Sound Card

This is an internal hardware codec (chipset) on the motherboard or a separate expansion card that provides input or output of audio to and from the computer. It is possible to hear the sound through data output devices.

Digital to analog converter

All modern audio recording formats use digital output. Data on CDs, Blu-ray, mp3 files are stored digitally.

Sound cards use a digital-analog converter to convert a digital code (binary) into an analog signal. The analog signal consists of current, voltage, and charge. The signal comes out through a data output device (audio speakers or headphones). 

The analog-to-digital converter is required to convert analog sound (e.g. from a microphone) received by the PC into digital sound.

Types of sound cards

• Internal sound card. This type of sound card is integrated into your computer's motherboard.

• Discrete sound card.

An internal sound card is installed in PCI or PCIe slots. This sound card features an interface in various sound output and input ports on the back of the computer chassis. Depending on the case structure, the ports can be on the sides and at the top of the case.

• External sound device.

External sound cards are necessary to enhance the quality of the output audio. They can be used when the integrated sound card has failed. They are usually connected to your computer via a USB port.

• Mobile sound card

This is a feature-rich device for music lovers. It consists of input and output ports, headphone jacks, and volume control. It can be connected to a computer via PCI and PCIe and FireWire, USB, etc.

Sound card components

1 - Audio RAM. The memory, which includes the primary data for accelerated processing of the data coming to the data card;

2 - Power supply system of the sound card;

3 - Connectors for connecting various devices;

Sound card connectors

1. 3.5mm jack for center channel or subwoofer line out;
2. 3.5mm jack for line-level audio output;
3. 3.5mm jack for microphone audio input;
4. 3.5mm jack for the line-level audio output of the main stereo signal (front sound speakers or headphones);
5. 3.5mm jack for surround sound audio output of the side speakers;
6. Game port - MIDI 15-pin connector for additional audio devices such as synthesizers.