Ecler PAM1360 Service Manual
Ecler PAM1360 Service Manual
PAM960E
PAM560E
PAM360E
SERVICE MANUAL
SERVICE MANUAL PAM1360E/960E/560E/360E
INDEX
- PAM1360E
- BLOCK DIAGRAM
- FUNCTIONING DESCRIPTION
- SCHEMATICS
- COMPONENTS LOCATION SCHEMA
- INPUTS AND POWER SUPPLY
- POWER AMPLIFIER
- TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL
- TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
- WIRING DIAGRAM
- MECHANICAL DIAGRAM
- PACKING DIAGRAM
- PAM960E
- SCHEMATICS
- COMPONENTS LOCATION SCHEMA
- POWER AMPLIFIER
- PAM560E
- SCHEMATICS
- COMPONENTS LOCATION SCHEMA
- POWER AMPLIFIER
- PAM360E
- SCHEMATICS
- COMPONENTS LOCATION SCHEMA
- POWER AMPLIFIER
MODULE CTO 11.0651 OPERATION - DESCRIPTION
The control element is the operational NE5534. This is a very low noise operational,
especially designed for very high quality applications in professional audio equipment, control
equipment and telephony channel amplifiers.
The operational is internally compensated for a gain equal to or higher than three.
Frequency response can be optimized with an external compensation capacity, for several
applications (unity gain amplifier, capacitive load, slew-rate, low overshoot, etc...).
Characteristics:
POWER SUPPLY
1
BIAS CURRENT ADJUST
2
SYMMETRY ADJUST
The symmetry adjust does not correct the assymmetrical clipping saturation of the
power amplifier with real load. This happens because the conduction resistors (Ron) of the
MOSFETs N and P are not equal. Channel P has a higher Ron than channel N. This
characteristic depends on the MOSFET's physical construction.
POWER MOSFETs
The MOSFETs used are IRFP9240 (P) and IRFP240 (N). They are assembled in a
common source configuration so they can be completely saturated.
This kind of configuration has two drawbacks compared to a common drain one: less
stability (because of the configuration gain itself) and high output impedance in open loop.
The source resistances (0.22Ω) are needed for the MOSFETs to work in parallel. E.g.:
Two MOSFETs excited by the same Vgs voltage (gate-source voltage) of 5V. If they have
different transconductance curves (Id function Vgs) they will conduct different drain currents;
let's say 1A and 3A. The second one will dissipate more power and will get hotter.
The use of source resistances tends to match the current that each of the MOSFETs
connected in parallel is conducting.
3
This resistance performs a negative feedback on the gate, lowering down the Vgs,
relating to the drain current; like this:
Given the high input impedance and the broad frequency response of the MOSFETs
there is a high risk of self-oscillations if all gates are excited connected to the same node.
Intercalating serial resistances and ferrite beads at the gate this possibility is minimized,
because the Q of the LC network made by the inductances and gate-source capacity is
reduced.
PROTECTION CIRCUIT
The protection circuit monitors the dissipated power at the MOSFETs stage. It has two
basic parts:
MOSFET Id current detection.
MOSFET Vds voltage detection.
The goal is limiting the MOSFET so it works inside an area close to the SOA, as
indicated in the figure. We chose channel N because, due to construction reasons, its SOA is
lower.
The A Zone corresponds to very low loads; around 0Ω. As the voltage during load is
very low, the voltage supported by the MOSFET will always be high. Protections must be
activated with a very low current.
In this zone all zeners are working,
because the voltage value at the extremes is
high enough. Q124 and Q128 (fig. 5) are
saturated, because their base currents are
part of the zeners' current. If Q124 and Q128
are saturated then Q126 and Q130 (fig. 5) are,
of course, open. because their base-emitter
voltages will not be higher than 0,2 or 0,3V.
The divider made of R168,R174 (which
can be or not in parallel, as we will see
afterwards) and R178+R180 is not working,
so we need low currents in the MOSFETs to
get enough voltage over Rs to make Q122
(fig. 5) conduct.
4
The classical protection circuit of this amplifier series has been modified for the
PAM1360 E model. The modification consists on exchanging a fixed step by a negative slope
in the A zone of the figure, in order to active a better control of the current (Id) for high
voltages (Vds). The reasons for this change are:
- If the step is low, the MOSFET will operate safely withing the SOA but distortions at low load
impedances can arise beacause the protections will activate very fast.
