Rockford Fosgate PUNCH 160.4 trans ana User manual

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers.
At Rockford Fosgate we are committed to musical reproduction at its best, and we are
pleased you chose our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand crafts-
manshipandcriticaltestingprocedures,wehavecreatedawiderangeofproductsthat
reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford Fosgate
productinstalledbyan Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer, asweprovidespecialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
accessories,whichincludeeverythingfromT-shirtsandjacketstohatsandsunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S.call602-967-3565orFAX602-967-8132.Forallothercountries,call+001-602-
967-3565 or FAX [phone].
Theserialnumbercanbefoundontheoutsideofthebox. Pleaserecorditinthe
space provided below as your permanent record. This will serve as verification
of your factory warranty and may become useful in recovering your amplifier if
it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ____________________
Model Number:____________________
If,afterreadingyourmanual,youstillhavequestionsregardingthisproduct,we
recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further
assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-795-2385. Be sure to have your serial
number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS
OVER100dBMAYCAUSEPERMANENTHEARINGLOSS.HIGH
POWEREDAUTOSOUNDSYSTEMSMAYPRODUCESOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS WELL OVER 130dB. USE COMMON SENSE
AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.

Sections marked
ADVANCED OPERATION
include in-depth
technical information
Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations
for curing
installation problems
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections
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Welcome to Rockford Fosgate! This manual is designed to provide
informationfortheowner,salespersonandinstaller.Forthoseofyouwho
want quick information on how to install this product, please turn to the
InstallationSection ofthismanualorrefertotheiconslistedbelow.Other
information can be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at
RockfordFosgate,haveworkedveryhardtomakesurealltheinformation
in this manual is current. But, as we are constantly finding new ways to
improveourproduct,thisinformationissubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................1
Accessory Pack .......................................................................................1
Technical Design Features ......................................................................2
Design Features.......................................................................................5
Installation Considerations ......................................................................7
Mounting Location..................................................................................8
Battery and Charging...............................................................................9
Wiring the System ...................................................................................9
Using Passive Crossovers ......................................................................12
Table of Crossover Component Values..................................................13
Using the XCard....................................................................................14
Resistor Chart........................................................................................15
Using the Signal Input Switch................................................................16
Installation ............................................................................................17
System Diagrams...................................................................................24
Rockford Fosgate Accessories................................................................28
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................30
Dynamic Power Measurements.............................................................33
160.4 Specifications..............................................................................35
240.4 Specifications..............................................................................36
Warranty Information............................................................................37
International Information.......................................................................38

INTRODUCTION
The Punch 160.4and 240.4are 4-channel amplifiers which can
deliver 160 watts and 240 watts RMS respectively. Both amplifiers
utilize a 2/4-channel input switch to eliminate the need for signal
splitters.ApairofinternalXCardcrossoversallowtheamplifierstobe
configured for use with many popular system designs without the
added cost of external processors. The Punch 160.4and 240.4are
powerful 4-channel amplifiers with integrated features which are
offered at a competitive price.
WestronglyrecommendyouhaveyourAuthorizedRockfordFosgate
Dealer install the new Punch amplifier. If you do choose to install it
yourself, please be sure to read the entire manual before beginning.
ACCESSORY PACK
The accessory pack shipped with the Punch 4-channel amplifier
includes the mounting hardware necessary to secure the amp to the
vehicle as well as attach the end caps.
Installation & Operation Manual
Punch Verification Certificate
(4) Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 3/4" Phillips)
(10)Speaker & power connector screws (3/32" Allen )
(4) End cap mounting screws (9/64" Allen)
(1) Allen Wrench 9/64"
(1) Allen Wrench 3/32"
(1) ATC In-line Fuseholder (160.4)
(1) AGU In-line Fuseholder (240.4)
(1) ATC 30 Amp Fuse (160.4)
(1) AGU 50 Amp Fuse (240.4)
– 1 –

TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES
– 2 –
◆TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone)
The TOPAZ (TrackingOperationPre-AmplifierZone)circuitrysolves
groundloopnoiseproblemscommontoautomotiveamplifierdesign.
Thisinnovativenewdevelopmentallowsvastlyimprovedisolationof
the input signal grounds from the power supply ground of the
amplifier.Thisisaccomplishedbyallowingthesourceunittocontrol
the potential “environment” of the entire input structure or “zone” of
the amplifier. This process improves the noise rejection of the
amplifier by 30-40dB – an astounding 30-100 times better than
amplifiers without TOPAZ.
THERESULT:Eliminationoftroublesomegroundloopnoisebetween
source and amplifier.
◆TRANS•ANA
(TRANSconductance Active Nodal Amplifier)
The TRANS•ANA (TRANSconductance Active Nodal Amplifier) is a
circuitthatallowstheaudiosignaltopassthroughtheamplifieratlow
voltage. The signal is directly level-shifted to the fixed high voltage
rails via a pair of driver transistors. Signal linearity is assured by an
active node formed by the drive transistors at ultrasonic frequencies.
This allows amplifier performance similar to trans• nova which is
highly stable and linear while utilizing the advantages of a non-
floating power supply.
THERESULT:Anextendedfrequencybandwidthaccuratelysupplied
to the output stages of the amplifier.

