PCM5102A I²S DAC module — 32-bit 384kHz hi-fi stereo audio for Raspberry Pi and ESP32

The PCM5102A DAC module is built around the Texas Instruments PCM5102A — a high-performance 32-bit stereo audio DAC with an integrated PLL and line-level output driver. It accepts I²S digital audio input and delivers clean, high-fidelity analog stereo output via a 3.5mm headphone/line jack. With a 112dB SNR and support for sample rates up to 384kHz, it is the go-to DAC module for audiophile-grade audio projects with Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other I²S-capable microcontrollers.

Key Specifications:

• DAC IC: Texas Instruments PCM5102A
• Resolution: 32-bit
• Sample rate: up to 384kHz (supports 8kHz – 384kHz)
• SNR: 112dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: −93dB
• Dynamic range: 112dB
• Output: 3.5mm stereo line/headphone jack
• Interface: I²S (BCK, LRCK, DIN)
• Supply voltage: 3.3V – 5V (onboard LDO regulator)
• Output voltage: 2.1V RMS (line level)
• Built-in PLL: yes (no MCLK required)
• FMT pin: I²S format selection (left-justified or I²S standard)
• Dimensions: ~25mm × 25mm

Pinout:

• VIN: 3.3V – 5V power input
• GND: Ground
• BCK: I²S bit clock
• DIN: I²S data input
• LCK (LRCK): I²S left/right clock (word select)
• SCK: System clock (leave unconnected if using internal PLL)
• FMT: Format select (GND = I²S, 3.3V = left-justified)
• XSMT: Soft mute (pull high to enable output)
• OUT: 3.5mm stereo output jack

Compatible With:

• Raspberry Pi (all models with I²S — use as HiFiBerry-style DAC)
• ESP32 (I²S peripheral)
• Arduino (with I²S library or bit-banging)
• STM32 (I²S peripheral)
• Any microcontroller with I²S output

Raspberry Pi Setup:

• Connect BCK → GPIO18 (PCM_CLK), LRCK → GPIO19 (PCM_FS), DIN → GPIO21 (PCM_DOUT)
• Add dtoverlay=hifiberry-dac to /boot/config.txt
• Set ALSA default output to the DAC device

Applications:

• Hi-fi audio output for Raspberry Pi media players
• ESP32 Bluetooth/Wi-Fi audio receivers
• DIY audiophile DAC projects
• Digital audio workstation (DAW) output interfaces
• Internet radio and streaming audio players
• Portable high-resolution audio players