I have a multi channel "HD" named interface by a manufacturer I won't mention here by name which uses the AK5394 A/D converter chip.
The interface sounds very good, but the designer of the device used a tiny fan which makes a horrible racket in my studio. It is beyond annoying. The mfg claims that this is an unknown problem to them, yet the web is littered with angry complaints by users about the fan, one described it accurately as 'sitting next to a fish tank'.
I am currently experimenting with the device as follows: I have removed the fan and I have a temperature probe taped to the top of one of the converters, and I have the unit covered with a thick sweatshirt. Pretty adverse conditions.
The data sheet on the device lists a maximum ambient temperature as 70 celcius (158 Fahrenheit)
http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak5394a/ak5394a. htmlMy probe is currently showing that the temperature of the chip itself is around 61 celcius after the device was on for 14 hours, then covered with the heavy sweatshirt for two hours or so. Removing the shirt caused the device temperature to drop to 55C within 30 minutes and stabilize there. (the rack unit is fully closed, but unmounted and in a room which is at 25C / 77F).
Questions:
How does the actual temperature reading of the device itself relate to the 'max ambient'temperature listed in the datasheet?
Am I pushing the design too much?