Rockford Fosgate 500.2 - Manual (Page 6)

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◆ TOPAZ
(Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone)
The TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone) circuitry solves ground loop noise problems common to automotive
amplifier design. This innovative new development allows vastly improved isolation of the input signal grounds from the
power supply ground of the amplifier. This is accomplished by allowing the source unit to control the potential “environment”
of the entire input structure or “zone” of the amplifier. This process improves the noise rejection of the amplifier by 30-40dB
– an astounding 20-100 times better than amplifiers without TOPAZ.
THE RESULT: Elimination of troublesome ground loop noise between source and amplifier.
Figure 1
Thru-Hole Surface Mount
Component
Solder Solder
PC Board
PC Board
◆ DSM
(Discrete Surface Mount Technology)
The DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) manufacturing process combines the advantages of both discrete components and
integrated circuitry. Rockford Fosgate is the only American amplifier manufacturer to have invested millions into this process.
DSM components differ from conventional discrete components in different ways. They are more compact, more rugged,
and they efficiently dissipate generated heat. Using them wherever appropriate allows the advantages associated with
discrete circuitry to be retained while also providing room for both highly advanced processing features and generous PC
board copper paths where needed. Their short lead-out structures allow maximum audio performance and highest signal-
to-noise ratios to be obtained in amplifiers of desirable package size without resorting to “amplifier-on-a-chip” shortcuts. These
advantages are shown below in Figure 1.
THE RESULT: Less connections, improved reliability, shorter signal paths, superior signal-to-noise ratio and awesome sonic
performance.
◆ XCard
(Internal Crossover)
The Power amplifiers utilize internal active crossovers. These crossovers have many performance advantages such as using
discrete components for exact frequency adjustments which are far superior to potentiometers. Additionally, the XCard can
be configured for high-pass, low-pass and full range operation. With slight modification, many crossover frequencies and
slope configurations can be achieved.
THE RESULT: Increased system design flexibility with a precise electronic crossover without the limitations of conventional
potentiometer designs.
◆ Stereo Pass-Thru
The Pass-Thru output provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without the need for extra RCA
cables or “Y” adapters. The original signal(s) fed into the input jack(s) are looped back to the Pass-Thru outputs allowing
less signal cable to be used. This results in cleaner system designs and reduces noise pick-up.
THE RESULT: Convenient signal level output for adding extra amplifiers.