motherboard is TTL; we can only guess about the load capacity of the SPDIFOUT output. The same documentation recommends loading it with an LED with a current-limiting resistor - this will be the cheapest connection. I didn’t dare try this option first for two reasons - I was sorry for the board and the urgent need to plug a standard optical cable somewhere. Later, I nevertheless assembled an emitter follower on one transistor and connected an LED. The interface glowed cheerfully with a red LED, but the optical cable attached to it did not produce sound. The same documentation recommended choosing an ultra-bright LED with a wavelength of 660 nanometers. Perhaps none of the LEDs used were suitable.

    In fact, it has many of its features, but with many additions and improvements. On the outside, there are always four balanced combo inputs with manual gain control, but the headphone outputs are two. However, the real revolution is subtle but clearly audible, with next-generation 192kHz sample rate converters, highly stable drivers and minimal latency when driving a total of 60 channels between outputs and inputs.

    Placing components on the board

    There is a yellow patch attached to it and care should also be taken when putting the stick on. It has six slots, which are colored in pairs - a tray means that the board is intended for RAM, operating in dual-channel mode. To do this, it is necessary that memory modules of the same type and size be installed in single-color slots.

    The next step is to connect the recommended TOTX173 optical module. The price and availability in online stores are again not encouraging - a little less than the same ten dollars and long delivery. So it's time to look for a donor. After going through the electronics dump at home, we were able to identify only one victim; it turned out to be a Playstation 2, given by employees for their last birthday. No hand was raised against the vandalism of the legendary console. At a regional online auction, a Samsung DVD Recorder was caught for the same sacred $10 without delivery. Photos will follow.

    There are only three contacts, the common one is easily identified, the power is connected directly to the signed 5V plug, leaving the information output connected through a 220 Ohm resistor. Here's a close-up of our newfound module.


    All that remains is to connect to the motherboard and assemble it all in the form of a bracket. We connect the common pin to common, power to power, and SPDIFOUT through a 220 Ohm resistor to data. We assemble a PC bracket from a piece of a breadboard and a burnt-out network card, this is what I did.

    You will have bad luck with large manufacturers. This could be solved in the same way on other laptops. If you take care of this feature when choosing a laptop, your choice will be very narrow. Expecting it on other laptops is very naive. The best solution is to buy an external sound card.

    This, in particular, will play at least better than the integrated class. PC-based integrated sound cards are typically a single application-specific integrated circuit that functions as an audio codec. Typically each card has one analog input line and one microphone input. In the case of laptops, the built-in card has one headphone output and one microphone input, which is not always output to the connector.


    We install it in the case.


    More than two weeks have passed since assembly - everything works perfectly. By ear, of course, the difference is within the limits of the sensations given by psychology. But if there is acoustics that understands optics, why not use a connection made by yourself. In the comments, it would be interesting to hear an opinion about the possible difference in the sound of such an optical output and that obtained from a mid-price range sound card.

    It is equipped with one stereo analog audio output, but its quality leaves much to be desired. The reference voltage for the generated audio signals is the CPU supply voltage. It is not completely stabilized, and in the case of low power adapter current efficiency, the computer may experience audio channels, network audio, and additional "buzz" that occurs when reading data from the attached pendrive.

    An additional benefit of this external sound card is that it eliminates the various sounds on the analog inputs and outputs that are often found on motherboards with integrated cards. Just make sure that the parameters of the recorded audio match the parameters of the input signal - they have the same sampling frequency.

    After assembly, I got to the nearest workshop for repairing household appliances. It was there that we should immediately look for a donor - they have a sufficient number of burnt-out DVD players, for about a dollar per fee. For those who want to repeat the design, this will be useful.

    Coaxial S/PDIF connector.

    Output level adjustment applies to analog output only. The most important lines in this list are lines 2, 4 and last. The system is equipped with all the blocks necessary to create a sound card. It has a built-in 3.3V voltage regulator that includes internal function blocks. This block also allows you to read three buttons.

    Their structure is somewhat different. These are multiple feedback filters. They change the phase of the signal, which doesn't matter. Their advantage is the ability to set any gain. The last two switches select the gain of the analog audio input.

    S/PDIF or S/P-DIF- stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface(or Interconnect) Format(also described as IEC 958 type II in the international standard IEC-60958). It is a collection of low-level protocol and hardware implementation specifications that describe the transmission of digital audio between various components of audio equipment. When describing S/PDIF, it is necessary to describe both the physical part (that is, how the signal is transmitted and why) and the software part (that is, the protocol used).

    The functions of individual switch segments are described in the table. For a signal from the left channel, the green LED lights up, and for a signal from the right channel, the red LED lights up. If signals are present in both channels, these diodes glow yellow in the incident light. The schematic diagram of the card is shown in the figure. After soldering, you should check whether there is a short circuit between the terminals. Both circuits have identically spaced pins and the same functional blocks.

