Part 2: Not all are created equal1. All-new USB3.0 galvanic isolation AND all-new USB2.0 galvanic isolationThe iGalvanic3.0 is fully USB 3.0 (and 2.0) standard compliant, with support for all speeds (from 1.5Mbps to 5Gbps) and all transfer modes (including isochronous audio streaming).
The iGalvanic3.0 features two distinctly separate galvanic isolation stages. One for USB3.0 and the other for USB2.0. They CANNOT be the same because the fundamental architecture is different:
- USB3.0 has separate transmitting AND receiving lines.
- USB2.0 is bi-directional, on one SHARED line.
Both USB3.0 and USB2.0 galvanic isolation stages are ground-up, new platforms dedicated for computer audiophile systems and available to no-one else.
USB2.0 Galvanic isolation technology (1st Gen) vs USB2.0 (AMR/iFi implementation)The 1st generation is based upon SerDes (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SerDes) This de-construction and re-construction of the USB signal is far from ideal. Latency (timing) among other things, suffers.
At an early stage, AMR/iFi considered, then discarded the SerDes platform - and developed a brand new platform which is, in our opinion, is technologically superior.
An Analogy: USB2.0 1st Gen vs USB2.0 Next Gen
1st generation implementation - SerDes
Imagine for a moment, selecting a route that has a bridge (galvanic isolation) that is too narrow for a lorry (USB audio signal) and cannot handle the weight of the lorry. At the bridge the lorry needs to be dis-mantled into pieces, the pieces need to be carried across and re-assembled on the other side.
The Next Generation - AMR/iFi implementation
The lorry takes a totally different route, one of a quiet, modern 4 lane bridge where the lorry just cruises across effortlessly.
The advantages over 1st generation USB2.0 are:
i. 100% transparent isolation - free from all the de-constructed and re-constructed, compatibility issues/challenges involved with the SerDes (USB2.0 bi-directional) approach.
ii. Just the 3 stages of USB Upstream/Isolation/Downstream - instead of 7 compared to 1st Generation USB2.0 isolation
USB3.0 galvanic isolation – world firstThe iGalvanic3.0 is the first product in the world to offer USB3.0 galvanic isolation. As previously outlined, with separate transmitting AND receiving lines, this is superior to USB2.0 at handling high data volumes and is future proof.
2. REclock2/REgenerate2/REbalance2From the development of the iUSB3.0 devices, we already have the in-house technology to improve the USB signal (and power). These stages have been incorporated into the iGalvanic3.0.
This means that every data flow is regenerated, subject to the iGalvanic3.0’s own precision master clock and recreated in the process.
In the iGalvanic3.0 we have not one, but TWO stages hence REclock2/REgenerate2/REbalance2 which we felt was necessary for the ultimate in computer audio.
3.0 Audiophile power supply section. Built-in.For ease of use and utility, the iGalvanic3.0 operates from USB Bus Power. A USB3.0 Port is preferred.
Measured noise is 0.5uV(0.0000005V) @ 500mA load. This is bettered only by the micro iUSB3.0 and comprehensively outclasses every other non-iFi USB device.
When operating from a USB3.0 or higher port, the iGalvanic3.0 can deliver up to 900mA iolsted low-noise power.
4. GroundLink. To suit different systems.All computer audio systems are different. Understanding this is behind why the iGalvanic3.0 is dedicated for computer audio use – where it must suit different Ground/Earth setups.
The Ground link switch* is to optimize isolation in systems where
• Full Isolation (default – center position)
• DC to RF soft ground-link (to avoid hum in systems without earth – up position)
• RF soft ground-link (to avoid audio drop-outs in systems without RF earth – down position)
*Earth/ground loops are commonly found and this switch deals with NO or Multiple Earths.
It is best to start in the center position and then to try the other settings.
5. Aircraft-grade aluminium for EMI/RFI shieldingThe iGalvanic3.0 features the iFi trademark aluminum housing. This enclosure acts as a shield against harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI) to further minimize noise. Blocking all the noise coming from a PC results in vast sound quality improvements. Non-aluminium designs offer little to no shielding from EMI/RFI.