UpTone Audio EtherREGEN User manual

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User Guide
UPTONE AUDIO LLC • MARIPOSA • CALIFORNIA • U.S.A.
Phone [phone] • uptoneaudio.com
User Guide Rev. 1.02, November 2019
EtherREGEN

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Thank you for purchasing an UpTone Audio EtherREGEN!
Introduction and Design
This revolutionary and sophisticated Ethernet switch is capable of
producing surprisingly audible sonic improvements in fine music systems.
The goals and architecture of the EtherREGEN are
completely different than any other Ethernet switch on the
planet.
Other “audiophile” Ethernet switches typically apply clock and power
supply modifications to cheap off-the-shelf switches, or simply add passive
filter parts to standard magnetics and augment with a separate fancy clock
board. EtherREGEN is an all-new from the ground-up design,
built on a costly 6-layer circuit board. Its components and
topology are unmatched by any other Ethernet switch.
The heart of what makes our switch so unique is use of ACTIVE, HIGH-
SPEED, LOW-JITTER DIFFERENTIAL DIGITAL ISOLATOR chips in
conjunction with ULTRA-LOW JITTER DIFFERENTIAL RE-CLOCKING
FLIP-FLOPS. No other Ethernet switch on the market does this.
Implementing this architecture correctly is difficult and costly!
Going from port-to-port on the ‘A’ side of EtherREGEN is already better
than most any other switch, but crossing our Active Differential Isolation
Moat (“ADIM™”)—to its ‘B’ side—brings an unmatched level of
Ethernet performance for audio. The dark-grey line in the lower third of
the circuit board image on this Guide’s cover is the EtherREGEN’s
“moat,” across which sit the differential digital isolators.
The design methods and innovative ADIM™of the
EtherREGEN results in dual, isolated clock/data/power
domains, blockage of all external leakage currents, a
significant reduction in upstream phase-noise fingerprint,
and maximal signal integrity.
During manufacturing, each unit has been carefully tested to assure reliable
performance. Your EtherREGEN is covered by a 3-year warranty. Do
contact us if you ever have difficulty or need advice or service.
Please read this entire instruction booklet to learn important
information about installation and operation of the EtherREGEN.
Technical Highlights
•EtherREGEN has two isolated data/power/clock domains. Each
isolated domain is re-clocked using 10GHz-capable ultra-low-jitter
(less than 0.8 picoseconds) differential flip-flops.
•The clocking system runs from an advanced, programmable, jitter-
attenuating clock synthesizer with four differential outputs. It is
referenced to an ultra-low-jitter/phase-noise Crystek CCHD-575
oscillator. Importantly, the clock distribution system (for the switch
chip, the special Ethernet format conversion chips, and the high-
speed flip-flops) is run differentially throughout. Special conversion
buffers are positioned just millimeters from chips that require single-
ended clocks. !
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•Even the magnetics of the four Gigabit ‘A’-side ports are special. We
chose an RJ45 module that utilizes 12 transformer cores in each
port (most Ethernet ports have 2~6 cores), and ground their center-
taps through capacitors in a way that blocks port-to-port AC
leakage currents.
•To support its performance, the power networks of the
EtherREGEN are as sophisticated and costly as the rest of the
design. We use 12 of the world’s lowest-noise, lowest-impedance
integrated voltage regulators—the famous Linear Technology
LT3045 and LT3042. Supporting both the voltage regulators and the
data chips are 195 low-inductance, X7R and X5R capacitors sized
and selected by their derating curves.
•The EtherREGEN incorporates two newly introduced Ethernet
transceiver chips—one on each side of the ADIM™. These advanced
chips were very new at the time of design; UpTone was among the
first OEM manufacturers in the world to engineer a product using
them.
•The main processor is an advanced, flexible, and fully managed
switch processor—with integrated high quality PHYs and support
for all current IEEE network protocols.
•If required, the start-up programming and extensive register settings
of the EtherREGEN’s processor can be updated by the end-user via
a microUSB port located on its circuit board. Downloading a small
file from UpTone and copying it to the virtual drive that appears
upon attachment of a microUSB cable will easily accomplish this.
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Installation and Use
Suggested Connections:
On the EtherREGEN’s ‘A’-side, there are four Gigabit copper Ethernet ports,
plus an SFP cage for a Gigabit LC optical module. A typical user will
attach a single Ethernet cable from their main network router
or switch to any of these ‘A’-side ports—as illustrated on the
opposite page. This leaves open three additional RJ45 copper ports (and
the SFP cage) on the ‘A’ side. The choice to connect any server, NAS (network
attached storage), or other devices to these ports—or to leave that equipment
attached to your main upstream switch/router—is mostly a matter of
convenience and effects on sonic performance are likely to be small.
