EV-2 Datasheet, PDF (23/44 Pages) Cirrus Logic – Digital Audio Networking Processor

CobraNet™ EV-2
Appendix A: Definition of Terms
This Appendix contains brief definitions of many of the terms used in the discussion of CobraNet
and CobraNet networks.
Audio Channel
A single audio signal. Audio channels on CobraNet have a 48KHz sampling rate and may be
16, 20 or 24 bit resolution. Multiple audio channels may be carried in a Bundle.
Audio Stream
Two audio signals, i..e. a stereo pair. Audio on the EV-2 is routed in streams. This is
equivalent to the SSI data of the CM when in 16 channel mode, i.e. two channels per SSI.
Broadcast Addressing
Broadcasting is a special case of Multicasting (see multicast below). Whereas it is possible,
in some cases, to indicate intended recipients of multicast data, broadcast data is
unconditionally received by all DTEs within a network domain.
Bundle
The basic network transmission unit under CobraNet. Up to 8 audio channels may be carried
in a Bundle.
Category 5 Cable (CAT5)
CAT5 is inexpensive unshielded twisted pair (UTP) data grade cable. It is very similar to
ubiquitous telephone cable but the pairs are more tightly twisted. CAT5 cable runs for
Ethernet are limited to 100 meters due to signal radiation and attenuation considerations. A
CAT5 run in excess of 100 meters may be overly sensitive to electromagnetic interference
(EMI). It should be noted that not all CAT5 cable is UTP. Shielded CAT5 also exists but is rare
due to its greater cost and a much shorter distance limitations than UTP CAT5.
CobraNet
CobraNet is a combination of hardware, software and protocol allowing distribution of many
channels of digital audio over Fast Ethernet. CobraNet supports switched and repeater
Ethernet networks. On a repeater network, CobraNet eliminates collisions and allows full
bandwidth utilization of the network. CobraNet uses standard Ethernet packet structure and
network infrastructure.
CobraNet Device
A device in compliance with the CobraNet specification for transmission and/or reception of
digital audio and associated sample clock.
Conductor
CobraNet Device on the network supplying master clock. A conductor arbitration procedure
insures that, at any time, there is one and only one conductor per network.
Crossover Cable
A crossover cable can be used to directly connect two network devices.
DTE
Short for Data Terminal Equipment, a DTE is any network device that produces or consumes
data. A CobraNet Device is a DTE.
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