Ken Stone's Modular Synthesizer

Triple Bi-directional Switch
for music synthesizers.

This module is a variation on the 1973 Classic Serge Triple Bi-directional Router, and the 1975 Bi-directional Quad Switch modules.

The TRIPLE BI-DIRECTIONAL ROUTER is a group of three switches each of which can route one input to either of two outputs, or either of two inputs to one output according to a pulse or control voltage level. Alternately, it can be assembled to sequentially route one input to one of four outputs, or one of four inputs to one output.

The switches are true bidirectional switches. You can feed signals through them in either direction.

Note that due to the limits of CMOS, it can switch signals that are up to about +/-7 volts.

A little on how it works:

The schematic of the Triple Bi-directional Router module.

The schematic of Bi-directional Quad Switch module.

Triple Bi-directional Router.
The module uses the CMOS "Toolkit" chip, the 4007 wired as FET bi-directional switches. An LM3900 is used to condition the incoming gate signals to control the switches. A simple regulator is used to position the circuitry mid way between the power rails, at the maximum voltage at which CMOS can run (15 volts). The fourth section of the LM3900 is a part of this regulator. Note that there is no 0V/GND connection to this module.

Bi-directional Quad Switch.
This version of the circuit adds a 4013 as a two bit binary counter, and some pre-wiring to form a one to four multiplexer/demultiplexer.

Construction

The component overlay for the VER1.0 PCB. Click here for an enlarged, printable version. Print at 300dpi.

If you are planning to use it with 6.3mm or 3.5mm jacks, the common of these jacks should be wired to 0V/GND as usual. Just solder the return wire to the (unused) center pins of the power connector.

As presented, the circuit is set up for use with +/-12 volts. Connecting it to +/-15 volts requires the value of four resistors to be altered. In the regulator portion of the circuit (near the power connector) replace the two 2k2 resistors with 4k7. Replace the two 8k2 resistors with 10k. Failure to make this modification when running on +/-15 volts will cause the destruction of the CMOS chips.

We would suggest powering the module for the first time without any chips in it and checking the voltage between the emitters of the two regulating transistors (2N3638 and 2N3566). If this voltage is over 15 volts, you will need to change the values of the resistors in the voltage divider.

Transistor types are not critical. The PCB specifies the types found on the original version. BC557 can be used for the PNP and BC547 for the NPN. 2N3906 and 2N3904 can be used if installed backwards with respect to the outline on the overlay.

Notes for the Triple Bi-directional Router.

If you are building the Triple Bi-directional Router version, simply do not install the components in the outlined area on the PCB.

Wiring the CGS88 is very straight forward. An optional manual-override switch is shown.
Use a three position center-off single pole switch for each of the three sections of the router.
The wiring shown replaces the direct wire for each control jack to the pads marked E, I and A.

Notes for the Bi-directional Quad Switch.

The wiring required to use the PCB as a Bi-directional Quad Switch.
Click here for an enlarged, printable version. Print at 300dpi.

If you are Bi-directional Quad Switch, install all parts except for the 22k resistors. Wires need to be run from the pads marked M, N and O to one pad of each of the empty 22k resistor locations. See the photo above. You also need to link pads C to L and B to H complete the routing. In this configuration, the I input is the only one used. A positive gate or trigger signal will advance the switch to the next input/output.

As the gates are in series, some the protection resistors are not required, but were present on the original Serge version, effectively doubling the resistance of the switch. You can replace these extra resistors with links. On the prototype, I shorted out the extra resistors on the rear of the PCB as shown above.

Wiring the CGS88 Bi-directional Quad Switch.
The original had two directly linked jacks for each of the input and output connections.

Set Up

There is no setup.

Notes:

The trigger/gate voltage is somewhat higher than used on CGS modules. Increasing the value of the upper resistor (8k2) in the reverence voltage divider will lower the detection point.
The module will work on +/-12 volts or with modification, on +/-15 volts.
PCB info: 6" x 1" with 3mm mounting holes 0.15" in from the edges.

Parts list

Component Kit BOM

Hardware Kit BOM

This is a guide only. Parts needed will vary with individual constructor's needs.