Across the ADIM™, at the other end of the EtherREGEN,is a
single 100Mbps copper Ethernet port. This is the ‘B’-side port.
Attach the computer/streamer/renderer endpoint that is
directly connected to your DAC* to the ‘B’-side Ethernet port
with a copper Ethernet cable. (*DACs that have an Ethernet input can
be directly connected to the ‘B’-side port).
So why does this arrangement matter?
There are two types of sound-degrading influences the EtherREGEN is
designed to radically decrease: Leakage—both high-impedance and low-
impedance—and clock phase-noise. The clock phase-noise travels on the
Ethernet signal itself and on power-and ground-planes. [Every signal edge
coming out of any digital device carries the jitter/phase-noise of the clock used
to "clock out" that edge; this shows up on the ground-plane and affects the
threshold of chips’ clock inputs. This is an oversimplification of a complex
subject; we may publish to our web site a “white paper” and measurements to
demonstrate this.]
The circuitry across the ADIM™ (moat)is designed to eliminate the signal-
borne phase-noise from one side to the other. EtherREGEN is mostly
symmetrical—there is no “dirty side” or “clean side.” While it works
identically in both directions, it is best to have the DAC-
attached Ethernet endpoint device (computer/streamer/etc.)
alone on one side—typically the ‘B’ side.
The circuitry between ports on the ‘A’ side decreases phase-noise effects to
some degree, but not nearly as much as crossing the ‘A’>’B’ moat.
It is the differential isolators used in conjunction with the differential flip-flops
that delivers the performance of the EtherREGEN. The differential isolators
prevent the data-borne clock signature from getting onto the ground-plane of
the PCB, while the differential flip-flops prevent the signature from getting into
the flip-flop’s own internal ground network. It takes the combination of these to
achieve the performance of the EtherREGEN.!
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Locating the EtherREGEN:
During use, it is normal for the case of the EtherREGEN to become
somewhat hot. 48~52C (118~126F), depending on room air temperature
is to be expected. Do not be concerned about the heat. Even when hot,
all parts are operating at less than half their thermal ratings. The case is
the heat-sink. Please locate the EtherREGEN on a shelf where air can flow
under and around it. If the heat of the case bothers you, standing it on
edge will permit more airflow and will lower the case temperature by a
few degrees. Do not stack other devices under or on top of
the EtherREGEN.
Powering the EtherREGEN:
All EtherREGEN units are shipped with a fully certified, world-voltage
compatible (100~240VAC), 7.5 volt / 4.8 amp AC>DC adapter. The
included detachable 45cm IEC C14 AC mains cord has a USA wall plug.
Connect any properly grounded local cord if you reside in a country
where a different style of wall plug is used.
If you choose to power the EtherREGEN with an AC>DC supply other
than the one we include, then it must be a regulated power unit in the
range of 7~12 volts +DC. The amperage requirement of the EtherREGEN
varies based on the input voltage. The guidelines for input voltages within
its range are: 7V/1.4A, 9V/1.0A, or 12V/0.8A. The size of the DC input
barrel-jack is a standard 5.5mm x 2.1mm (center-positive).
You may wonder why the AC>DC adapter supplied with the
EtherREGEN is rated at a high 4.8A. It is because UpTone uses the same
adapter for our popular UltraCap LPS-1.2 linear power supply, and
because this unit is customized for us with its output 0-volt/-VE
(‘ground’) common to AC mains ground. [For more on this topic refer
to the section of this guide regarding the EtherREGEN’s Ground
terminal screw.]
Use of a fancy linear power supply (such as our matching UltraCap LPS-
1.2) is NOT required to get outstanding performance from the
EtherREGEN. While high-quality power supplies make a nice difference
most everywhere else in a music system, we personally are not hearing
very much change with power supplies and the EtherREGEN (certainly
owing to its great isolation and internal power networks). Yet others do
report some benefit, so you are of course welcome to experiment
within the +DC 7~12V range. [Note: The original UltraCap LPS-1, with
top setting of 7V, does not have enough current for the EtherREGEN.
The UltraCap LPS-1.2, with its 9V and 12V settings can easily power an
EtherREGEN.]
Start-up:
Network connections can be made before or after attaching the DC
power cable to the EtherREGEN. However, the position of the
CLOCK INT/EXT switch must be correctly set BEFORE
applying power to the EtherREGEN.
Your EtherREGEN should have been delivered with the CLOCK
INT/EXT switch in the ‘INT’position—to use its excellent on-board
oscillator as reference. Leave the switch in that position unless you plan
to use a special 10MHz external reference clock (see details on the last
page of this User Guide).
If you apply power but your network devices do not connect, check
to be sure the CLOCK INT/EXT switch is in the ‘INT’
position. If you move the CLOCK slide switch, then you will need to
remove and reapply power in order for the clock circuits of the
EtherREGEN to be properly programmed.
