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Topic: Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation? (Read 4585 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

How much signal degredation can I expect from solid state and mechanical analog signal switchers?

I currently have a Psyclone PSC01 laying around which is solid state and I'm thinking of using it to just switch audio on the L/R RCA connectors.

http://www.atomroot.com/ebay/psyclone_manual.pdf

I guess high end receivers use solid state switches too right?  I'm just not sure how much difference there is across different switch parts and if its a complex part(to get right) or not.

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #1
Mechanical relays eventually wear out after a large number of switching events.

Baring lightening or some similar event, a solid state switch essentially lasts forever.

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #2
The OP was actually asking about signal degradation, not electrical component degradation.

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #3
The above unit can switch component video, so it should have no problems on the analog audio inputs.
Kevin Graf :: aka Speedskater

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #4
How much signal degredation can I expect from solid state and mechanical analog signal switchers?

I currently have a Psyclone PSC01 laying around which is solid state and I'm thinking of using it to just switch audio on the L/R RCA connectors.

http://www.atomroot.com/ebay/psyclone_manual.pdf

I guess high end receivers use solid state switches too right?  I'm just not sure how much difference there is across different switch parts and if its a complex part(to get right) or not.


All solid state switches are not the same, and all relays are not the same. The specs on this device are non-existent. The good news is that if you use its capabilities to switch digital audio, it will either work or not, but changing the sound quality of the audio is highly unlikely.

This would be what a proper set of specs for an analog switch would look like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LCD-Digital-St...e-/320778483014

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #5
Well I took the cover off and identified some of the ICs its using for switching.

I found 2 sets of Pericom ICs.  One was designed for analog video switching so I figured that IC wasn't used for audio which leaves only the other:

http://www.pericom.com/assets/Datasheets/PI5A100.pdf

I'm not the best at comprehending these datasheets...

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #6
Well I took the cover off and identified some of the ICs its using for switching.

I found 2 sets of Pericom ICs.  One was designed for analog video switching so I figured that IC wasn't used for audio which leaves only the other:

http://www.pericom.com/assets/Datasheets/PI5A100.pdf

I'm not the best at comprehending these datasheets...


On the one hand, this chip is like 10 times better in terms of critical performance parameters than some of the classic analog switch chips (4066, 4051) that I worked with back in the day.

On the other hand going from a data sheet to the performance of a finished product is a big leap.

Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #7
Thanks for looking!  May I ask whats so good about these ICs spec-wise?


Solid state and mechanical signal switchers, degradation?

Reply #9
On the downside, the IC is only good for up to +6 V of supply, so it'll barely manage switching a typical CD player 0 dBFS signal (2 Vrms or ~5.6 Vpp) with a following wind. Chances are it would be powered by +5 V in real-life equipment. A CD4066 can take up to 15 V at least (which still is kinda impractical), and a modern-day audio switch like the LC78211 will withstand up to +/-20 V and thus interface to common audio supply voltages easily.