Previously on this forum there was a discussion regarding optical vs. coaxial digital interconnects. I personally favor optical for the isolation factor, but there was some discussion as to whether cheap optical receivers/transmitters could cause errors.
I had the pleasure this last week of sitting down at an Audio Precision 2700 series measurement system with an evaluation board for an AES3/SPDIF reciever + sample rate converter + AES3/SPDIF transmitter chip. The I/O to the board was available with either coax or Toslink connectors. Using the TOSLINK connectors for both input and output from the board, putting the sample rate converter in pass through mode, and using the Audio Precision as a generator and analyzer, I ran a 1KHz signal through the setup (96kHz PCM). There were no bit errors for the several minutes I watched.
The connectors were TORX170 series toslink connector/receivers, TOTX170 series transmitter/connectors, and the cable was a TOCP172. The Rx and Tx parts cost about 67 cents from Digikey in 10,000 unit quantities. The connection on these connectors was not great, if I pushed on the connector so that it was angled and not seated properly I would totally lose everything. But connected and left alone there were no errors, with very inexpensive parts. I hope this helps put to rest a small issue in the debate between optical and coax.
Now the AP has some death grip TOSLINK connectors, those dudes never let the cable jostle or wiggle loose. I think people would kill me if I opened it up to find out the part numbers of them though
I had the pleasure this last week of sitting down at an Audio Precision 2700 series measurement system with an evaluation board for an AES3/SPDIF reciever + sample rate converter + AES3/SPDIF transmitter chip. The I/O to the board was available with either coax or Toslink connectors. Using the TOSLINK connectors for both input and output from the board, putting the sample rate converter in pass through mode, and using the Audio Precision as a generator and analyzer, I ran a 1KHz signal through the setup (96kHz PCM). There were no bit errors for the several minutes I watched.
The connectors were TORX170 series toslink connector/receivers, TOTX170 series transmitter/connectors, and the cable was a TOCP172. The Rx and Tx parts cost about 67 cents from Digikey in 10,000 unit quantities. The connection on these connectors was not great, if I pushed on the connector so that it was angled and not seated properly I would totally lose everything. But connected and left alone there were no errors, with very inexpensive parts. I hope this helps put to rest a small issue in the debate between optical and coax.
Now the AP has some death grip TOSLINK connectors, those dudes never let the cable jostle or wiggle loose. I think people would kill me if I opened it up to find out the part numbers of them though
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