- On the other hand, if we rise the step to avoid this problem, then the MOSFET will operate
around 85 volts of Vds, a value too close to the 100 volts maximum Vds of the MOSFET. The
solution is given by a negative slope wich is a compromise between both steps.
The N channel circuit is formed by D116, R158//R159, R160, R161, C120 and IC105.
When the D116 threshold voltage is reached (62 volts), a current flows through IC105 and a
2.49 volt stable reference voltage is present at the output of IC105. This voltage is applied,
through an RC filter, to the base of Q122 where is added to the current given by R178+180
(VRs), wich is proportional to the MOSFET (Id) current, thus obtaining the desired slope.
VRs = Rs * Id Id = VRs/Rs
Now let's see the case in which the load has got a value a bit higher than in the
previous case (≈0,5Ω); the voltage over the load will also be higher for the same current value.
Let's suppose the voltage over the load is high enough to make the D121/D122 zeners group
stop conducting (threshold from A Zone to B Zone). At this time Q128 stops saturating
because of a lack of current in its base. This makes Q130 (fig. 5) go into saturation, because
the current supplied by R174 is now circulating through its base. The result of this is that we
have a resistive divider in the base of Q122,made of R176/R178+R180, which translates into an
increase of the voltage needed to saturate Q122 or, what is the same, an increase of the
current circulating through the MOSFETs (Id).
If the load has a higher value than in the previous cases (≈1Ω), but with a much lower
value than the nominal of 4Ω, because of the same reasons, D118 will stop conducting and the
second divider will begin working, being in the C Zone. The circuit would be as follows: R168
in parallel with R176 and both of them making up a divider together with R178+180. The
current Id needed for Q122 to saturate will be much higher than in the previous cases.
5
6
ZOBEL NETWORK
This circuit tries to get a constant load impedance for the power module, in spite of the
amplifier's load and frequency, to avoid phase shifting of the feedback signal.
The values have been experimentally calculated through a study with square signal by
trying to minimize the power amplifier's ringing with very capacitive loads (2,2µF//4Ω).
The Zobel Network eliminates possible oscillations of the MOSFETs between 5MHz and
10MHz, too. This is why it must be physically placed at the module's output, avoiding long
wiring. Great care must be taken for the signal not to be too shifted at the output, because the
feedback could turn negative.
FEEDBACK
The whole amplifier is compensated with just one capacity, which places the amplifier's
general pole at:
1
Fp = -------------- = 140kHz
2*p*Rf*Cf
Rf = R112 Cf = C105+C104
7
DC PROTECTION CIRCUIT 11.0650 OPERATION-DESCRIPTION
Fig. 6 corresponds to the DC OUT circuit of channel L. Its mission is protect the
loudspeakers when the module fails and there is some continuous voltage appearing at the
output. Voltages shown in the figure correspond to rest state and they are given by the
dividers made of R146-R147 and R150-R148. If we apply Ohm's Law to these dividers we can
obtain these voltages, taking into account that the module's output at rest state (no signal) is
0V.
A B C
0 0 1
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 0
The circuit is only sensitive to frequencies lower than 5Hz, which warranties a correct
operation at any time. This is determined by the time constant made by the resistances and
capacity at the gates input.
Let's now suppose that there is a continuous voltage appearing at the module output,
because of any malfunction.
This will make the voltage dividers lose their balance -no matter if it is positively or
negatively- and the gate output will be 0V. This will make the NAND (HEF4011, pin 10) change
its sate, putting the inverter output (pin 11) also to 0V. This attacks the base of Q102, cutting
its current supply. Then the relay K101 opens and this makes the PROTEC LEDs light up,
because the two NAND gates that are controlling them are connected to this point. Zeners
D109 and D111 are there to protect the gates, avoiding their voltage to go higher than 8.2V if
the output voltage is positive and lower than -0.6V if its negative. As you can see, in this case
the zener is playing the role of a diode.
