I have no idea of what happened here but I would like for it to not happen again.
I was measuring the output of a vacuum tube circuit using input transformers for noise with the input shorted. I then unshorted the input and when I connected the + of the signal generator BOOM... and a visible flash from inside the AD2. It was clear this thing was toast but then I noticed that the 27" imac is was running on also was off and will not reboot.
FWIW... I have Zener diode clamps on the input to the AD2 but no protection on the signal output side and by all accounts the primary of the transformer connected to ground should prevent any possibility for DC. I am at a loss for what the cause could have been.
The other thing to note is all of the charring and burnt up bits in the AD2 are right by the USB interface which is on the complete opposite side of the board from where any input from the DUT would be.
I am not 100% sure the thing blew up at exactly the time I connected the DUT to the signal generator and I am really interested in a possible cause since blowing up a $400 sound card isn't too painful but taking out a computer with it is another story altogether.
I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story and any thoughts greatly appreciated.
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dave slagle
I have no idea of what happened here but I would like for it to not happen again.
I was measuring the output of a vacuum tube circuit using input transformers for noise with the input shorted. I then unshorted the input and when I connected the + of the signal generator BOOM... and a visible flash from inside the AD2. It was clear this thing was toast but then I noticed that the 27" imac is was running on also was off and will not reboot.
FWIW... I have Zener diode clamps on the input to the AD2 but no protection on the signal output side and by all accounts the primary of the transformer connected to ground should prevent any possibility for DC. I am at a loss for what the cause could have been.
The other thing to note is all of the charring and burnt up bits in the AD2 are right by the USB interface which is on the complete opposite side of the board from where any input from the DUT would be.
I am not 100% sure the thing blew up at exactly the time I connected the DUT to the signal generator and I am really interested in a possible cause since blowing up a $400 sound card isn't too painful but taking out a computer with it is another story altogether.
I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story and any thoughts greatly appreciated.
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