Axon Synapse ADC20 User manual

____________________________________________
ADC20
4 Channel Analog Audio Input Synapse™ Add-On Card
with Delay

Lange Wagenstraat 55
NL-5126 BB Gilze
The Netherlands
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.axon.tv
TECHNICAL MANUAL
ADC20
4 Channel Analog Audio Input Synapse ™ Add-On Card
with Delay

1
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
●ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before cleaning any component. The product
frame (SFR18 or SFR04) must be terminated with three-conductor AC mains power cord that includes an
earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must always be used.
●NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning components.
●NEVER operate this product if any cover is removed.
●NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
●NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
●NEVER block airflow through ventilation slots.
●NEVER bypass any fuse.
●NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
●NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your local Axon distributor.
●NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.
●NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Warranty: Axon warrants their products according to the warranty policy as described in the general terms.
That means that Axon Digital Design BV can only warrant the products as long as the serial numbers are not
removed.
Copyright © 2001 – 2006 AXON Digital Design B.V.
Date created: 25-09-03
Date last revised: 11-11-06
Axon, the Axon logo and Synapse are trademarks of Axon Digital Design B.V.
This product complies with the requirements of the product family standards for audio, video, audio-visual
entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use as mentioned below.
EN60950
EN55103-1: 1996
EN55103-2: 1996
Safety
Emission
Immunity
Axon Digital Design ADC20
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

2
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction to Synapse 3
An introduction to Synapse 3
Local Control Panel 3
Remote Control Capabilities 3
Chapter 2 Unpacking and Placement 4
Unpacking 4
Locating the card 4
Chapter 3 A Quick Start 5
When powering-up 5
Default settings 5
Changing parameters and settings 5
Front Panel Control 5
Example of changing parameter using Front
Panel control
6
Synapse Setup Software 7
Menu Structure Example 7
Chapter 4 The ADC20 cards 8
Introduction 8
Key Features 8
Chapter 5 Settings Menu 9
Chapter 6 Status Menu 12
Chapter 7 Events Menu 13
Chapter 8 LED Indication 15
Chapter 9 Block Schematic 16
Chapter 10 Connector panel 17

3
1 Introduction to Synapse
An Introduction to
Synapse Synapse is a modular system designed for the broadcast industry.
High density, intuitive operation and high quality processing are key
features of this system. Synapse offers a full range of converters and
processing modules. Please visit the AXON Digital Design Website at
www.axon.tv to obtain the latest information on our new products and
updates.
Local Control Panel The local control panel gives access to all adjustable parameters and
provides status information for any of the cards in the Synapse frame,
including the Synapse rack controller. The local control panel is also
used to back-up and restore card settings. Please refer to the
RRC18/RRS18, RRC10 and RRC04/RRS04 manuals for a detailed
description of the local control panel, the way to set-up remote control
over IP and for frame related settings and status information.
Remote Control
Capabilities The remote control options are explained in the rack controller
(RRC18/RRS18/RRC10/RRC04/RRS04) manual. The method of
connection to a computer using Ethernet is described in the RRC
manual.
! CHECK-OUT: “SYNAPSE SET-UP” SOFTWARE WILL
INCREASE SYSTEM FLEXIBILITY OF ONE OR MORE
SYNAPSE FRAMES
Although not required to Setup a Synapse frame, you are strongly
advised to use a remote personal computer or laptop PC with the
Synapse Setup software as this increases the ease of use and
understanding of the modules.

4
2Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking The Axon Synapse card must be unpacked in an anti-static
environment. Care must be taken NOT to touch components on the
card – always handle the card carefully by the edges. The card must be
stored and shipped in anti-static packaging. Ensuring that these
precautions are followed will prevent premature failure from
components mounted on the board.
Locating the card The Synapse card can be placed vertically in an SFR18 frame or
horizontally in an SFR04 frame. Locate the two guide slots to be used,
slide in the mounted circuit board, and push it firmly to locate the
connectors.
Correct insertion of card is essential as a card that is not located
properly may show valid indicators, but does not function correctly.
NOTE: On power up all LED’s will light for a few seconds, this is the
time it takes to initialise the card.

