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High-pitch noise from the DMD of the DLP LightCrafter 6500

optics
Prodigy 100 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TPS65145

I hear high-pitch noise from the DMD (NOT from the power supply) when I turn on the power of DLP LightCrafter 6500. Is this a known problem?

  • 0
    TI__Intellectual 2305 points

    Dear Yongjin,

    Some high-pitch noise is normal from ceramic capacitors and inductors at certain operational frequencies, and quite noticeable when placing your ear very close to the LightCrafter board. It shouldn't be loud at > 1 foot distance.

    The sound from the moving micro-mirrors is not perceptible even when placing your ear close to the DMD. Most probably someone would hear other noise before hearing the DMD noise.

    The other LightCrafter electronics shouldn't be producing any loud noise either.

    Is the noise from your LightCrafter considerably loud? Has it been present since the LightCrafter was turned on for the first time? Have you noticed any other issues since the noise has been detected?


    Regards,
    A214529

  • 0 in reply to A214529
    Prodigy 100 points

    Dear A214529,

    Thank you for the information.

    Yes the hissing sound from the DMD board (not from the controller board) is considerably loud and has been present from the first time I turned it on. The noise changes when the pattern sequence is varied. I didn't perform a thorough test to check other functions of the the board. 

    If you can confirm that a new LightCrafter will not have this type of problem, I will exchange this for a new one. Otherwise, I'll simply return it.

    In either case, I would need your written confirmation such as " TI will accept the return," as requested by the phone representative.

    Best,

    Yongjin

  • 0 in reply to optics
    TI__Intellectual 2305 points
    Hi Yongjin,

    All LightCrafters have some high-pitch noise. This is normal and expected and comes from ceramic capacitors and/or inductors at certain operational frequencies. It's quite noticeable when placing your ear very close to the LightCrafter board. It shouldn't be loud at > 1 foot distance.

    The LightCrafter is for Engineering Evaluation and hence the noise alone would not be an acceptable reason for a return.

    Regards,
    A214529
  • 0 in reply to A214529
    Prodigy 100 points

    Maybe I didn't make it clear in my previous post. The noise is audible even at a couple of meters from the device and it is very annoying. I don't know whether TI apply different QC criteria to Engineering Evaluation versions, but the noise level is considerable; I wouldn't call it normal. I will turn it in for further evaluation.

  • 0 in reply to optics
    TI__Intellectual 2305 points

    Hi Yongjin,

    Thank you for reaching out to us to evaluate a noise that is considerably loud. Future communication would be handled via the email address provided to initiate the return for evaluation.

    Regards,

    A214529

  • 0 in reply to A214529
    Prodigy 20 points
    Hello,
    I recently received a TI evaluation module and am having a similar issue . The high pitched buzzing noise begins immediately when switching to stored pattern sequence mode through the GUI, and is loud and noticeable at <1 meter distance. My questions are:

    1.) Is this something that could be troubleshooted without returning? Are there possible firmware updates that may cause issues between the EM and the GUI?
    2.) Is this a defective product, or is it something that if I can live with is not a big deal? I'd rather live with the noise than deal with a return if I can expect the DMD to perform normally.

    Thanks!
  • 0 in reply to Will Goth
    TI__Mastermind 30600 points
    Hi Will,

    Right now we know that the noise is emanating from the TPS65145 power regulator on the board. What we advise is that you do NOT touch that regulator under any circumstances and that you take extra ESD caution when handling the board.

    The EVM is still functional and as of now, there is no fix that we have for this issue. You don't need to return your EVM and you can live with the noise.

    Hope that helps,
    Paul
  • 0 in reply to Paul Goedeke
    Prodigy 20 points
    Great, thanks for the quick response, Paul! I'll make a little vented boxing for it which should hopefully mitigate both potential issues.
    -Will