Audio Precision Introduces Programmable Serial I/O Module for Low-Voltage, High-Speed, and Flexible Digital Audio Testing
“When debugging the digital serial data interfaces – such as I2S – within modern audio devices, our customers demand flexibility, signal integrity, and support for the lowest and most energy-efficient logic levels possible”, says Dan Knighten, General Manager of Audio Precision. “Our new Programmable Serial I/O module provides a digital Swiss army knife for interfacing to modern IC’s including DSP’s, CODEC’s, SoC’s, DAC’s and ADC’s.”
Key Innovations in the Programmable Serial I/O Module
Remote Probe Architecture for Superior Signal Integrity
PSIO introduces a powered external probe that places high-speed digital I/O physically closer to the device under test. This short signal path dramatically improves signal fidelity and timing accuracy compared to the long cable runs required in previous designs.
Support for Low Logic Voltages
With programmable logic levels from 0.5 V to 3.3 V in 100 mV steps, PSIO exceeds the low-voltage capabilities of any competing serial interfaces, supporting next-generation low-power IC designs.
High-Speed Operation for Advanced Audio Formats
PSIO supports sample rates up to 768 kHz with bit clock speeds up to 55.296 MHz, enabling validation of high-resolution, multi-channel audio systems.
Flexible Serial Audio Configuration
A redesigned architecture allows significantly more flexible configuration of channels, word widths (8–256 bits), clocking relationships, and data formatting, addressing allowing the utmost flexibility in configuring and testing serial digital audio interfaces.
Built-In Debug and Verification Tools
Integrated oscilloscope monitor outputs, visual LED status indicators on both the module and probe, and support for jitter generation and jitter analysis help engineers quickly validate timing, clock integrity, and device behavior.
Seamless Migration for Existing Users
PSIO is a direct replacement for DSIO and the APx500 can automatically convert existing DSIO configurations to equivalent PSIO settings, minimizing disruption for current users.
Availability
The PSIO module is available now through Audio Precision and our authorized distribution partners, as well as the Audio Precision e-Store.
For more information, visit our PSIO page.
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