The EtherREGEN separately programs vital functions on both sides of
its isolation moat each time you apply proper DC voltage to its power
jack. Complete start up is faster than most other full Ethernet
switches. It will be fully programmed and running in less than 10
seconds, and within 20 seconds all active port attachments will have
negotiated and established a network link. This assumes you have
connected anEthernet cable having a path back to whatever router or
modem is assigning IP addresses to devices on your local area
network.
EtherREGEN LEDs:
The green LED at left of the EtherREGEN’s DC input jack indicates that
the switch is receiving power. There are two small LED indicators above
each of the unit’s RJ45 Ethernet ports. The meaning of the colors and
activity with cable connections are different for the four Gigabit-capable
‘A’-side ports than for the lone 100Mbps ‘B’-side port, as follows:
‘A’ Side
Flashing yellow = Gigabit link with network activity
Flashing green = 100Mbps link with network activity
Solid LED (yellow or green) = Link established but no network activity
‘B’ Side (100Mbps only)
Solid or Flashing green = Network activity
Solid yellow = Network link established (should stay on all the time
when a ‘B’-side connection is made)
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Regarding Ethernet cables:
We are frequently asked for guidance regarding Ethernet cables to use
with the EtherREGEN. This can be a controversial subject—by what
means can an Ethernet cable affect the sound?—and absent objective
evidence of variations, we will decline to recommend purchase of any
fancy or expensive Ethernet cabling. Still, ultimate audio is a pursuit with
many variables not yet fully understood. Not long ago few would believe
an Ethernet switch could make a sonic impact—so we are open-minded
about experimentation with network cables.
However, there are some very real physical differences between certain
Ethernet cables which can affect fine audio systems. Specifically, the
shielding of Ethernet cables and if the wire shield on the cable is
electrically connected to metal-shelled RJ45 plugs at both ends. For this
explanation we will refer to such cables as “shield-tied.”
It is desirable to avoid connection of multiple shield-tied cables into the
RJ45 ports on the ‘A’-side of the EtherREGEN. This has nothing at all to
do with data or signal quality. In fact, this recommendation is not even
specific to the EtherREGEN. Ethernet cables having metal RJ45
shells and end-to-end connected shield wires will unite
the grounds and zero-volt power domains of the
equipment they are attached to. This provides a path for
potentially detrimental AC leakage loops to form. If all you
are attaching with such cables (on the ‘A’ side) are computer, NAS, and
the feed from your main switch or modem/router, the leakage loops
formed between that gear will likely be fairly benign. But if one of those
components is somehow also connected to your audio/video system, you
may introduce undesirable leakage currents.
Keep in mind that the above is exclusively with regards to ‘A’-side
EtherREGEN connections (or with standard switches). The ‘B’ side of
the EtherREGEN is neither susceptible, nor can it become
part of, ANY leakage loops. The ‘B’ side circuitry and port exist
on their own entirely isolated power and ground domain. [Only the
External clock BNC ground is common to the ‘B’-side ground-plane.] So
if you have a fancy metal-shell shield-tied Ethernet cable,
go ahead and use it on the ‘B’ side port for connection
your DAC-attached streamer/renderer endpoint. This is the
connection that matters most when using an EtherREGEN anyway: If you
are going to hear a difference with an Ethernet cable, it will more likely
be with the ‘B’-side cable. This is also a good one to keep short.
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Use of the EtherREGEN’s Ground terminal screw:
We have measured high-source-impedance leakage on Ethernet cables
coming from various other common network gear and computers.
Leakage is common-mode AC current traveling over DC connections.
It is pernicious stuff—passing easily along both analog and digital
connections in our audio systems—and it is desirable to shunt it away.
We address leakage in the design of the EtherREGEN in several ways,
including our use of RJ45 magnetics having 12 tiny transformer
cores per port. And their center-taps are wired to ground and to
the Ethernet switch chip through capacitors to maximally block port-
to-port leakage. This works best if the EtherREGEN is
grounded—either through the power supply or via the
ground screw.
The DC output 0-volt/-VE (‘ground’/shell) of the UpTone-branded
AC>DC power supply included with the EtherREGEN is common to
AC mains ground. When our supply is used to power the
EtherREGEN it is NOT necessary to use the Ground
screw. [Do not assume that 3rd party linear power supplies are
like this—some are and some are not. Some multi-rail supplies have
separate diode bridges and transformer secondaries and thus each
output ground is "floated.” This is easy to test with a
continuity/multimeter (be sure power is disconnected.)]
