A/D D/A Conversion

The analog input and output circuitry on Cognio Managed Devices, such as the xIO 4x4, is designed for both a high degree of flexibility and maximum audio quality. Fully balanced connections are used throughout, and high-quality 24-bit sigma-delta converters are used for both inputs and outputs.

Following the volume control chip, the signal is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). An advanced 24-bit, 128x oversampling sigma-delta converter is used. The chip uses an enhanced multi-bit architecture, which achieves wider dynamic range while keeping much the same superior distortion characteristics as conventional single-bit ADCs. After the ADC, the signal stays in the digital domain for all processing until it is sent out the analog output section.