TruDAC

Cut the Noise. Stay in Control.

The TruDAC (true digital-to-analog) is a digital drive interface that replaces the traditional analog drive connections by breaking the ground path between your controller and amplifier. TruDAC simplifies, isolates, and future-proofs your vibration system. Convert from digital to analog in order to reduce noise, support longer cable runs, and detect connection issues.

Built for Modern Test Labs

• 24-bit output resolution
• Up to 216 kHz sample rate
• ±10 V output range
• <-100 dB total harmonic distortion
• Improved high-frequency noise immunity; uses balanced differential signaling over twisted-pair cabling
• Improved low-frequency (ground-loop) noise immunity with a transformer-coupled interface
• Support for longer cable lengths between the amplifier and controller without control signal degradation
• Robust locking connectors
• Flexible system-level integration

TruDAC supports one or two drive outputs through one digital link. It detects disconnected or broken cables between the amplifier and controller; the amplifier input remains grounded until the digital receiver locks onto the control signal. In the future, TruDAC will enable direct digital amplifier control instead of A/D conversion.

Ground-Loop Noise

The TruDAC breaks the ground path between the controller and the amplifier, preventing ground loops and electrical noise. Its transformer-coupled digital input separates ground references operating at different potentials, and its analog outputs are fully isolated from ground.

Use TruDAC For

• Cleaner, more reliable drive signals
• Lower noise floors
• Ground loop elimination
• A future-forward test setup ready for digital amp integration

Amplifier Safety

TruDAC is a safer alternative to analog BNC drive cables. If the TruDAC signal is compromised, the analog signal is safely disconnected from the amplifier, while an intermittent BNC analog drive cable may damage your shaker.

The TruDAC implements the IEC958 standard for professional electrodynamic amplifier applications.

Safety Features

• Immediately disables analog signal if TruDAC cable is disconnected while amplifier gain is active
• Eliminates intermittent analog signals, which can create large transients
• Shuts down amplifier output if the signal is disconnected; only restores output after signal is shut down

Solutions for Today and Beyond

The world has gone digital, yet many vibration labs still rely on analog drive paths that convert digital signals to analog, only to re-digitize them via the amplifier. TruDAC helps maintain a clean signal between a system’s vibration controller and amplifier.

TruDAC also supports a direct digital interface for future amplifier upgrades. As amplifier manufacturers begin to support digital input directly, the TruDAC’s entire signal path will be digital, eliminating unnecessary conversions.

Precision Vibration Testing

For environments where data integrity and timing accuracy impact control performance, TruDAC ensures consistent and uninterrupted delivery every time.

• AES3 digital audio interface delivers a deterministic, bit‑accurate signal path
• Continuous, real‑time data stream with no buffering uncertainty or retransmission layers
• Deterministic transport ensures that high‑resolution audio and control signals reach the TruDAC exactly as generated without timing jitter or artifacts

Direct Control

In the future, TruDAC enables direct digital amplifier control, instead of A/D conversions.

Why TruDAC?

• Removes analog ground loop noise
• Transformer-coupled digital input
• Robust detection of cable issues before test starts
• Compatible with 2-channel analog outputs (±10 V)
• 32-bit resolution, 216 kHz sample rate
• Designed for aerospace, defense, and high-integrity testing

Legacy Amplifier Upgrade

TruDAC includes two ±10 V analog outputs (DRIVE and AUX) that are compatible with most vibration amplifiers. While the drive path is digital up to the TruDAC, it outputs analog for backward compatibility.

Why it Matters

Most systems convert signals like this:

Digital → Analog (Controller) → Analog → Digital (Amplifier)

Every conversion risks distortion and noise. TruDAC keeps the signal cleaner, and it’s the first step toward a fully digital amplifier ecosystem.