Professional IC Distribution & Technical Solutions

The PCM1717E is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) manufactured by Burr-Brown (BB), now part of Texas Instruments. Below are its specifications, descriptions, and features:

Specifications:

• Resolution: 18-bit
• Sampling Rate: Up to 96 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): 0.002% (typical)
• Dynamic Range: 100 dB (typical)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 100 dB (typical)
• Output Voltage: 2.1 Vrms (typical)
• Supply Voltage: +5V (analog and digital)
• Power Consumption: 75 mW (typical)
• Package: 28-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit)

Descriptions:

The PCM1717E is a high-performance, 18-bit audio DAC designed for professional and consumer audio applications. It features a multi-bit delta-sigma architecture with 8x oversampling digital interpolation filters. The device supports standard digital audio formats, including I²S and left-justified data inputs.

Features:

• 18-bit resolution for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
• 96 kHz sampling rate for wide bandwidth audio applications.
• Low distortion and noise (0.002% THD+N).
• On-chip digital filter with 8x oversampling.
• Supports I²S and left-justified input formats.
• Single +5V power supply operation.
• Soft mute and zero detect functions.
• 28-pin SOIC package for compact designs.

This DAC is commonly used in CD players, digital audio workstations, and other high-quality audio systems.

# PCM1717E: Technical Analysis and Design Considerations

## Practical Application Scenarios

The PCM1717E from BB (Burr-Brown) is a high-performance, 24-bit stereo digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for precision audio applications. Its key features—including multi-bit delta-sigma modulation and 8× oversampling—make it suitable for several high-fidelity use cases:

1. Professional Audio Equipment

The PCM1717E is commonly integrated into studio-grade digital audio workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, and outboard converters due to its low total harmonic distortion (THD) and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Its differential output stage minimizes noise interference in complex audio signal chains.

2. Consumer Audio Systems

High-end CD players, DVD/Blu-ray audio decoders, and home theater receivers leverage the PCM1717E for its ability to reproduce detailed soundscapes with minimal jitter-induced artifacts. The DAC’s built-in digital filters (e.g., sharp roll-off and slow roll-off modes) allow customization for different listening preferences.

3. Broadcast and Telecommunications

In broadcast audio processors and VoIP systems, the PCM1717E ensures accurate signal reconstruction, maintaining clarity in voice and music transmission. Its support for multiple input formats (I2S, left-justified, right-justified) enhances compatibility with DSPs and digital interfaces.

## Common Design-Phase Pitfalls and Avoidance Strategies

1. Clock Jitter Sensitivity

The PCM1717E’s performance degrades with excessive clock jitter, leading to audible distortion.

*Mitigation:* Use low-jitter oscillators or dedicated clock-conditioning ICs. Ensure proper PCB layout with minimized trace lengths between the clock source and DAC.

2. Power Supply Noise

Switching power supplies can introduce high-frequency noise, affecting dynamic range.

*Mitigation:* Implement linear regulators for analog supply rails (AVDD) and use ferrite beads with decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF ceramic + 10 µF tantalum) near power pins.

3. Improper Grounding

Mixed-signal designs risk ground loops, causing hum or crosstalk.

*Mitigation:* Use a star-grounding scheme, separating analog and digital ground planes while connecting them at a single point near the DAC.

4. Thermal Management

Prolonged operation at high sample rates may increase thermal dissipation.

*Mitigation:* Ensure adequate airflow or heatsinking if the DAC is used in compact enclosures.

## Key Technical Considerations for Implementation

1. Input Data Formatting

Verify the input data format (I2S, left/right-justified) matches the system’s digital audio source. Misconfiguration can result in channel swaps or signal corruption.

2. Output Stage Design

The PCM1717E’s differential outputs require proper filtering to suppress high-frequency noise. A 2nd-order low-pass filter (LPF) with cutoff near 20 kHz is recommended for audio applications.

3. Digital Filter Selection

Choose the appropriate built-in filter (sharp roll-off for precise imaging, slow roll-off for reduced pre-ring