#i2s

OK, after many hours spent with Claude on writing a driver for the TLV320DAC3100 (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/texas-instruments/TLV320DAC3100IRHBR/2260591), we finally have it configured using our driver, and playing an MP3 stream on this ESP32. This I2S DAC has a particularly complex PLL and audio-routing system, so it's not one where you can just pipe in I2S data and have it magically play. One nice thing we got working on is the MCLK, which is generated from the BCLK, so it'll work great with anything from an Arduino-compatible to a single-board computer like Raspberry Pi. We're hoping to get the headphone detection working next so that we can turn off the amp when the headphone is plugged in. Also, it should be able to control the volume from the headset buttons. Also, we want to get the internal beep generator going so we can make tones separate from the audio stream for UI notifications.

..., but that's technically discontinued - it's great because it doesn't require an MCLK that some boards like the Raspberry Pi don't have and doesn't need I2C configuration either. The PCM510x is a good family, too; it ranges from the inexpensive PCM5100 (https://www.digikey.com/short/z50cnp0h) to the PCM5102 (https://www.digikey.com/short/80z2nh3h) which has high quality output at a higher cost. This breakout could use any of the family chips & gives you all the GPIO needed with a 3.5mm headphone jack for line-level output.

We're working on getting some more / better I2S options in the shop - we like this TLC320DAC3100 (https://www.digikey.com/short/8w81vmhw)for being able to drive stereo 16Ω headphones and also a single 4Ω 2.5W speaker. We've also had good experiences with the TLV320 series; the only annoyance is that we need to configure the DAC with I2C before using it. However, because a more advanced processor is inside, it can run an equalizer and control volume. There's also a tone generator and headphone detection, and it looks like you can also generate MCLK from BCLK using the onboard PLL. It's also affordable, at $1 in reel quantity. This breakout will help us get this chip working; it exposes everything you need to get started.

The PCM510x is a good family, too; it ranges from the inexpensive PCM5100 (https://www.digikey.com/short/z50cnp0h) to the PCM5102 (https://www.digikey.com/short/80z2nh3h) which has high quality output at a higher cost. This breakout could use any of the family chips & gives you all the GPIO needed with a 3.5mm headphone jack for line-level output. We're testing it out with some cool tunes from the adafruit soundcloud, check it out! (https://soundcloud.com/adafruit).

Ladyada explores I2S DACs, testing PCM51xx as a UDA1334A alternative. Work continues on the TLV320DAC3100, we test an AI API interface for setters/getters for Claude with pay per token. A new Pi Compute Module backpack is in progress - And we search for tall connectors for CM4/CM5.

New audio designs are in the pipeline, including work with TDK’s T5838 PDM mic and PCM1840/PCM1820 chips. Great Search is on for a low-cost, MCK-less I2S DAC to replace the discontinued UDA1334A, like the popular PCM5102A.

and we'll probably use that one.