Midnight Mode Algorithm?

mdot Question

Mar 24, 2011 00:00

Hey Guys,

First post so go a little easy on the noob...

I have been exploring SigmaStudio v3.3 for a couple of days. I have gotten to the point of wanting to start to put together a "hello world" design using the ADAU1701. So I look through the help file and come across the "Midnight Mode" algorithm that the help file says should reside in the "ADI Algorithms" in the toolbox. The thing is, it's not there.

I initially thought that maybe I had not imported the library that contains the algorithm. So I open the add-ins browser, selected all of the DLL files in the install directory and clicked open. After the pop-ups about some not being add-ins and others already having been imported, I wen back to check for the algorithm. Still not there.

Am I doing somthing wrong? Is there some add-in that was not included in the most recent release of the software? Is this algorithm not available for the 1701?

Help me out.

Thanks.

EDIT: spelling

Audio Signal Processors

sigmastudio

SigmaDSP Audio Processors

SigmaDSP

adau1701

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ADIApproved Reply

Mar 24, 2011 00:00

Hi mdot, and welcome to EngineerZone.

Since different SigmaDSPs have different core architectures, algorithms must be coded specifically for the hardware that they run on. This means that a filter coded for the AD1940 must be modified when it needs to run on an ADAU1442, for example. For most algorithms, the processing is generic enough that it can easily be ported to several ICs.

Sometimes and algorithm will require specific hardware in order to run. For example, a certain algorithm might require special hardware accelerators that only exist on certain SigmaDSPs, or it might require a certain amount of RAM that is available on one SigmaDSP but not another. For this reason, sometimes you will see algorithms that run on one SigmaDSP core but not on another.

Midnight mode is an example of this. It only runs on the AD1940, so unfortunately you won't be able to use it on an ADAU1701.

The help file (usually) explains if an algorithm is compatible with a certain core, but some of the older help articles - like Midnight Mode - are in the old formatting style and need to be updated. Sorry for the confusion.

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mdot Reply

Mar 24, 2011 00:00

That makes sense.

Would be nice if AD had a higher tier "all-in-one" device. I really like the conveinience of the onboard analog interfaces. However, I get the sinking feeling that depending on how intricate the processing needed could be, one will need to move to one of the devices without the built in analog.

Is there a particular part (combined ADCs and DACs), that when paired with an AD1940, gives me the same "blackbox" interface?

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ADIApproved Reply

Mar 24, 2011 00:00

It's true that the ADAU1701 has less processing power than some other SigmaDSPs, but it's not significantly less. It's 66% of the AD1940's processing power, in fact. However, the real difference is in the hardware accelerators and RAM. I guess what you'll have to do is really figure out what you want to accomplish and then select the DSP that does the job.

The AD1940 can be easily paired with an AD1938 for a nice black-box audio system. The EVAL-AD1940MINIBZ does just that.

http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/user_guides/UG-087.pdf

From a user perspective, you treat it just like you would an EVAL-ADAU1701. No hardware settings are required.

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mdot Reply

Mar 24, 2011 00:00

I think you're right.

For my initial "project" want to tone down the wild volume and dynamic range fluctuations occuring from one digital cable channel to the next. I thought that I had found a nice shortcut in that particular algorithm, but, it's okay. Having to actually construct it myself from building blocks will be a better learning experience, and that is really the point of the exercise. Learn some stuff and apply it to other, more significant stuff.

The AD1940 is probably overkill for the kinds of things I'd be doing. I have to surpress my inner Tim Taylor, that constantly craves, "more power!" :-)