Difference between revisions of "Unbalanced"
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==Basics== | ==Basics== | ||
| − | Any circuit must have a "path" for the current flowing in it to both "go to" the receiving device (or "load") and "return from" it. In the case of an unbalanced connection; even though the return conductor may be | + | Any circuit must have a "path" for the current flowing in it to both "go to" the receiving device (or "load") and "return from" it. In the case of an unbalanced connection; even though the return conductor may be held at ground potential by being connected to the signal ground; it still can act as a return path for the signal ''current''. |
| − | By definition; this means that the signal ground of both the sending and receiving device must be connected together via the unbalanced connection; and this can lead to issues caused by other "interference" currents also flowing on this path. This is why [[balanced]] connections are used in audio as a means of eliminating this source of interference. | + | By definition; this means that the signal ground of both the sending and receiving device must be connected together via the unbalanced connection; and this can lead to issues caused by other "interference" currents also flowing on this path. This is why [[balanced]] connections are used in audio as a means of eliminating this source of interference. |
| + | |||
| + | Two sources of interference are: | ||
| + | #Induced noise | ||
| + | #Ground "loops" | ||
[[Category:Terminology]] | [[Category:Terminology]] | ||
[[Category:Analog interconnects]] | [[Category:Analog interconnects]] | ||
[[Category:Digital interconnects]] | [[Category:Digital interconnects]] | ||
Revision as of 12:02, 7 March 2012
Overview
The term "Unbalanced" is used to describe connections that are not "balanced" and employ a conductor held at "signal ground" potential to act as a "signal return."
Basics
Any circuit must have a "path" for the current flowing in it to both "go to" the receiving device (or "load") and "return from" it. In the case of an unbalanced connection; even though the return conductor may be held at ground potential by being connected to the signal ground; it still can act as a return path for the signal current.
By definition; this means that the signal ground of both the sending and receiving device must be connected together via the unbalanced connection; and this can lead to issues caused by other "interference" currents also flowing on this path. This is why balanced connections are used in audio as a means of eliminating this source of interference.
Two sources of interference are:
- Induced noise
- Ground "loops"