8
9
CLIP CIRCUIT
This circuit is shown in fig. 7. The clip threshold, or point in which we want the LED to
light up, is determined by the zener diode D117 or D115. In our case this is between 0,5 and
1dB or, what is the same, when the output signal level over the load reaches a value close to
the power supply (+V), exactly Vout = V - 5,6V, moment in which Q104 or Q103 loses the base-
emitter voltage, stopping conduction. This makes the zener D116 or D114 voltage dissapear
(0V) and the IC106 (pin3 or 4) output become a logic "1" (+10V), lighting up the LED.
10
TEMPERATURE DETECTOR
This circuit (fig. 8) is calculated to operate over the output relay opening it if any of both
modules' temperature excedes 90°C, approximately. It is made with a comparator per channel
(L-R), resident in the same IC104. Both share a reference voltage provided by IC105 (TL431A),
which gives excellent stability at that voltage ±1%. These comparators reveive, the signal from
their probes, comparing them with the Vref.Once this voltage is surpassed by any of both
probes, the output of the corresponding comparator is balanced to the power supply (+12V),
acting through D106, R138, over the base of transistor Q101, which makes the relay open.
This output is also connected to the THERMAL LED, which light up as the relay are open.
11
THERMAL PROBE DC AMPLIFIER
The cooling fan speed is automatically regulated in relation to the power module’s
temperature, which is read by a thermal probe (LM35D), jointly linked to the heat sink.
The high sensitivity thermal probe gives variations of de 10mV for every °C. This
voltage is picked up and amplified by the IC103 (LM358). Of course, there is a probe for each L
and R heat sink. The output of both amplifiers is linked through two diode D105, making an O
gate, whose cathodes go to the regulator, applying the DC of any of them to the regulator. This
provides a variable voltage at its output which oscillates from a minimum of approximately 7V
for a temperature of 20 °C (cold heat sink) to a maximum of 15V for temperatures of 80 °C or
higher. The gain of the amplifiers has been calculated for this temperatures window. The
maximum voltage allowed by the heat sink in order to work properly is 15V. This maximum is
given by the zener D122 (Z10/1), as the regulator is a 7805 the voltage will be as maximum 10 +
5 = 15V. When the zener is not working (not enough voltage) the voltage on the fan will be the
output amplifiers’ , less 0.6V (diodes fall), plus the 5V of the IC110.
12
PARTS LIST: INPUTS,DC OUT,THERMAL and REV:
MODEL: PAM1360E/960E POWER SUPPLY
560E/360 DRW.Nº 33.0268C and 269C PL REPLACES:
DATE: 11.02.98 SHEET 1 OF 4 REPLACED BY:
PRELIMINARY:
Check that there is no shortcircuit between ground and the chassis, wiht the wires of the
modules are disconnected from the source of power.
Put the power amplifier in stereo mode. We will need, at least, a 1500VA variac for our tests.
Connect an ammeter (10A DC scale) in place of one of the fuses of the module in which the
tests will be made. Put the oscilloscope probe between TP-GND.
SETUP
Unplug the fuses of the module that we are NOT setting up. Connect the power amplifier
mains cable to the output of the variac. Set the variac output at 0V.
Switch the power amplifier on,with no load or signal. Turn the variac up progressively step by
step until you reach 230V. Make sure the module's current does never exceed 0.8A. Once the
circuit is stable make sure the current is 420mA/350mA/210mA/140mA
(PAM1360E/PAM960E/PAM560E/PAM360E) and the symmetry (measured up with the
oscilloscope probe) is ≤50mV. If necessary, adjust CURRENT (5K) and SYMMETRY (470Ω)
untill you get the above mentioned values.
Put the fuse back into the module (with the power amplifier turned off) and repeat the same
procedure for the other channel.
CROSS DISTORTION:
Introduce, by means of a signal generator, a level of 100mV RMS at 1kHz and check there is no
cross distortion at the amplifier output (attenuators at 0dB position).
MOSFETS CONDUCTION:
By using a signal generator introduce a level of 0.5V at 1kHz and load the amplifier with 4Ω.
Check that all MOSFETs are conducting approximately the same current level (measure this
current with the oscilloscope probe by placing it on the 0,22Ω source resistances). The
maximum conduction difference between MOSFETs should be ±100mV. When making this test
be sure the oscilloscope ground is not connected to any other place of the circuit when
making the reading; only to the 0,22Ω resistance. Else you could produce a shortcircuit
between two points of the circuit and therefore a very important damage.
