A version three of the
processor is being designed. Instead of being DIY, this version might be
made mostly pre-built.
Design work is in the early
stages, but differences will include:
Multiple 16-bit audio CODEC
IC(s) including S/PDIF I/O.
Avoids the need for software oversampling. Higher
audio quality.
Avoids the need for software BMC encoding for S/PDIF.
Allows 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate conversion and antialias
filtering to be added.
Lower CPU usage, allows better processing functions.
Allows optical S/PDIF audio input to be added,
which eliminates earth loop problems with external audio sources. Multiple
S/PDIF inputs allow input selection.
Allows high quality VOX operation to be added.
Crystal locked CPU clock.
Ensures high clock stability, and thus more accurate
sample rates for recording.
A faster SMD DSP - Perhaps
a 100MHz dsPIC processor.
Allows for more advanced software features such as
FFT based filtering and processing or more processor frequency bands.
Allows for higher sample rates.
More RAM allows for longer, more precise filters and
transforms.
Power consumption will be slightly higher.
A larger box, with a more complex
display and more options for user input.
This will allow easier user control and more features,
but will be less compact.
Relieves crowding of the back panel connectors. Allows
standard microphone connectors to be directly fitted. Allows several TOSLINK
digital audio inputs.
Easier to work on, with room to spare.
Extra I/O ports will be available, allowing all kinds
of extra functions to be implemented.
Displays could be made more complex to make processor
adjustment easier. EQ graphs and spectrum displays become possible.
The ability to display full alphanumeric characters
and words would make adding new menu functions much easier.
The latest idea for v3.0 is to make a generic
DSP box with adequate audio I/O for various applications.
This would allow the unit to be programmed for
different types of functions, such as:
General purpose audio processing
Amateur Radio audio processing for SSB
IQ processing for SDR applications (transmit or receive)
Modulation processing for broadcast applications
Staying with a dsPIC processor will speed up development,
by making use of existing code.