Unable to download SigmaStudio+ 2.3.0 or 3.3.0

Hello SoundConsulting,

I notified the people who can look into this. 

I do want to point out that there is not much of a difference between the 1452REVB and the MINIZ. The programs developed will be the same. 

Which A2B chips are you using?

Dave T

Thanks, Dave.

I am using a pair of the AD2437BCPZY chips. This is to allow 8 channels at 192 kHz on each. One is connected to the first Serial Port of the ADAU1463, for up to 16 channels (depending upon sample rate), and the other is connected to the second Serial Port, again for up to 16 channels. Hopefully I've wired them correctly so that the primary can provide the master clock and the secondary chip will slave to the clock from the first.

I assume that A2B support in SigmaStudio+ will easily support the AD2437.

Hello SoundConsulting,

I always shiver a bit when I see people trying to use TDM-16 but I have been burned and seen a lot of issues with trying to use TDM-16 all due to signal integrity/transmission issues which can cause timing issues leading to data errors. I always try to advise to run the clocks in the same direction as the data but that is not always possible. FYI, I would start with a lower sample rate to test the program and the hardware first, then start dialing up the sample rate. Anyhow, I got sidetracked....

Regarding the revision of SigmaStudio+, you need to install SS+ 2.3.0 and the appropriate A2B software. On opening the installed SS+ 2.3.0 software, you will be prompted to apply the latest SS+ 2.3.0.4 patch which is the latest compatible SS+ version supported for recent A2B production software.

Then you will see support for the AD2437.

Dave T

Hello Dave,

Thanks for the reminder to start with a lower sample rate. I've been thinking that I should have Sequences for 48 kHz and 192 kHz so I can verify the "easy" one first before trying the next. Sage advice.

But what do you mean about TDM-16? Are you saying that I should only be attempting stereo audio? The A2B evaluation boards connect 32 channels between the SigmaDSP and A2B chip, using one data pin on each of the two 16-channel serial ports. In my design, I assumed that I was actually asking a bit less than the evaluation board designs with only 16 channels per A2B chip.

I managed to download SS+ 3.3.0, despite the loop on the web site, by judiciously right-clicking. I will try to get SS+ 2.3.0 by crossing my fingers. Thanks for mentioning the 2.3.0.4 patch!

Hello SoundConsulting,

When prototyping with eval boards you will be using jumpers that are somewhat long and no ground wire running with it to keep the impedance constant for the transmission line so there will be lots of overshoot and undershoot. So yes, the A2B board can connect two TDM16 lines but when jumping over you are likely to run into issues and have data dropouts, clicks, pops, etc. Maybe even nothing! 
Once you have the design worked out and you design your own board, the MCU, or SigmaDSP, will be close to the A2B chip with shorter runs and good high frequency layout techniques you should be able to get it to work fine with TDM16 at 48kHz or TDM-8 at 192kHz. I just do not want you to get too frustrated and think that it will never work when it is just the evaluation and test platform that is the problem. 

So the problem is absolutely not with the A2B side of the transmission, it is just with the TDM serial port side between the DSP and the A2B chip. 

I just want you to have less stress and have great success. 

Dave T 

Thanks again, Dave!

I have the EVAL_ADAU1452REVBZ for basic SigmaDSP verification, but I skipped the A2B evaluations boards and went straight to my own board! In my experience, it's often more productive to avoid patching together complex designs using multiple eval boards with jumpers. For my custom board, I have verified supply rails, and will be bringing up the DAC, the ADC, and then the A2B chips last. It will be a tedious process, but I'll ask specific questions here if I run into anything that doesn't make sense.

Here's a photo of the first run of 1.0 boards. 4-in ADC, 8-out DAC, dual A2B, and SPDIF I/O for debugging.

Hello SoundConsulting

I  LOVE IT!! I will take a couple!!

Just kidding but it is a great looking board and the distance between the DSP and the A2B chips are very close so you are likely to not run into trouble with the timing margins. 

Dave T