5
3A Quick Start
When Powering-up On powering up the Synapse frame, the card set will use basic data
and default initialisation settings. All LED’s will light during this
process. After initialisation, several LED’s will remain lit – the exact
number and configuration is dependant upon the number of inputs
connected and the status of the inputs.
Default settings In the default condition, the ADC20 passes analog audio to the Axon
bus.
Changing settings
and parameters The front panel controls or the Synapse Set-Up Software can be used
to change settings. An overview of the settings can be found in
chapter 5, 6 and 7 of this manual.
Front Panel Control Front Panel Display and Cursor
Settings are displayed and changed as follows;
Use the cursor ‘arrows’ on the front panel to select the menu and
parameter to be displayed and/or changed.
Press ►To go forward through the menu structure.
Press ◄To go back through the menu structure.
Press ▲To move up within a menu or increase the value of
a parameter.
Press ▼To move down through a menu or decrease the
value of a parameter.
NOTE: Whilst editing a setting, pressing ►twice will reset the value
to its default.
[
No Alarms]

6
Example of
changing
parameters using
front panel control
With the display as shown below
Pressing the ►selects the SFS10 in frame slot 01.
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 has been selected. In
this example the Settings menu item is indicated.
Pressing the ►selects the menu item shown, in this example
Settings.
(Pressing ▲or ▼will change to a different menu eg Status,
Events).
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Settings menu item
SDI-Format has been selected and shows that it current setting is
Auto.
Pressing the ►selects the settings item shown, in this example SDI-
Format.
(Pressing ▲or ▼will change to a different setting, eg Mode, H-
Delay).
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Edit Setting menu
item SDI-Format has been selected.
To edit the setting of the menu item press ▲or ▼.
All menu items can be monitored and/or changed in this way.
Changing a setting has an immediate effect.
RRC18 [Select Card]
>S01=SFS10
SFS10 [Select Menu]
>Settings
SFS10 [Settings]
>SDI
-
F
ormat=Auto
SFS10 [Edit
Setting]

7
Synapse Setup
Software
Synapse Setup Software can be used to change the settings of Synapse
modules from a PC, either locally or remotely. The software enables
communication based on TCP/IP between the Setup PC and Synapse
frames/modules.
Each Synapse frame is addressed through its rack controller’s unique
IP address, giving access to each module, its menus and adjustment
items. The Synapse Setup software has access to data contained within
the Synapse module and displays it on a GUI. The software has an
intuitive structure following that of the module that it is controlling.
Having selected the desired Frame and Module from the GUI Synapse
Network View, select the menu item that you wish to open. Opening
the menu item gives a complete list of available properties with their
associated Value.
For example to change a setting e.g. SDI-Format, select SDI-Format
form the list of settings by ‘double clicking’ to open a dialogue box.
The dialogue box allows parameters to be changed or set to default
value. On completion close the dialogue box.
Menu Structure
Example
Slot Module Item Parameter Setting
▲
▲
S02 Identity
▲▲
S01 SFS10 ►Settings ►SDI-
Format
►Auto
▼▼▼▼
S00 RRC18 Status Mode 625
▼▼▼
Events Ref-Input 525
▼
H-Delay
▼
▼
NOTE: Further information about Front Panel Control and Synapse
Setup Software can be obtained from the RRC18 and RRC04
operational manuals.

8
4 The ADC20 Card
Introduction The AXON ADC20 is an analog audio to digital audio converter card
with delay. The delay offset ranging from 0ms up to 5200 ms at 48
kHz.
This card can only be used as an add-on card. In this mode the card is
set to embed audio signals. In this function the card acts as an analog
input board that feeds a master card positioned to the left with
embedder functionality. The SEB20, for example, can perform an
embedder function with the ADC20 as its input card. The ADC20
converts the analog audio into AES/EBU signals and puts it on the
bus. These signals can then be embedded into the SDI data stream.
Other cards with an embedding function are: ASV08, ASV10,
ASV20, ASC10, SFS11/21, SEB10 and ADL24.
Key Features The Key features of the ADC20 are as follows:
Performance The ADC20 has high quality 24bit D/A converters that are capable of
sampling up to 192kHz.
Levels To maintain maximum performance and optimum noise levels Axon
have given the input section of this card a selectable analog gain stage
that ensures the A/D converter chip is working in the ideal range of its
input stage.
We have implemented reference levels of +24dBu, +18dBu,+15dBu,
+12dBu.
Back planes The ADC20 can be used with the BPL04, BPL05 and BPL05D
Miscellaneous The ADC20 cards fit into the Axon SFR04 & SFR18 rack.
LED’s on the front of the board indicate the presence of an Audio
Input signal, Connection & Processor Errors.
The ADC20 can be controlled by Axon Synapse set-up software and
the SCP08 control panel.

9
5 Settings Menu
Introduction The settings menu displays the current state of each setting within the
ADC20 and enables the item to be changed or adjusted.
Settings can be changed using the front panel of the Synapse frame
(SFR18 or SFR04) or Synapse Setup software or the SCP08 control
panel.
Please refer to chapter 3 for information on the Synapse front panel
control and Synapse Setup software.
Audio Fade For correct operation the tracking inputs must be connected to a
tracking output of a Frame synchronizer, for example the SFS11.
The setting AudioFade has 2 modes, they are as follows;
Fast: Fast tracking and handling of frame drops enabling
instantaneous synchronization of audio.
Smooth: Slow correction of frame drops enabling gradual
synchronization of audio.
The default setting of Tracking is Fast.
Delay The Delay menu item sets the amount by which the input audio is
delayed.
Delay can be adjusted within the range 0ms to 5200ms in 1 ms
increments
The default setting of Delay is 0ms.
Output_Ch1 The Out_Ch_1 setting gives the possibility to route input channels to
the embedding channels. Default = Ch1.
Output_Ch2 The Out_Ch_2 setting gives the possibility to route input channels to
the embedding channels. Default = Ch2
Output_Ch3 The Out_Ch_3 setting gives the possibility to route input channels to
the embedding channels. Default=Ch3
Output_Ch4 The Out_Ch_4 setting gives the possibility to route input channels to
the embedding channels. Default=Ch4

