08/18 Update: Added description of ADDR pin and chip I2C address
01. Introduction
This module is used to test the function of ES9018K2M and prepare for the USB decoder project.
ES9018K2M is a member of the ESS SABER HiFi series. It has the characteristics of 127dB DNR (dynamic range), -120dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio),
low power consumption and supports a variety of digital audio interfaces (I2S, S/PDIF, DSD).
The digital input part of this module is connected using 2.54mm pin headers, and the power connection is made using 3.5mm screw terminals;
the digital and analog 3.3V power supplies are provided by 3 low-noise LDOs, the op amp power supply is plus or minus 12V, and
the wiring sequence is from left to right They are +5V, ground, -V, +V;
the digital input part includes I2S audio signal and I2C control signal, from left to right they are DIN, WS(LRCK), BCK, ground, SCL and SDA;
I2C is used for control And configure the registers inside the DAC to implement functions such as sampling rate switching, input signal switching, and volume adjustment.
The ADDR pin (used to select the chip I2C address) of this DAC board 9018 is connected to ground. The chip's I2C address is 0x90

⚠️Note: 1) The MCLK signal does not need to be provided additionally and is generated by the 100Mhz active crystal oscillator on the module.
2) The chip register is configured as I2S input by default, with a bit length of 32 bits.

The analog part uses a complete I/V+LPF, 3 NJM4580 dual op amps (actually NE5532 is used), and the audio output uses an advanced 3.5mm audio socket.
Regarding the actual effect, I personally think it’s pretty good~ It has strong resolution, no noise floor, and can drive the headphones well. The op amp in the I/V conversion part will generate heat during operation, about 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, which is normal.
02. Physical display (warning of multiple pictures)


Close-up of DAC chip~

used in connection with CM6631A interface card (Interface card portal: CM6631A USB interface card - Jialichuang EDA open source hardware platform (oshwhub.com))

03. BOM
Do not use BOM The system automatically generates it! Do not use the ones automatically generated by the system! Use what I have to offer! (see attached)