    The operational amplifiers in this circuit form the low-pass filters for the analog outputs. They will allow you to check that the analog card output is working correctly. The sound should be clear without distortion. The easiest way to test these interfaces is by connecting them to the inputs of a home theater receiver. The location of the connectors is shown in Figure 4, and sketches of the cabinet holes are shown in Figure 5 and Figure. Some devices have a built-in headphone amplifier, which in many cases saves you money on unnecessary purchases.

    S/P-DIF is the consumer version of the standard known as AES/EBU; has slight protocol differences and requires less expensive hardware.

    Applications

    S/PDIF was originally used in players (and DVD players that play CDs), and then became a common way to connect and transmit audio in other audio components, such as MiniDisc players and sound cards for personal computers. It has also gained popularity in car audio, where the former clutter of multiple wires can be replaced by a single fiber optic cable that is resistant to electrical interference.

    For equipment to be included in the following list, you must. Best still or for some time after the end of production, but still available on the secondary market, it is possible to purchase in our country, show above average sound quality and represent more general than the stated final price, offer modifications or improvements that come across in them from the very beginning. With so many products on the market, there is absolutely no question whether the equipment is worth listening to.

    But here again I don't care that you have complete confidence that the equipment in Referel was on the list, because in fact it was in my hands. This makes the list shorter, but in turn much more believable and often backed up by robust proprietary tests. It is therefore safer and more secure, although it should be remembered that the original equipment is always present along with the listening equipment and that the latter will make the most of your opinion. Therefore, each element contains information about which equipment should be used for the purpose.

    Another application of the S/PDIF interface is in the transmission of digital surround sound as defined by the IEC 61937 standard. This mode is used to connect the output of a DVD player to the input of a home theater AV receiver that supports Dolby Digital or Digital Theater System (DTS) surround formats. sound.

    S/PDIF (Sony*/Philips* Digital Interface) is an audio interface format that supports the transmission of digital audio signals from one device to another without conversion to analog, thereby avoiding degradation of sound quality.

    Plus, most have the ability to check current availability and price so you can quickly take a look at where your model is available at the best price. The card turned out to be very decent and even more decent, and it was appreciated by all fans of budget audio from a computer based on headphones or stereo speakers, on which every penny is counted, as well as sources that play neutral and slightly emphasized.

    A relatively optimal choice when it comes to universal sound cards for your computer. This may cause sporadic problems in games such as unwanted sounds, etc. however, there is usually no serious problem. A very beautiful layout with extremely modest dimensions.

    The RCA connector is the most common connector used with the S/PDIF interface and is identical to the connector used in consumer audio products. In addition, in some cases an optical connector is used. In order to connect an audio system directly to an active speaker system, the latter must support an S/PDIF input.

    It has a pleasant musical sound with improved openability of its predecessor and a clearly larger stage, offering a fully balanced and spacious sound. Equipped with headphone amplifier, bass boost and line and coaxial output, as well as stable operation and excellent workmanship. Although a reliable connector array and a replaceable op-amp or a good microphone preamp can be a very attractive companion with a lot of potential.

    Attention to balance control, the ability to simultaneously connect two phones and very rich accessories, among others. wiring kit, covers, washers and protective films. Thanks to this we have very good bass, a surprisingly rich diameter and a smooth, high definition soprano.

    If your desktop board does not support built-in S/PDIF connectors, you can install a sound card that includes these connectors.

    Hardware implementation

    The S/PDIFormat specification allows several cable and connector types. Keywords for electric type are "coaxial" and "RCA jack". The other type is called "optical" with the word "TOSLINK" or, less commonly, "EIAJ Optical" often used. There are adapters for switching from coaxial RCA Jack S/PDIF to optical TOSLINK S/PDIF and vice versa, they require power. The advantage of the S/PDIF optical type is its excellent resistance to electrical interference.

    The equipment will be ideal for people who are mobile or want the highest quality audio, for example from a laptop or using a couple of very short cables. Thanks to this, effects can be achieved with bright and overly dry phones that don't have stage problems, but they don't irritate like the musicality and level of commitment we expect.

    In some situations, purchasing this card is basically the only logical choice. It all adds up to a full, competent and timely sound that's amazed that it managed to fit into such a tiny package. This equipment paired with headphones is either light, or simply light and thin. In the eyes of a beautiful appearance, mobility when necessary, as well as rich equipment.

    S/PDIF was developed from a professional audio industry standard known as AES/EBU, which is commonly used for digital tape recording in DAT systems and for audio transmission in professional recording studios. S/PDIF remains largely identical at the protocol level, but has different physical connectors that are cheaper and easier to use than XLR.

