Filter
Top Products
dCS Verona User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd September 2004
Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc Page 26 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Clock Dither
Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuits are used in digital audio equipment to
synchronise the local clock to the clock in the incoming data stream. PLL
circuits tend to operate in the centre of a “dead band” when locked. In this band,
the sensitivity of the loop to phase errors is reduced. This is somewhat similar to
the cross-over region in a power amplifier.
The Verona can be set to add dither to the clock outputs, to keep the PLL active
when it is locked. The dither takes the form of a small, random timing offset that
is noise shaped, so that can be easily filtered out by the PLL. Unlike jitter, this
offset is statistically well controlled, so that the effect averages out to zero.
Does a dithered clock make an audible difference? Turn it on and let your ears
decide.