Steve,
Ok
just be aware that I'm not to be trusted with timelines - I'd rather talk in terms of project development stages.
Much has already been completed but still outstanding is :-
1. Issue the Analogue PCB Files (A1.0) Request any L2 payments
2. Build and test Analogue PCB
3. Update and correct any Analogue board PCB design errors (Add ADC section).
4. Issue V1.0 Analogue PCB files to production
5. Complete the design of the Digital PCB - issue PCB file and test PCB. Request any L3 (ADC) payments
6. Production of MDAC2, Ask for "PCB at Cost" Payment
The sections I've highlighted in Bold are the major project "time consuming" milestones.
By far the most complex and time consuming part of the project is the #1 - which I'm just in the process of completing.
The almost completed silk screen overlay of the Analogue PCB, the empty sections L / R of the Top / Mid section is reserved for the 2x ADC sections, I'll issue the PCB first without this ADC section as there is plenty to test and debug on the design - I can work on the design of the missing ADC section while the PCB is being manufactured.
I'm in the process of completing the local PSU for the ESS DACs (both labelled U1) on the bottom Left / Right hand corners of the PCB - you can see the Right-hand DAC section with its Local PSU very tightly wrapped around the headphone jack - the Left channel DAC Section (bottom left Corner) will be much easier as there is no headphone jack and thus not such a tight space restriction.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/86116171/MDAC2 Analogue stage Prototype Stg7H.jpg
To give you an idea of the PCB complexity, the PCB CAD layout statistics claims:-
3828 objects (components)
84 Meters of PCB tracking
5800 component pins (which all need to be connected)
This is all squeezed onto the area of the MDAC's PCB - and the design is still not completed!
This design has been a my own personal "fun" nightmare - I'm really looking forward to listening to the design (with so many new developments), but its been awfully time consuming and very hard work!
I'm so looking forward to designing the VFET amps - a much easier project!