What is the significance of different colored circles on a circuit diagram?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of different colored circles in a circuit diagram, specifically focusing on their significance in relation to integrated circuit (IC) pins and circuit connections. Participants explore the implications of these symbols for understanding circuit functionality and connections, including questions about audio input connections and circuit components.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that white circles signify the pins of the integrated circuit, while black circles represent circuit connections.
  • One participant questions the interpretation of connections between specific pins, suggesting that input voltages may be combined with supply voltages, which they find unusual.
  • Another participant corrects this interpretation, stating that the mentioned pins are power supply pins, not input pins, and explains the separation of power connections in different circuit configurations.
  • There is uncertainty regarding where to connect actual audio inputs, with one participant suggesting that the "squiggly circle" represents an AC voltage source that connects to specific pins on the chip.
  • Participants discuss the relevance of mute and standby functions, with one suggesting that omitting these components could lead to noise issues during operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations regarding the significance of the colored circles and the connections between pins. There is no consensus on the implications of these connections, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for connecting audio inputs and the necessity of certain circuit components.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the circuit diagram symbols and the specific roles of various pins, which may depend on the context of the application and the specific circuit design.

mearvk
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Hello all. This circuit diagram uses empty and full circles and also no circles. Is there a difference between a white circle in this diagram and a black one? I'm referring to the typical application diagram.

http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/SGSThomsonMicroelectronics/mXqwvzw.pdf

Thanks.

Edit: Those are the pins on the IC. Nevermind. :-)
 
Last edited:
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the white circles signify the pins of the integrated circuit. They show the insides of the circuit and then a box with white circles for the pins and then the outside circuit. the black circles represent circuit connections.

There are also white circles in the switch these indicate contact points. wires that cross but don't connect use a little half circle to indicate one wire crossing over another wire.
 
Thanks jedi.

Next question is about connecting the signal inputs. If you look at pin 7 and 13 and 8 and 15 you see they are connected. I would read this to mean that the input voltages are combined with the supply voltages. This seems unusual. Am I reading it right?

Where do I connect the actual audio inputs in this diagram? At the black dots above the pin 7 and below pin 8? Not super clear to me.

If I'm not planning on using the mute or standby can I leave that part of the circuit out?

The squiggly circle on the left of the diagram - what is it?

Thanks again.
 
Last edited:
mearvk said:
Thanks jedi.

Next question is about connecting the signal inputs. If you look at pin 7 and 13 and 8 and 15 you see they are connected. I would read this to mean that the input voltages are combined with the supply voltages. This seems unusual. Am I reading it right?
No, pins 7 13 8 15 are all poiwer supply pins, not input pins.

The chip has separate pin connections to poiwer the initial amplifier stages and the output stage. For a simple application like Fig 1 they can both be connected to the same power supply. If you look at the "High efficiency " circuit in Fig 18, you will see that the two pairs of power connections are different.

Where do I connect the actual audio inputs in this diagram? At the black dots above the pin 7 and below pin 8? Not super clear to me.
The audio input is is the "squiggly circle" (i.e. an AC voltage source). The input then gets to pins 2 and 3 on the chip.
If I'm not planning on using the mute or standby can I leave that part of the circuit out?
If you look at Figs 16 and 17 it is reconmended to use these to eliminate any noises (i.e. thunps and bangs in the speakers) at switch on.
 

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