    Types of connectors and cables

    • Digital signal with TTL levels. TTL - Transistor-transistor logic. TTL usually (but not always!) has two levels: >2.4 V (one) and 0-0.4 V (zero). TTL S/PDIF outputs are also available in sound cards.
    • Coaxial. A coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms, connected to RCA connectors. Regular audio cables (tulips) can be used to transmit an S/PDIF signal over short distances (up to 0.5 m); for longer distances, a 75 ohm coaxial cable must be used. The coaxial cable must be terminated on both sides - the output impedance of the transmitter is 75 Ohms, the input impedance of the receiver is also 75 Ohms (terminators are already built into the devices). Without load, the transmitter output voltage is 1 volt peak to peak, under load 0.5 volt p-p. Taking into account losses on a long cable, a minimum voltage at the receiver input of 0.2 volts p-p is allowed.
    • TOSLINK - fiber optic cable. Nowadays, MiniTOSLINK type connectors have become very popular - this is an optical cable connector in the 3.5 jack form factor. Very often such connectors are found in modern laptops, where the S/PDIF output is combined with a headphone output. To connect such a laptop to the receiver, you will need a MiniTOSLINK - TOSLINK cable, or an adapter for a standard TOSLINK-TOSLINK cable.

    Protocol

    S/PDIF can be used to transmit digital signals in a variety of formats. The most common of these are the format used in DAT with a sampling rate of 48 kHz and the CD recording format with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. In order to support both of these systems, the format does not have a specific data bitrate. Instead, data is transmitted using Biphase Mark Code, which has one or two transitions for each bit of data, allowing the original word clock to be transmitted along with the signal itself.

    Extending the capabilities of this interface, S/P-DIF can be used to transmit 20-bit audio data streams plus other related information. It is also possible to transmit 16-bit zero-padding streams or 24-bit streams at the expense of omitting additional information.

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    Vinyl players

    Digital audio sources

    S/PDIF digital interface and how it works

    Digital output.

    A socket on all CD transports and some CD players that provides access to a digital data stream. Using a digital output, a CD transport can supply information to a separate digital processor via the S/PDIF interface (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format). It is named after the two companies that invented the compact disc.

    The S/PDIF digital interface is a standard format for transmitting digital audio, primarily between CD transport and a digital processor. The S/PDIF signal can be carried through different types of connectors and cables, such as optical ST or coaxial (discussed later in this chapter). All consumer digital audio equipment - transports, digital processors and digital recording devices - uses the S/PDIF interface. The professional version of S/PDIF is called the AES/EBU interface (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union, or the Society of Audio Engineers/European Broadcasting Union - the organizations that standardized this interface). It is sometimes used in consumer digital audio equipment.

    Jitter— these are temporary errors of the clock generator, which sets the moments of conversion of digital samples of a CD into music. Jitter also worsens the sense of space, reducing soundstage depth and blurring musical images. The feeling of transparency of the air between you and the performer disappears, the space seems to be filled with haze.

    The main source of jitter in digital audio reproduction is the interface connecting the CD transport to the digital processor. Get rid of the digital interface that a CD player inherently lacks, and you eliminate the main driver of jitter. For this reason, single-body CD players, all other things being equal, have a significant superiority in sound quality over component equipment.

    The S/PDIF signal contains audio data from both audio channels as well as a synchronization signal, also called a clock. These clock pulses are restored by the digital processor, so that the transport and processor operate on the same time basis. The "Lock" indicator or sample rate indicator on the front panel of many digital processors indicates that the clock has been restored and the two components are in sync, i.e. their clock frequencies are the same.

    The S/PDIF interface data stream carries not only audio information, but also service information, including a number of CD subcodes. They contain information about the sampling rate, the use of predistortion, as well as information about whether the signal belongs to the professional AES/EBU interface or the S/PDIF interface for consumer equipment. The subcode data also includes all track numbers and timing information displayed by the CD player or transport indicator. Audio data and subcode information are combined into 32-bit sukers. Each subframe begins with a preamble, a four-bit sync group that violates the rules of biphase coding. The preamble acts as a synchronization signal indicating the start of a new subframe. The preamble is followed by four bits of auxiliary information and 20 bits of audio information. If sixteen-bit audio information is transmitted, then the additional four bits are not used (replaced with zeros during encoding). The four-bit additional data area can be used to accommodate audio data, increasing the total word length of audio data to 24 bits.

    An additional four bits (Audio Validity, User Data Bit, Audio Channel Status, and Subframe Parity) complete the subframe.

    The left and right audio channel subframes are identified by slightly different preambles. In a single stream of bits they are transmitted alternately. Blocks of length 192 bits are formed from subframes. At a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, the total bit rate is 2.8224 million bits per second.