10
0dBFs-inp_1 The setting 0dBFs-inp_1 set the audio level that will give a full-
scale input on channel 1. The available settings are +12dBu,
+15dBu, +18dBu and +24dBu.
The default setting is +24dBu.
0dBFs-inp_2 The setting 0dBFs-inp_2 set the audio level that will give a full-
scale input on channel 2. The available settings are +12dBu,
+15dBu, +18dBu and +24dBu.
The default setting is +24dBu.
0dBFs-inp_3 The setting 0dBFs-inp_3 set the audio level that will give a full-
scale input on channel 3. The available settings are +12dBu,
+15dBu, +18dBu and +24dBu.
The default setting is +24dBu.
0dBFs-inp_4 The setting 0dBFs-inp_4 set the audio level that will give a full-
scale input on channel 4. The available settings are +12dBu,
+15dBu, +18dBu and +24dBu.
The default setting is +24dBu.
Gain-Ch_1 The settings menu item Gain-Ch_1 controls the output gain of
channel 1. Gain-Ch_1 has an adjustment range between –60.00dB
and +12.00dB. When Gain-Ch_1 is set to 0dB the output level is
equal to the input level. Below –60dB, a setting of –999dB is
automatically entered and a mute is activated.
The default setting of Gain-Ch_1 is 0dB.
Gain-Ch_2 The settings menu item Gain-Ch_2 controls the output gain of
channel 2. Gain-Ch_2 has an adjustment range between –60.00dB
and +12.00dB. When Gain-Ch_2 is set to 0dB the output level is
equal to the input level. Below –60dB, a setting of –999dB is
automatically entered and a mute is activated. The default setting of
Gain-Ch_2 is 0dB.
Gain-Ch_3 The settings menu item Gain-Ch_3 controls the output gain of
channel 3. Gain-Ch_3 has an adjustment range between –60.00dB
and +12.00dB. When Gain-Ch_3 is set to 0dB the output level is
equal to the input level. Below –60dB, a setting of –999dB is
automatically entered and a mute is activated.
The default setting of Gain-Ch_3 is 0dB

11
Gain-Ch_4 The settings menu item Gain-Ch_4 controls the output gain of
channel 4. Gain-Ch_4 has an adjustment range between –60.00dB
and +12.00dB. When Gain-Ch_4 is set to 0dB the output level is
equal to the input level. Below –60dB, a setting of –999dB is
automatically entered and a mute is activated.
The default setting of Gain-Ch_4 is 0dB.
Phase-Ch_1 The phase of channel 1 can be adjusted using the setting menu item
Phase-Ch_1. The settings of Phase-Ch_1 are 0 deg (degrees)
and 180 deg.
The default setting of Phase-Ch_1 is 0 deg.
Phase-Ch _2 The phase of channel 2 can be adjusted using the setting menu item
Phase-Ch_2. The settings of Phase-Ch_2 are 0 deg (degrees)
and 180 deg.
The default setting of Phase-Ch_2 is 0 deg.
Phase-Ch _3 The phase of channel 3 can be adjusted using the setting menu item
Phase-Ch_3. The settings of Phase-Ch_3 are 0 deg (degrees)
and 180 deg.
The default setting of Phase-Ch_3 is 0 deg.
Phase-Ch _4 The phase of channel 4 can be adjusted using the setting menu item
Phase-Ch_4. The settings of Phase-Ch_4 are 0 deg (degrees)
and 180 deg.
The default setting of Phase-Ch_4 is 0 deg.

12
6 Status Menu
Introduction The status menu indicates the current status of each item listed below.
AnalogInp The status item AnalogInp, indicates if there is analog audio present at
the inputs. If there is audio present, the present audio channels are
indicated. The default status is NA (not available).
Audio-Ch_1 The status item Audio-Ch_1 indicates the condition of the audio
signal at the input of channel 1. Audio-Ch_1 indicates if the input
signal is OK, Clipped or NA (not available).
Audio-Ch_2 The status item Audio-Ch_2 indicates the condition of the audio
signal at the input of channel 2. Audio-Ch_2 indicates if the input
signal is OK, Clipped or NA (not available).
Audio-Ch_3 The status item Audio-Ch_3 indicates the condition of the audio
signal at the input of channel 3. Audio-Ch_3 indicates if the input
signal is OK, Clipped or NA (not available).
Audio-Ch_4 The status item Audio-Ch_4 indicates the condition of the audio
signal at the input of channel 4. Audio-Ch_4 indicates if the input
signal is OK, Clipped or NA (not available).
FPGA-Stat FPGA-Stat displays the status of the internal processor of the
ADC20. The status is indicated as Ok or Error.