POWER:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
0.5V input signal. Verify frequency response at 20Hz/2kHz/20kHz. We must get the same signal
output for the actual load at any of these frequencies. Set the frequency at 50kHz; the output
level, should not decrease more than 1 or 2 dB and there should not be any noticeable
distortion.
SUBSONIC FILTER
Check the subsonic filter. With a frequency of 25Hz, on pressing the corresponding button the
output level should go down 3dB in relation to the previous level.
CLIPPING AT 1KHz:
ANTICLIP
Check the anticlip, on pressing the button it practically stops cutting the signal.
DC OUT:
For this test you must disconnect the load from the amplifier.
Introduce a 1V signal at < 5Hz with the generator. Turn the output of the generator up untill the
protection relays open and close.
MONO-STEREO:
Make this test with a load of 8Ω connected between left and right channels' red terminals.
Set the MONO-STEREO switch at MONO. Verify that the fader of channel 1 is operating while
the one from channel 2 is NOT operating. Check the signal cut over the load is clean. Set the
amplifier back to STEREO mode.
PROTECTIONS:
Disconnect one of the cables which are usually plugged to the thermals and check that the
THERMAL LED is lighting up and the relay opens its contacts. Plug a functions generator
connected to the amplifier input,select 1V RMS scale, leave the amplitude control at its
minimum and leave at the OFF position. Connect a load of 0,5Ω/200W. Make sure we have a
mains voltage of 230V. Connect the oscilloscope in parallel with the load (5V/div. scale). Set
the generator at the ON position and slowly turn the amplitude up while checking, at the same
time, that the output voltage is limited in both the positive and negative half-cycles between:
This voltage jump will happen as we apply more signal to the input through the generator's
level control and it shows the transition from the B Zone to the C Zone in the figure we saw
before about the theory of the protections operation. When you perform this measure you
must also control the mains voltage by means of the variac, reducing it if necessary to be able
to cleanly watch the jump from one level to the next.
In order to work in the A Zone we will use a load of 0,22Ω/80W. Before connecting the load, set
the generator at the OFF position and select the 300mV RMS scale, leaving the amplitude
control at its minimum. Load the amplifier output with 0,22Ω and connect the oscilloscope
probe in parallel with it. Connect the generator and slowly turn the amplitude up while
verifying that the signal over the load is not higher than:
If there is a level jump happening when we increase the input signal, this can be the transition
point from the A Zone to the B Zone. Change a little bit the variac voltage, slowly increasing it
untill the signal cut is clean and inside the indicated values.
PAM1360/960/560/360E QUALITY CONTROL
We will use a mixer with unbalanced output and a nominal output level of 1V RMS as
the signal source for our tests.
Connect the mixer outputs to the power amplifier inputs. Plug the power amplifier to
mains (check that its specified voltage matches that of mains) and make sure that
CLIP/PROTECT and the power switch LEDs all light up when turning on the amplifier and there
is a STANDBY time in the relay closing action. Turn up the amplifier output level untill the CLIP
LEDs light up. Turn the output level back down and plug the loudspeakers.
Check the sound quality (no distorsions or noises). Check faders action (fader travel,
signal cut at their low end, no scratching or clicking noises and correct stereo channel
matching for each one). Check switchs action (mode STEREO-MONO, SUBSONIC 25Hz,
ANTICLIP 2%).
Make sure the cooling fan is operating correctly. While the power amplifier is working
shake it or throw it on a table to make sure the output sound goes on playing correctly.
Shortcircuit the power amplifier output and check it goes back to normal operation when you
stop shorcircuiting. Repeat the same procedure for the other channel.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Output power PAM 360E PAM 560E PAM 960E PAM 1360E
(Watt RMS, 1kHz 1% THD)
4 Ohm Stereo* 185W 277W 444W 638W
8 Ohm Stereo* 128W 181W 277W 404W
8 Ohm Mono 370W 554W 888W 1275W
16 Ohm Mono 256W 362W 554W 808W
Mains Depending on your country. See characteristics in the back of the unit
Power consumption @
max. out. power/4Ω 570VA 830VA 1250VA 1790VA
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ECLER drawn:
approved:
Jordi Folch date:
title:
010330
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ECLER drawn:
approved:
Jordi Folch date:
title:
010330