If you power the EtherREGEN with a "floating" supply—one whose 0-
volt/-VE (‘ground’/shell) is not common to AC mains ground—then
ideally the Ground screw of the EtherREGEN should be used. You
can do so by running an insulated wire safely to some AC mains
ground or to the chassis of a known-grounded component in your
audio system. [By the way, our UltraCap LPS-1.2 is a completely
"floated" and isolated supply, so if using it with EtherREGEN the
ground screw should be used.]
Please keep in mind that all of the above regarding grounding
concerns only the blocking of leakage from one RJ45 jack on the ‘A’
side to another RJ45 jack also on the 'A' side. Regardless of
grounding, zero AC leakage from upstream Ethernet
devices ever gets past the full active digital isolation
and reclocking ADIM™—to the EtherREGEN’s 'B'-side
port.
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Regarding use of multi-output or shared power supplies:
The DC voltage input connection powers all the regulators on the ‘A’
side of the EtherREGEN’s isolation moat. A special isolating regulator
transfers voltage across the moat to the ‘B’ side.Avoid powering
both the EtherREGEN and your ‘B’-side endpoint from
the same AC>DC supply—unless you are certain the PS outputs
used do not share a common 0-volt/-VE (‘ground’/shell). If they do you
will be defeating the EtherREGEN’s sophisticated isolation.
Use of the SFP cage with fiber-optic modules:
Use of optical into—or out of—EtherREGEN is not required to obtain
best performance. The whole point of all the isolation and
re-clocking techniques we are using (in dual domains) is
to make most all of the upstream stuff not matter. Other
than the complete galvanic isolation that optical offers going into the
EtherREGEN (which we duplicate going across the moat), there is likely
no advantage to running optical into it.
If you happen to have a router with an optical port and have already run
many feet of optical cable to your music system rack, then sure, use the
optical port of the EtherREGEN. But don't go out of your way to run
fiber-optic if you do not already have it.
For the few people who have an endpoint with optical input (the
excellent Sonore opticalRendu comes to mind), one can “turn around”
the EtherREGEN and feed that DAC-connected endpoint from the
optical cage, while connecting the lone ‘B’-side port to the network.
Thus ‘B’ >’A’. The EtherREGEN’s SFP cage is on the ‘A’ side of its
active differential isolation moat. Since it is preferred that your audio
endpoint (DAC-attached streamer/renderer) be alone on one side of
the moat, users who connect an optical endpoint should avoid
connecting any other devices to the other ‘A’-side ports (the four RJ45
copper ports).
Only Gigabit LC-optical or copper interface modules are
compatible with the SFP cage of the EtherREGEN. They
can be SX multi-mode, LX multi-mode, or LX single-
mode, as long as they are Gigabit and match what is used
at the other end of the optical cable.
The modules at each end can be from different manufacturers as long as
their type and mode specifications match. While some manufacturer’s
switches work only with special “branded” SFP modules, that is just an
ID code stored in the module. The EtherREGEN ignores this code so
any Gigabit SFP module can be used regardless of manufacturer code.
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Extreme usage with an external reference clock:
The Crystek CCHD-575 oscillator used in the EtherREGEN is one of
the lowest phase-noise production crystal oscillators (XO) available.
[Sorry, but the $50~$100 OCXOs we see tossed into stock switches
do not outperform the Crystek at low-offsets where it counts;
Manufacturers have to spend $500 and up to obtain OCXO clocks with
significantly lower phase-noise than the Crystek we use.]
Yet some audiophiles have discovered benefits using expensive ultra-
low-jitter/low-phase-noise 10MHz reference clocks with their DACs or
USB streamers and conditioners. A clock synthesizer (to generate the
various frequencies) is always required for a device to accept an
external reference clock. Since we already utilize a very advanced one
to produce the 4 clock lines in the EtherREGEN, it was easy for us to
include provision for connection of an external 10MHz clock.
The BNC jack and termination resistor of the EtherREGEN are for a
75ohm clock line. (Unless you special-ordered your unit with 50 Ohm
BNC and termination resistor—in which case your unit has a small
‘50 Ohm’ label affixed.)
If you are going to attach an external 10MHz reference clock to the
EtherREGEN, then you must move the small switch labeled “CLOCK
INT/EXT” to the ‘EXT’position. In order for the EtherREGEN
to correctly program its clock synthesizer chip to use
either the Internal (Crystek XO) or External clock as
reference, the CLOCK INT/EXT switch must be set
BEFORE DC power is applied. Programming will not occur if the
CLOCK switch is moved after DC power is applied.
The sequence to utilize an external reference clock with the
EtherREGEN is:
1) Remove DC power from the EtherREGEN.
2) Set the CLOCK INT/EXT switch to the EXT position.
3) Connect a BNC clock cable from a 10MHz reference clock.
4) Power on the reference clock.
5) Apply DC power to the EtherREGEN.
We hope the EtherREGEN enhances your music system.
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