13
7Events Menu
Introduction An event is a special message that is generated on the card
asynchronously. This means that it is not the response to a request to
the card, but a spontaneous message.
What is the Goal of
an event? The goal of events is to inform the environment about a changing
condition on the card. A message may be broadcast to mark the
change in status. The message is volatile and cannot be retrieved from
the system after it has been broadcast. There are several means by
which the message can be filtered.
ADC20 Events The events reported by the ADC20 are as follows;
Announcements Announcements is not an event. This item is only used for switching
the announcement of status changes on/off. 0=off, other =on
Input_1 Input_1 reports the loss of the audio at the input of channel 1 and
can be set between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is the priority setting.
Input_2 Input_2 reports the loss of the audio at the input of channel 2 and
can be set between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is the priority setting.
Input_3 Input_3 reports the loss of the audio at the input of channel 3 and
can be set between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is the priority setting.
Input_4 Input_2 reports the loss of the audio at the input of channel 2 and
can be set between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is the priority setting.

14
What information is
available in an
event?
The message consists of the following items;
1) A message string to show what has happened in text, for example:
“INP_LOSS”, “REF_LOSS”, “INP_RETURN”.
2) A tag that also shows what happens, but with a predefined
number: e.g. 1 (= loss of input), 2 (= loss of reference), 129(=
1+128 = return of input). For a list of these predefined tags see the
table on the next page.
3) A priority that marks the importance of an event. This value is
defined by the user and can have any value between 1 and 255, or
0 when disabled.
4) A slot number of the source of this event.
The Message String The message string is defined in the card and is therefore fixed. It may
be used in controlling software like Synapse Set-up to show the event.
The Tag The tag is also defined in the card. The tag has a fixed meaning. When
controlling or monitoring software should make decisions based on
events, it is easier to use the tag instead of interpreting a string. The
first implementation is the tag controlled switch in the GPI16.
In cases where the event marks a change to fault status (e.g. 1 for Loss
of Input) the complement is marked by the tag increased by 128
(80hex) (e.g. 129 (81hex) for Return of Input).
Defining Tags The tags defined for the ADC20 are:
Event Menu Item Tag Description
Announcements 0 or NA 0 or NA Announcing of report
and control values
Input_1..4 01hex=INP_.._LOSS 81hex=INP_.._RETURN Channel 1-4 input
lost or returned
Tracking_1..2 0Chex=TRACK_.._LOSS 8Chex=TRACK_.._RETURN Tracking pulse 1-2
lost or returned
The Priority The priority is a user-defined value. The higher the priority of the
alarm, the higher this value. Setting the priority to Zero disables the
announcement of this alarm. Alarms with priorities equal or higher
than the Error Threshold setting of the RRC will cause the error LED
on the Synapse rack front panel to light.
The Address Together with the message string or the tag, the slot number or
address of the card is relevant to be able to assign the event to a
certain card.

15
8LED Indication
Error LED The error LED indicates an error if the internal logic of the
ADC20 card is not configured correctly or has a hardware failure.
Input LED This LED indicated the presence of a valid input signal.
Reference LED This LED indicates the presence of a valid reference signal and
that the ADC20 is locked to the master card.
Data Error LED This led indicates if the audio signal 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the local
outputs are clipped.
Connection LED This LED illuminates after the card has initialised. The LED
lights for 0.5 seconds every time a connection is made to the card.

16
9 Block Schematic
ADC20
INTERNAL SYNAPSE BUS
Rack
controller
Audio in/outputs
To/from Synapse bus
1234
ANALOG AUDIO 1
ANALOG AUDIO 2
ANALOG AUDIO 3
ANALOG AUDIO 4
A/D
A/D
A/D
A/D
I2S
FORMAT
Delay-
offset
&
tracking
Gain
&
Phase
processing
μP
1 Ch
1 Ch
1 Ch
1 Ch
4:1
4:1
4:1
4:1
TRACKING

17
10 Connector Panel
The ADC20 can be used with the following backplanes: BPL04, BPL05 and
BPL05D
BPL04 BPL05 BPL05D

18
TRACKING
Not Used
4
3
ADC20
1
1
ANALOGAUDIOIN
3
4
2
2
SEE TABEL NEXT PAGE
FOR CONNECTIONS
J7
J8
J9
J5
J6
J3
J4
J1
J2
J2
J1