Impedance mis-match?


Given the following component s

V-link USB/spdif converter - spfdif output states 50 ohm impedance
Bifrost DAC - spdif input states 75 ohm impedance

Which cable would be best to connect these components
1. a 50 ohm cable
2. a 75 ohm cable

Would there be any other issues?

Many thanks
williewonka

Showing 2 responses by kijanki

I would use 75 ohm cable, since reflection from the other end is possibly worse, as Al stated, but also because output RCA connector is not likely 75 ohm anyway.

I would use very short cable - as short as possible. Wire becomes transmission line when propagation time is longer than 1/8 of transition time. Assuming typical 25ns output transitions cable should be limited to propagation time of about 3ns, equivalent to about 2 feet (5ns/m). Since internal connections on both sides (including PCB traces) count I would limit it further to 1foot max. Otherwise I would use 1.5-2 m cable to ensure that reflections from the other end miss originating transition.
Perhaps sales people should ask somebody before offering written explanation.