USB Audio: Three Synchronization Types
In USB Audio, the Host (computer) and Device (DAC/Headphones) use independent oscillators, making perfect clock sync difficult. To avoid Buffer Overflow or Underflow (which causes audio glitches), the USB spec defines three Synchronization Types:
1. Synchronous Mode: Standard for basic USB audio devices
How it works: The device's clock is locked to the USB bus. It adjusts its sampling rate to match the host's transmission speed.
Pros: Simple design and low cost.
Cons: Highly susceptible to USB bus jitter, resulting in mediocre sound quality.
2. Asynchronous Mode : the standard for high-end audio (Hi-Fi DACs)
How it works: The device uses its own high-precision clock and dictates the data rate to the host via a "Feedback Endpoint."
Pros: Eliminates USB host jitter for the purest sound.
Cons: Higher hardware cost and complex firmware development.
3. Adaptive Mode: A middle-ground solution
How it works: The device adapts to the host’s data stream. It uses a VCXO (Voltage-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) to dynamically adjust its internal sampling rate to match the host.
Pros: More stable than Synchronous mode; no feedback mechanism required.
Cons: Still limited by host clock quality; more complex circuit design than Synchronous.
Comparison
Synchronous
Adaptive
Asynchronous
Sync Mechanism
Locked to USB Bus (SOF Signal)
Internal (Follows Host Rate)
Internal (Independent High-Precision Clock)
Control by
Host-Driven
Device Passively Adapts to Host Rate
Device-Driven (via Feedback Control)
Jitter
Highest (Strongly affected by USB Bus)
Medium (Affected by Host Clock)
Lowest (Determined by Device Hardware)
Audio Performance
Poor (Prone to noise floor or harshness)
Fair to Good
Superior (Hi-Fi Standard)
Hardware Requirements
Extremely Low
Moderate (Requires clock adjusting circuitry)
High (Requires Precision Clock and Independent Oscillators)
Firmware Complexity
Simple
Moderate
Complex (Requires Feedback Mechanism)
Applications
Budget Toys, Telephony Headsets
Legacy Sound Cards, General Computer Peripherals
High-End DACs, Professional Recording Interfaces
C-Media IC Sync Mode Comparison
Sync Mode
Application
Representative IC
Asynchronous
High-Fidelity (Hi-Fi), Gaming, and Hi-Res Products
CM6635, CM6542
Adaptive
Entry-Level & Standard Universal Products
CM108B, HS-100B
Synchronous
Legacy or Specialized Industrial Applications
NA