this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2025
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Building a USB-C DAC in as small a package as possible (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by northernscrub@lemmy.world to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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Given the endless problems with attempting to properly initialise ALSA with the qualcomm chipset in my device, I've resorted to the idea that I'll be designing a larger case, with a larger screen (and hopefully no shitty curvy corners) and an integrated DAC with probably a small headphone amplifier.

Ideally, I would like this to be addressable, and have the facility to run an equaliser on-board that can be configured via the USB connection, although I'll settle for bluetooth if the former is too complicated. It will also need to fit inside the phone housing (which will likely be around 9-10mm). I plan on an aluminium frame, so heatsink facilities should be easily manageable. The USB connection will, of course, need to be a passthrough connection to facilitate charging the phone - having a separate USB-C socket on the board is fine, I can probably adjust for this.

Am I setting my aspirations too high, or are there components available that meet these specifications?

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[–] roofuskit@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago (2 children)

The USBC to 1/8 adapters for phones, particularly the iPhone have an integrated DAC.

[–] northernscrub@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

I've looked at these, but they lack the integrated amplifier (afaik) and the configurable equaliser. Those are two super important features that pretty much break the idea for me.

[–] PagPag@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

First thing I thought of too.

Sorry OP, you’re not building anything smaller than this cheap item from apple.

Using these as a starting point and modifying as needed is probably a good thing to look at before you go too far down the rabbit hole.

[–] northernscrub@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

After a night's thought, this might be an interesting idea. Although I'd need to figure out how to add a programmable interface to it.