How to Use Teensy Audio Adapter Rev D, D2: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The Teensy Audio Adapter Rev D, D2 is a high-quality audio processing module designed to work seamlessly with Teensy microcontrollers. It enables advanced audio input, output, and processing capabilities, making it ideal for projects involving sound synthesis, audio effects, and digital signal processing (DSP). The adapter is equipped with a powerful SGTL5000 audio codec, which provides stereo audio input and output with excellent sound quality.

Explore Projects Built with Teensy Audio Adapter Rev D, D2

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

Teensy 4.0 Audio Controller with Adjustable Volume and Power Management

This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller interfaced with an audio shield for audio processing, controlled by a potentiometer for volume adjustment. It is powered by an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C with a toggle switch for power control, and includes a 12-pin FFC converter for additional connectivity options.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Dual-Microcontroller Audio Processing System with Visual Indicators and Battery Management

This is a portable audio-visual device featuring two Wemos microcontrollers for processing, Adafruit MAX4466 microphone amplifiers for audio input, and an LCD TFT screen for display. It includes power management with TP4056 modules and LiPo batteries, and user-controlled toggle and rocker switches.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Teensy 4.0 Audio Visualizer with Temperature Sensing

This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller connected to a Teensy audio shield for audio processing capabilities. An RGB LED is included, with each color channel connected through a 220-ohm resistor for current limiting. Additionally, an NTC thermistor is interfaced with the Teensy 4.0 for temperature sensing, with a 1k-ohm resistor forming a voltage divider for analog input.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino-Controlled Audio Player with Real-Time Clock and Amplification

This circuit features an Arduino Uno R3 as the central microcontroller, interfaced with an RTC DS3231 for real-time clock functionality, and a DFPlayer MINI for audio playback. The audio output from the DFPlayer MINI is amplified by two LM386 audio amplifier modules, each driving a loudspeaker, and a 3.5mm audio jack provides additional audio output options. An LCD I2C Display is included for user interface, and a 9V battery with an LM2596 step-down module supplies regulated power to the system.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

• Audio effects processors (e.g., reverb, delay, equalizers)
• Synthesizers and music production tools
• Voice changers and audio manipulation devices
• Real-time audio streaming and recording
• Educational projects in audio signal processing

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

• Audio Codec: SGTL5000
• Input/Output: Stereo line-in, stereo line-out, headphone output, and microphone input
• Sampling Rates: Supports 44.1 kHz (default) and other rates with configuration
• Power Supply: 3.3V (provided by the Teensy board)
• Communication Protocol: I2S (audio data) and I2C (control interface)
• PCB Dimensions: 1.4" x 1.0" (35.6mm x 25.4mm)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Teensy Audio Adapter Rev D, D2 connects to the Teensy microcontroller via specific pins. Below is the pin configuration:

Audio Input/Output Ports

• Line-In: Stereo 3.5mm jack for audio input
• Line-Out: Stereo 3.5mm jack for audio output
• Headphone Out: Amplified stereo output for headphones
• Microphone Input: Supports electret microphones with bias voltage

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

1. Hardware Setup:

   • Mount the Teensy Audio Adapter onto the Teensy microcontroller using header pins.
   • Connect the audio input/output devices (e.g., headphones, speakers, microphones) to the appropriate 3.5mm jacks on the adapter.
   • Ensure the Teensy board is powered via USB or an external power source.

2. Software Setup:

   • Install the Teensyduino add-on for the Arduino IDE.
   • Include the Audio library in your Arduino sketch. This library provides tools for configuring and processing audio signals.

3. Basic Example Code: Below is an example of initializing the Teensy Audio Adapter and playing a sine wave tone:

   // Include the Teensy Audio library
   #include <Audio.h>
   #include <Wire.h>
   #include <SPI.h>
   #include <SD.h>
   
   // Create audio objects
   AudioSynthWaveformSine sineWave; // Sine wave generator
   AudioOutputI2S i2sOutput;        // I2S audio output
   AudioControlSGTL5000 sgtl5000;   // SGTL5000 codec control
   
   // Connect audio objects
   AudioConnection patchCord1(sineWave, 0, i2sOutput, 0);
   AudioConnection patchCord2(sineWave, 0, i2sOutput, 1);
   
   void setup() {
     // Initialize the audio system
     AudioMemory(10); // Allocate memory for audio processing
   
     // Configure the SGTL5000 codec
     sgtl5000.enable();
     sgtl5000.volume(0.5); // Set volume to 50%
   
     // Configure the sine wave generator
     sineWave.frequency(440); // Set frequency to 440 Hz (A4 note)
     sineWave.amplitude(0.75); // Set amplitude to 75%
   }
   
   void loop() {
     // The sine wave will play continuously
   }
   

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Ensure proper alignment of the Teensy Audio Adapter with the Teensy board to avoid incorrect connections.
• Use shielded audio cables to minimize noise and interference in audio signals.
• When using the microphone input, ensure the microphone is compatible with the bias voltage provided by the adapter.
• Avoid exceeding the power supply voltage (3.3V) to prevent damage to the adapter.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

1. No Audio Output:

   • Verify that the Teensy board and Audio Adapter are properly connected.
   • Check the volume settings in the code (sgtl5000.volume()).
   • Ensure the audio output device (e.g., headphones or speakers) is functional.

2. Distorted Audio:

   • Reduce the amplitude of the audio signal in the code (e.g., sineWave.amplitude()).
   • Check for loose or poor-quality audio cables.

3. Microphone Input Not Working:

   • Ensure the microphone is an electret type and is properly connected.
   • Verify that the microphone bias voltage is enabled in the code.

4. I2C Communication Errors:

   • Check the connections for the SDA and SCL pins.
   • Ensure no other devices on the I2C bus are causing conflicts.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the Teensy Audio Adapter with other microcontrollers?
A: The adapter is specifically designed for Teensy boards. Using it with other microcontrollers may require significant modifications and is not officially supported.

Q: What is the maximum sampling rate supported?
A: The default sampling rate is 44.1 kHz, but other rates can be configured with advanced settings in the Teensy Audio library.

Q: Can I use both the line-in and microphone inputs simultaneously?
A: No, the SGTL5000 codec allows only one input source at a time. You can switch between inputs in the code.

Q: Is it possible to record audio to an SD card?
A: Yes, the Teensy Audio Adapter includes an SD card slot for audio recording and playback. Use the SD library in conjunction with the Audio library for this purpose.