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PCM5252: PCM5252 and Purepath 3 console programming

Part Number: PCM5252
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TAS3251, , TAS5766M, PCM5242, TPA3251

Hello,

I read in another post that programming the PCM5252 with the Purepath 3 console is not publicly supported. If this is the case how do you program the DSP section to take advantage of the smart amp features? Also does the miniDSP section of the PCM5252 have the same power and capabilities as the DSP section in the TAS3251? And lastly, does the PCM5252 need to be used in conjunction with one of the TI chips D chips to take advantage of the smart amp features? 

On a side note I was watching a smart amp webinar and happened to see a screenshot of the Purepath 3 console. And there's a tile there for programming the PCM5252RHVBEM board. But I understand that this board doesn't exist. 

Thanks,

Mike

  • Hi Mike,

    Firstly, the TAS3251 has a slightly larger set of capabilities of than the PCM5252. They are technically different ROMs and are not backwards compatible from a software perspective. The PCM5252 is actually the same ROM as the TAS5766M. They are software compatible.

    As you saw in the previous post, we are not publicly supporting the SmartAmp features. Basically what this means is that we depend on our local sales offices and field engineers to find customers that are interested in the feature, then we work directly with them to source the hardware and give them access to the software. Unfortunately this process is not documented very well for the PCM5252, but the TAS5766M is well documented as it was always meant for public consumption. In addition, as the TAS devices are digital input, most customers utilized those devices if they are looking for the SmartAmp features. The SmartAmp features is the only thing that differentiates the PCM5252 and the PCM5242. Part of the issue is that the evaluation software was designed to operate with the TAS1020B, which is now EOL. We are working on a new solution to replace all of our legacy EVMs, which means the support of the PCM5252 may change in the future, but it's replacement is not planned just yet.

    So in closing, we generally look for a strong business case to recommend the PCM5252, as it requires a lot support from the design team. Otherwise, we recommend the PCM5242, the TAS5766M, and now the very capable TAS3251!

    Thanks,
    Paul
  • Thanks for the answer Paul. However the TAS5766M and the TAS3251 are amplifiers. And the PCM5252 is a DAC. So not exactly substitutes. What we are looking to do is build a 3 channel DAC with smart amp capabilities to match with our already existing TPA3251 based amp for 2 of the channels, then a higher powered amplifier for the 3rd channel. These will be for active speakers. Sure I could use 2 of the TAS3251's for the mid/tweeter channels, but for the woofer channel they don't have enough power. And I would have to build new amps from scratch, when we already have great TPA3251 based amps fully engineered already. 

    What will it take for us to build this board? It will need to be compatible with the Purepath 3 console and the learning board. 

    Thanks,

    Mike

  • Hi Mike,

    How about you email me directly (frost@ti.com) and we can discuss the end application of this and potential volumes. I think we can provide you with the PCM5252EVM hardware, but we just want to confirm that this is a consumer product. Please also tell me what amplifier you plan on using.

    Thanks,
    Paul