Philips Compact Disc Digital Audio represent an outstanding advance in audio technology. It enables standards of reproduction, previously unattainable through traditional recording, mastering, and replication methods, to become a reality. This has been made possible through the development of techniques and equipment which enable audio information to be converted into a digital format, and transferred by optical means onto a disc. To achieve this breakthrough, Philips has used what is possibly today's most advanced tool...the laser...both in the Compact Disc Player itself and also in the mastering process. In addition, our extensive experience in audio technology, plus Philips worldwide research and development facilities have been combined to realise our aim for the optimum in sound reproduction...

CD-Master Recording System

  • Converts digital audio and subcode information to the required channel bit stream
  • Modulates a laser beam according to the channel bit stream
  • Exposes a CD-Resist Master Disc according to the standardized CD-Disc Master format
  • Computer controlled input and monitoring facilities
  • Automatic disc handling
  • Disc exchange and recording in clean-air enviroment

The Philips LHH0400 CD-Master Recording System provides a reliable and efficient way of exposing a CD-Resist Master Disc, according to the standardized CD-Disc Master format.

The system comprises a Subcode Processor/Editor, an Encoder, a Laster Beam Recorder, a System Controller and accessories including a focus monitor, an SMPTE-time code reader, a 19" rack mounting system, and all necessary cables.

Program and Subcode Source

The source of all program and coding information required for the CD-Master Recording System, is considered to be the standard CD-Tape Master. This is the carrier of digital audio, and subcode information in form of cues and an SMPTE-time code. A digital tape recorded is used to access the CD-Tape Master. In addition, generating and editing of cue code data can be performed by the Subcode Processor/Editor.

Signal Processing

The subcode information, recorded on the CD-Tape Master in form of cues, is converted to the standard CD-subcode format by the Subcode Processor/Editor. In this conversion the subcode ues are related to the time code from the tape master, decoding of which is performed by the SMPTE-time code reader. The subcode and the digital audio are fed into the CD-Encoder, the data bit stream being synchronised by the 44.1kHz sampling clock. The Encoder carries out multiplexing, CIRC encoding and Eight-to-Fourteen Modulation (EFM), finally resulting in the channel bit stream.

Recording

The channel bit stream from the Encoder passes to an acousto-optical modulator in the CD-Laser Beam Recorder. The laser beam is modulated, and focussed by means of an objective lens system, onto the photo-sensitive coating of the CD-Resist Master Disc. An argon-ion laser, wavelength 457.9nm(blue), working in single line TEMoo mode is used for recording.
Focussing onto the CD-Resist Master Disc is assured by means of a servo-controlled motion of the objective lens system. Two focussing systems are applied. A primary system using a infra-red semiconductor laser in the skew-beam method, and a secondary system, which used part of the reflected blue light. By these means focussing is possible even when no recording is made (shutter closed), and also where there are drop-outs that would normally disturb the reflected blue light during recording. Focus accuracy and recoding-spot quality can be confirmed on the focus monitor.
The information is recorded in a spiral track, extending from a minimum inner radius to a maximum outer radius. The track pitch is the result of the rotational velocity of the CD-Resist Master Disc together with the linear speed of a sledge carrying the focussing optics. To obtain smooth frictionlesss motion, air bearings are used in both the rotational and the linear drive system. Stable and sophisticated control systems are provided to ensure the specified track pitch accuracy.

Automatic disc handling

The Philips Compact Disc Process has been designed as an automatic "hands-off" operation. This, together with the built-in dust-filtering facilites in the equipment, not only has a positive influence on the quality but also improves to a large extent, the overall process yield by minimising manual contact with the disc. The CD-Resist Master Disc, diameter 240mm and 5.4mm thick, has in its centra a metal attachment to clamp the disc by means of an electro-magnetic system, onto the drive spindle of the equipment used in the various steps throughout the whole process.
The CD-Resist-Master Disc is delivered in a specially designed airtight cartridge. This enables the use of a disc exchange mechanism.

Once the operator has placed the cartridge in position, the disc is automatically withdrawn, and as soon as the recording has been finished, returned to the cartridge.

