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Paralleling VCAs Notes Rogy

This document provides recommendations for paralleling four THAT 2181LA VCA modules. It recommends: 1) Placing a 3k57 resistor in series with the input capacitor C2 on each module. 2) Arranging the modules side-by-side for maximum thermal matching. 3) Using the symmetry and RMagic pots to optimize the circuit for lowest distortion. 4) An optional control port buffer, like an NE5532 op-amp, can be used but an AD797 works better though is more expensive.

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62 views

Paralleling VCAs Notes Rogy

This document provides recommendations for paralleling four THAT 2181LA VCA modules. It recommends: 1) Placing a 3k57 resistor in series with the input capacitor C2 on each module. 2) Arranging the modules side-by-side for maximum thermal matching. 3) Using the symmetry and RMagic pots to optimize the circuit for lowest distortion. 4) An optional control port buffer, like an NE5532 op-amp, can be used but an AD797 works better though is more expensive.

Uploaded by

Cippo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Parallelling VCAs :

Mail to THAT CORP.:


I wanted to use a 2002 for the design of a new comp, but this component is discontinued.
Now I plan to use four parallelled 2181LA's.
In DN "Upgrading modular VCA's" I read a 5.6K input resistor should be placed in series
with each 2181. Should a control port buffer be used?
Is it possible to provide me with a recommended circuit and tips to get the best out of the
circuit?
Any suggestions on best PCB layout?
Many thanks in advance!
Rogy,
I've attached an abbreviated schematic of the THAT2002T-1. You'll want
to put a 3k57 resistor in series with C2. There's a symmetry pot
provided, and well as an RMagic pot. Set the symmetry pot for lowest
THD+N at 0dB gain, and then change the gain to either 15dB. Then set
RMagic for lowest THD+N. You may have to repeat these sets once or twice.
The control port buffer shown is a NE5532, but in the actual design, an
AD797 was used, though it's *much* more expensive. If you decide to use
a "better" op-amp, be sure to pay attention to impedance's, since they
can easily dominate the noise performance of an AD797 or an LT1028.
The VCAs should be arranged to be side-by-side, for maximum thermal
matching. It also makes for the most efficient layout of the circuitry.
Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
Best regards,
Frank Thomas

NOTES :
-----------

About the 3K57 resistor in series with C2:


This is only needed when the internal resistors R5 to R8 (see schematic) have a value of 5K6.
Then the internal equivalent input resistance of the parallelled VCA's is
1/4 * 5K6 = 1K4. To make sure input and output resistance are equal, 3K57 has to be added
to the equivalent input resistance to match the 4K99 output resistance (=R10).
=> R5//R6//R7//R8 + external resistor of 3K57 = R10
=> 1K4 + 3K57 = 4K97

When the internal resistors R5 to R8 have a value of 20K (as indicated on the schematic) than
the equivalent input resistance of the parallelled VCA's is
1/4 * 20K = 5K. This means equivalent input resistance is equal to R10 and so the external
3K57 resistor mentioned by Mr. Thomas is not needed.

Note that THAT CORP. however seems to have used a value of 5K6 for R5 to R8 in the
THAT 2002, 2002T, 2002T1 and 2002N.

For more info: That Corp design note 127: Upgrading modular VCAs

Greetz,

Rogy

6
Rev

This document and the data disclosed herein or herewith is not to


be reproduced, used, or disclosed in whole or in part to anyone
without the written permission of THAT Corporation.

Description

Date

Approved

V+

Symmetry
VR1
R13
160k
R10

50k

4k99
V-

V-

R Magic

2181A

2
4

7
V+

SYM

U5A
OUT

V-

V-

Output

GND

EC-

2181A

47p

IN

V-

V+

5532

V+

4
SYM
GND

R3
5k1

R9
10k

R8
20k0

EC+

OUT

IN

EC-

V-

VR2
50k

GND

V+

U?

R4
5k1

2181A

V-

U5B

R12
-6.1 mV/dB

EC+

7
V+

SYM

R2
5k1

Control Voltage
V-

R7
20k0

U?

2181A

OUT

IN

ECR1
5k1

V+

2
EC+
1

U?

V+

EC3

R6
20k0

V-

20k0

47u

OUT

IN

GND

R5

C2
Input

V+

SYM

EC+

C1
U?

5
7

20k0
6
C?
330n

5532

THAT Corporation

Title:

Checked:

Date:

Proj. Eng.:

Date:

Chf. Eng.:

Date:

Size:

Date:

gkh
Date: 9-May-2003
Drawn by:
Sheet 1 of 1
File: M:\USERS\FWT\APPS\DNOTES\PARRAL~1\PARRALLE.SCH

Production:
1

734 Forest Street


Marlborough, MA
508-229-2500

4 VCAs in Parrallel

Drawing Number:

330xxx
6

Revision:

0a

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