COM Express Interfaces
2.22.2. Speaker Output
The PC-AT architecture provides a speaker signal that creates beeps and chirps. The signal is a
digital-logic signal that is created from system timers within the core chipset. The speaker
provides feedback to the user that an error has occurred. The system BIOS usually drives the
speaker line with a set of beep codes to indicate hardware problems such as a memory test
failure, a missing video device, or a missing keyboard. Application software often uses the PC-
AT speaker to flag an error such as an invalid key press.
This speaker signal should not be confused with the analog-audio signals produced by the audio
CODEC. In many systems, the PC-AT speaker signal is fed into one of the audio CODEC inputs,
allowing it to be mixed with other audio signals and heard on the audio transducer (speakers and
headphones) that the CODEC drives.
The COM Express Module provides a speaker output signal called 'SPKR', which is intended to
drive an external FET or a logic gate to connect a PC speaker.
The 'SPKR' signal is often used as a configuration strap for the Modules chipset. It should not be
connected to a pull-up or pull-down resistor, which could overwrite the internal chipset
configuration and result in a malfunction of the Module.
The PC-AT audio transducer that is used for error messages is usually a small, low-cost
loudspeaker or piezoelectric-electric buzzer. A buffering between the Module SPKR pin and the
audio transducer is required. An example circuit is shown in Figure 52 below. The net SPKR is
sourced from Module pin B32. If the transducer is a low impedance device, such as an 8 Ω
speaker, then a larger resistor value and package size for R173/R175 is in order.
Figure 52: Speaker Output Circuitry
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COM Express
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