System controller

The recording process is fully automated under remote control of the System Controller. The latter is a microprocessor based system, that interfaces via an IEC-625 bus with the Subcode Processor/Editor, Encoder, and Laser Beam Recorder.
In addition, a separate microprocessor in the Laser Beam Recorded communicates with the functional recorded units via a standard 8085-bus.
The System Controller coordinates the activities of the system parts and provides input and monitoring facilities. The program for recording the standardized CD-Disc Master format is stored on a follpy disc. Program for special formats, are available on request.

Easy operation

Operation of the CD-Master Recording System is easy and straightforward. Once the CD-Resist Master Disc, the CD-Tape Master, and the floppy disc containing the required program for the System Controller are brought in, the recording parameters such as the linear velocity, the master identification number and the program length are entered via the keyboard of the System Controller.
Track pitch, focus offset, and recording intensity can be entered if deviations from the values stored in the program should be necessary. Once the start command is given the recording process proceeds automatically from the program stored in the memory of the System Controller. At all times the video display of the System Controller gives a precise indication of the process status.

Installation and Maintenance

The high density of the recorded information requires a vibration-free arrangement of the active recorder components. All optical and mechanical parts are therefore mounted on a heavy granite baseplate which is supported by a pneumatic vibration isolation system. This allows installation of the Laser Beam Recorder without excessive requirements on floor-vibrations.
The Laser Beam Recorder has its own built-in dust filtering system.
Recording and disc-exchange takes place in an air-cleanliness class 100, according to Federal Standard 209 b. Installation in a cleanroom environment with an air-cleanliness class 100.000 is thereby permissable.
The Philips LHH0400 CD-Master Recording System has been designed for trouble free operation during at least 2000 hours. The recording laser is guaranteed to run in the required high-performance mode for at least 1000 hours. Alignment of the optical configuration after replacement or maintenance of the laser, is facilitated by computer controlled beam positioning facilities.
Maintenance and servicing of the CD-Master Recording System are simplified by the ease of access to all units and their modular electronics.

Philips LHH0400 CD-Master Recording System

The System:
CD-Encoder: Philips LHH0401
CD-Laser Beam Recorder: Philips LHH0402
CD-System, Controller: Philips LHH0403
CD-Subcode Processor/Editor PQ: Philips LHH0425
CD-MRS Accessoires: Philips LHH0407

Optional:
CD-Decoder: Philips LHH0404
CD-Decoder Accessories: Philips LHH0405

Source Unit:
Digital Tape Recorder - Consult Philips for recommended equipment

Input:
CD-Resist Master Disc Philips LHH0101 packed in CD-Disc Master Cartridge and CD-Tape Master according to specification

Output:
Exposed CD-Resist Master Disc ready for developmen

Supplies:
Electricity 220V/50Hz, 6.5KVA
Cooling water 6 litre/min
Compressed air 10 bar, Pre-filtered air 10 95-98% 15m3/min, Air-conditioned

Installation: Required floorspace min. 9m2.
Clean-air environment, dust class 100.000 according to Federal Standard 209b

CD-Laser Beam Recorder Philips LHH0402
Mechanical:
Pneumatically controlled, self-levelling, vibration-isolated, granite baseplate structure. Recording and disc exchange in clean-air environment, dust class 100, according to Federal Standard 209b. Automatic disc exchange mechanism. Manual access via keyboard for service purposes.

Recording Laser:
Argon-ion laser, wavelength 457.9nm (blue) working in single-line TEMoo mode.
Laser power nominal 35mWatt

Focussing Laser:
Semi-conductor laser, wavelength approx. 800nm (infra-red)
Laser power 2mWatt

Beam Modulation:
Acousto-optical modulator
Optical bandwidth 12MHz

Intensity Control:
Automatic via AO-modulator

Focus control:
Servo-controlled, automatic focussing by means of infra-red beam in conjuction with recording beam.

Rotational Drive:
Servo-controlled, ironless dc-motor with air bearings.
Speed range 180-1800rpm
Magnetic disc clamping system

Linear Drive:
Servo-controlled dc-motor drive.
Linear air-bearing system.
Range 18-165mm
Optical position detection system
Velocity in fast access mode
10 mm/sec. max. in recording mode
4-50µm/sec. Accuracy +/-1%
Trackpitch adjustable between 1.2 and 1.9µm


Brochure Philips LHH0400