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Can anyone explain why Toslink is on almost every consumer AV product circuit board? I love Toslink but I wouldn’t expect it on as many TVs, devices and system
by lmpdev 3y ago
Can anyone explain why Toslink is on almost every consumer AV product circuit board?
I love Toslink but I wouldn’t expect it on as many TVs, devices and systems as I see them
Is it just the lack of the need for DAC chips, cost, or something I’m missing?
Many TVs and devices exclude many digital and analogue sockets, but for some reason I always see Toslink
- InitialLastName 3y agoThere are a few big reasons to prefer TOSLINK over other digital interfaces: Cost: TOSLINK can be implemented with two plastic connectors (one an LED, one a photodiode). After that, you're in a 3.3V domain. Other interfaces require transformers and other analog electronics to go from the signalling domain to one that is useful in a digital system. Noise/electrical performance: Using an optical interface means the systems are fully electrically isolated, with no risk of ground loops or noise coupling. There is also no risk of radiated emissions. Cabling convenience: TOSLINK supports a very long, thin, cable that can be checked for functionality at a glance (look at the receiver end: is there light?). Any comparable electrical interface is going to be at least 3 conductors and require a multimeter to check for breaks. Lastly, the reason to prefer digital is that every A/D-D/A step adds noise, distortion, and latency. The general desire is to convert to analog as late in the chain as possible to avoid that.