Application Note

DAC Output

Using the DAC Output

There are two motivating factors for using the DAC output of a Sensory IC or module: sound quality,
and radiated emissions for CE or FCC compliance.

Sound Quality
In order to optimize sound output from a Sensory speech IC or module, Sensory recommends using the
DAC output with an external amplifier. The overall product cost is increased slightly, but the DAC will
provide higher quality sound output. To use the DAC output, a few components need to be added to
correctly interface the circuitry between the DAC output and the amplifier input. This circuitry performs
the following necessary functions:

• Provides DC blocking between the DAC output and the preamplifier input.
• Biases the DAC output to center when the DAC output is turned off during the execution of
technology code that uses the A/D converter.
• Provides the required high frequency de-emphasis. Low pass filtering is required because
of the pre-emphasis used during the recording and digitizing of speech synthesis.

With this circuitry in place, the Sensory speech processor can provide correctly balanced, pop free,
high quality synthesized output.

Radiated Emissions for CE or FCC Compliance

Sensory has discovered during CE compliance testing that the RSC-300/364 exceeds the maximum
allowable radiated emissions (EMI) per EN55022, Class A & B under certain circumstances. The
increase in emissions is due to the PWM speaker driver circuit, which was redesigned for the RSC-
200/264T and RSC-300/364 series processors to boost sound volume at low voltages. As a result,
both the RSC-200/264T and RSC-300/364 are affected.

For applications using these IC's that must comply with FCC or CE emissions standards, Sensory
recommends using the DAC output with an external power amplifier. This solution has the advantage of
offering superior audio quality, although cost is increased slightly. The following sample applications
offer two proven audio output circuits.

It should be noted that to reduce radiated emissions to the lowest possible levels, the PWM output
should also be disabled at all times in the software running on the Sensory speech processor.

Sensory, Inc. 80-0105-C 1

DAC Output Application Note

Sample Low-voltage Power Amplifiers

There are many excellent choices for external amplifiers. The following two examples have been
included because they offer tested performance, low cost, low power, wide supply voltage range, and
good availability. Other amplifiers, notably the LM386, offer lower cost, but do not operate down to
3V, and also consume more power. Of course, these tradeoffs may be acceptable in certain
applications.

Using the TDA2822M (ST Microelectronics)

This amplifier is a dual power amplifier that may be configured for bridged mono operation. The sample
circuit shown uses the bridged configuration. The TDA 2822 is an internally fixed-gain device
(approximately 39dB in bridged mode), designed to work with a ground reference input signal. U1A
and U1B outputs are centered at Vdd/2.

The DACOUT on Sensory’s ICs and modules swings to the rails, so R2 and R5 attenuate the output
signal to prevent clipping the TDA2822. C3 creates a low pass filter to compensate for the pre-
emphasis used in creating Sensory synthesis.

Filters R3, C2 and R5, C5 serve to reduce the possibility of TDA2822 oscillation. R1 and R4 reduce
clicks as the DAC is enabled or disabled.

The circuit as shown in Figure 1 has the following measured characteristics with a 10Ω resistive load:

Vdd V+peak V-peak Output fc Low High 1KHz

DC offset –3dB f –3dB f RMS Pout
3.0 1.93 0.4 15mV 190Hz 37Hz 2KHz 110mW
5.0 3.5 0.625 25mV 190Hz 37Hz 2KHz 400mW

2 80-0105-C Sensory, Inc.

Application Note DAC Output

Vdd

Vdd

R1 2
U1A
330K C1 8 - R3
.1 R2 1
7 +
RSC DACOUT C2
4.7
4
R4 100K .1

330K
C3
R5 + C4
10K .01 1uF

TDA2822M
LS1

SPEAKER

2
U1B
5 - R6
3
6 +
C5
4.7
4 .1
C6

.01

Figure 1

Using the TPA301D (Texas Instruments)

This amplifier is designed specifically for bridged mono operation, and the following application circuit
has been designed with external resistor-controlled gain. Note that it is designed to work with a ground
reference input signal, with Vout+ and Vout- outputs centered at Vdd/2.

Gain is set by R1/R3. C1 creates a low pass filter to compensate for the pre-emphasis used in creating
Sensory synthesis.

R2 and R4 reduce clicks as the DAC is enabled or disabled. The amplifier is disabled if SHTDN (U1
pin1) is brought high, and thus may be directly connected to a Sensory IC PDN pin. The C3 value is
selected to minimize turn on transients when the amplifier is enabled, and the amplifier outputs rise from
ground to the center voltage. If the TDA301 uses PDN control, in order to further reduce current, R2
should not be connected directly to Vdd, but rather to a voltage source that is active when PDN is
LOW. The schematic shows such a circuit using Q1.

If SHTDN is not used, it should be tied to GND.

Sensory, Inc. 80-0105-C 3

DAC Output Application Note

The circuit as shown in Figure 2 has the following measured characteristics with a 10Ω resistive load:

Vdd V+peak V-peak Output fc Low High 1KHz

DC offset –3dB f –3dB f RMS Pout
3.0 2.53 0.53 7mV 200Hz 44Hz 1.8KHz 139mW
5.0 4.25 0.75 12mV 200Hz 44Hz 1.8KHz 462mW

Vdd

Q1
9013

C1
470pF

C6
R2 .1 220K R1 Vdd
330K
C2 U1
R3
4 5 LS1
RSC DACOUT IN- Vout+
3 6
.1 22K IN+ Vdd
2 7
BYPASS GND
1 8
SHTDN Vout-
R4 SPEAKER
330K
C3 +
TPA301D + C4
.47 10uF

R5
10K

C5

RSC PDN
.1

Figure 2

© 2001 SENSORY, INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

IMPORTANT NOTICE
www. VoiceActivation.com Reasonable efforts have been made to verify the
accuracy of information contained herein, however no
guarantee can be made of accuracy or applicability.
1991 Russell Ave.
Sensory reserves the right to change any specification or
Santa Clara, CA 95054
description contained herein.
TEL: (408) 327-9000
FAX: (408) 727-4748 Sensory is registered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
4 80-0105-C Sensory, Inc.