◆DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) Technology
The DSM (DiscreteSurfaceMount)manufacturingprocesscombines
theadvantages of both discrete componentsand integrated circuitry.
RockfordFosgateistheonlyAmericanamplifiermanufacturertohave
invested millions into this process. DSM components differ from
conventional discrete components in three ways. They are more
compact, more rugged, and they efficiently dissipate generated heat.
Using them wherever appropriate allows the advantages associated
with discrete circuitry to be retained while also providing room for
both highly advanced processing features and generous PC board
copper paths where needed. Their short lead-out structures allow
maximumaudioperformanceandhighestsignal-to-noiseratiostobe
obtained in amplifiers of desirable package size without resorting to
“amplifier-on-a-chip”shortcuts.TheseadvantagesareshowninFigure
1.
Surface Mount
Thru-Hole
Solder Solder
Component
Figure 1
THE RESULT: Fewer connections, improved reliability, shorter
signal paths, superior signal-to-noise ratio and awesome sonic
performance.
◆XCard (Internal Crossover)
The Punch amplifiers utilize internal active crossovers. These
crossovers have many performance advantages such as using
discrete components for exact frequency adjustments which are
far superior to potentiometers. Additionally, the XCard can be
configuredforhigh-pass,low-passandfullrangeoperation.With
slight modifications, many crossover frequencies and slope con-
figurations can be achieved.
THE RESULT: Increased system design flexibility with a precise
electronic crossover without the limitations of conventional
potentiometer designs.
– 3 –

◆NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision)
The Punch amplifiers use an analog computer process to maximize
safe output power under all operating conditions. Rockford Fosgate
pioneered and developed RTP (Real Time Protection), a crucial
element in the performance edge of our amplifiers. The innovative
NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) system is the most
sophisticatedversionofthistechniqueeverused,bringingpreviously
unavailable levels of accuracy, stability, temperature immunity and
reliabilitytothiscriticalprocess.NOMADmakesadvanceddecisions
based on device voltages to precisely control the awesome levels of
current available in the output MOSFETs to safe values – but only
when absolutely needed.
THE RESULT: Extremely fast protection system that always protects
the amplifier and never degrades the sound.
◆MOSFET Devices
Rockford Fosgate is one of the few manufacturers in the sound
communityto utilizeMOSFETdevicesinboth the powersupply and
the outputstages . MOSFET (MetalOxideSemiconductorFieldEffect
Transistor) devices offer several important inherent advantages over
the 30 year old technology of bi-polar design. These advantages
include: thermal stability, switching speed, ultra low output imped-
ance and wider bandwidth linearity. In addition, MOSFETs operate
very similar to vacuum tubes in which they are more linear than
bipolar transistors. However, MOSFETs can deliver the midrange
clarity without the limitations of transient response and high fre-
quency phase shifting normally associated with tube operation.
THE RESULT: Operational characteristics similar to vacuum tubes
without the performance limitations of tube designs.
– 4 –

DESIGN FEATURES
1. CastAluminumHeatsink–ThecastaluminumheatsinkofthePunch
amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The
inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of
cooling over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.
2. EndCaps–Theuniqueendcapsconcealthewiringandinputcables,
giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.
3. Speaker Terminals – The heavy duty, gold-plated terminal block
connectors(+and–) willacceptwiresizesfrom8AWGto18AWG.
These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion that can
cause signal deterioration.
4. Power Terminals – Thepower andground connectors onthePunch
amplifier are gold-plated and will accommodate up to 8 AWG wire
maximizing the input current capability of the amplifier.
5. REMTerminal – Thisgold spadeterminalisusedfor theautopower/
remote turn-on of the Punch amplifier.
– 5 –
Rear
Front
8 8
63
3
–L+
Rear Gain
Rear Speakers
Bridged Mono
L
R
Front Gain
L
R
–R++L–
Front Speakers
Bridged Mono
+R–
5 4 9
POWER
REM GNDB+

6. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jacks provide
easyconnectionsforsignallevelinput.Theyaregold-platedto
resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
7. SignalInputSwitch–Thisswitchallowsselectionof2-channel
or 4-channel source unit feed.
8. Input Sensitivity Controls – The input level controls are preset
tomatch the output of mostsource units. Theycan be adjusted
to match output levels from a variety of source units.
9. LED Power Indicator – The LED illuminates when the unit is
turned on.
10. XCard(InternalCrossover)–Thesebuilt-incrossovercardsare
configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The
orientation of the card in its socket determines the function of
high-pass, low-pass, or full range operation.
– 6 –
Low-Pass
Full Range
High-Pass
HP
LP
HP
LP
FULL
Rear
XCard
Front
XCard
2 Channel Input
4 Channel Input
trans• ana
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
MADE IN THE USA
®
®
20 Watts x 4 into 4Ωat 0.05% THD
40 Watts x 4 into 2Ωat 0.1% THD
AMPLIFIER
XCard 1 XCard 2
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10