Audio power amplifier

Abstract

An audio power amplifier (1) defining a plurality of characteristics relating to the corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1) itself comprises a control unit (18) comprising instructions, where the instructions comprise setting parameters. The control unit (18) is programmed to: set a characteristic of a plurality of characteristics according to a set parameter value; digital information representing updated values of the plurality of setting parameters is received, and settings of the plurality of characteristics are updated according to the updated values.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio power amplifier. The present disclosure also relates to a method for amplifying an audio signal by an audio power amplifier and a method for changing settings of an audio power amplifier. Background Art

[0002] An audio amplifier includes a number of characteristics related to certain capabilities (such as output power rating or audio signal processing capabilities) and functions (such as the number of digital input and output channels) of the audio amplifier itself.

[0003] Typically, a user (ie a person forming part of a distribution network, such as a distributor or an end customer) must know the characteristics of an amplifier in order to be able to select the type of amplifier that best suits his requirements.Therefore, there is a need to make amplifiers more flexible.

[0004] Patent document US10382268B1 relates to a method for configuring an electronic device by means of a configuration file; however, the document does not explain how to generate such a configuration for an audio amplifier. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal by an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing settings of an audio power amplifier.

[0006] In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal by means of an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier, which are capable of allowing easier and efficient management of a sales network. Another object of the present disclosure is to propose an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal by means of an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier, which are capable of providing customized solutions to meet the needs of any user. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal by means of an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier, which focus on flexibility.

[0007] These objects are fully achieved by an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal by an audio power amplifier and a method for changing settings of an audio power amplifier according to the present disclosure and as characterized in the appended claims.

[0008] In particular, an audio power amplifier defines a plurality of characteristics. The characteristics may be related to the corresponding capabilities of the amplifier (e.g., the maximum power of the output audio signal) and / or the functionality of the amplifier (e.g., the number of digital input and / or output channels, the type of signal processing algorithm).

[0009] Thus, the multiple characteristics may include: the maximum power of the audio output signal from the amplifier; the number of enabled input channels of digital audio over IP to the amplifier and / or the number of enabled output channels of digital audio over IP from the amplifier, the audio amplifier being a multi-channel amplifier; the type of encryption for the input and / or output channels of digital audio over IP; one or more types of amplifier signal processing algorithms (or blocks); signal processing capabilities (e.g., number of filters); application functionality, such as playback of audio files.

[0010] In particular, each block (or algorithm) can be enabled or disabled (ie, can be executed, or not executed, ie, bypassed).

[0011] An audio amplifier includes a control unit. The control unit includes instructions. The instructions include setting parameters. In particular, the instructions may be configured to allow one or more of a plurality of features to be enabled or disabled, such as enabling or disabling one or more amplifier functions (e.g., enabling or disabling one or more types of signal processing algorithms). Alternatively or additionally, the instructions may be configured to allow the magnitude (or capacity) of one or more of the plurality of features to be set, such as setting one or more capabilities of the amplifier (e.g., setting the magnitude of the maximum power of an audio output signal from the amplifier).

[0012] The control unit is programmed to set a characteristic (or at least one characteristic) of the plurality of characteristics according to a setting parameter value.

[0013] The control unit is programmed to receive setting data representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setting parameters. The control unit is programmed to update settings of characteristics (or at least one characteristic) of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

[0014] Therefore, the audio amplifier includes (or defines) a safe operating area (SoA) protection system. The SoA protection system defines the conditions for safely operating the audio amplifier in terms of voltage and current; in other words, the SoA protection system defines the range of voltage and current values ​​within which the audio amplifier can operate without being damaged.

[0015] The SoA protection system can be an analog system or a digital system or a system that is both analog and digital.

[0016] In particular, the control unit can be programmed to limit the output voltage and / or current (i.e., power) of each channel of the audio amplifier via the SoA protection system and based on the updated data. In particular, the control unit can be programmed to limit the input current via the SoA protection system and based on the updated data.

[0017] For example, the audio amplifier may include an electronic card having multiple sections, or the audio amplifier may include multiple electronic cards having corresponding multiple sections. The electronic components of the amplifier may all be located on the same electronic card, or on different sections of the electronic card, or on multiple electronic cards. Specifically, the audio amplifier may include a single control unit that is shared by all sections of the electronic card (or shared by two or more sections of the electronic card), or a separate control unit for each section of the electronic card (or for one or more sections of the electronic card).

[0018] In particular, the audio amplifier includes a power cell and a portion dedicated to powering the audio amplifier. The portion dedicated to powering the audio amplifier may include a power cell controller. The portion dedicated to powering the audio amplifier (i.e., the power cell controller) may cause (or adjust) the current sinking on the power cell, for example, via an integrated microchip or analog circuit.

[0019] In particular, the audio amplifier comprises an electronic card dedicated to the power circuit. The electronic card dedicated to the power circuit and the part dedicated to the power supply may be located on a shared electronic card (to perform the power supply function and the power amplification function).

[0020] In an example, an audio amplifier includes a SoA controller configured to implement a SoA protection system. The SoA controller can be programmed to set characteristics of the audio amplifier. Specifically, the SoA controller can be programmed to define a value for the output power supplied by the audio amplifier and / or a value for the input current supplied to the audio amplifier. The SoA controller can be programmed to communicate with a power cell controller.

[0021] The control unit is programmed to communicate with the SoA controller. For example, the control unit can communicate with the SoA controller in order to supervise the received settings.

[0022] Preferably, the audio amplifier includes a sensor system. The sensor system includes an output current sensor configured to detect an output current value for each channel; and an output voltage sensor configured to detect an output voltage value for each channel. The sensor system may include a supply current sensor configured to detect a supply current value. The sensor system may include a temperature sensor. The control unit or the SoA controller is programmed to receive the detected value. The control unit or the SoA controller may be programmed to check whether the detected value matches a set update value. If the detected value does not match the set update value, the SoA controller may be configured to change the output power from the audio amplifier and / or change the voltage input to the audio amplifier.

[0023] The audio amplifier may comprise a single memory common to all parts of the electronic card (or common to two or more parts of the electronic card), or a separate memory for each part of the electronic card (or for one or more parts of the electronic card).

[0024] The instructions may be configured to allow one or more of the plurality of features to be enabled and / or disabled and / or to set the magnitude of one or more of the plurality of features based on the received setting data. The setting data may include values ​​to be assigned to the setting parameters. These values ​​may include binary values ​​(relating to enabling or disabling the audio amplifier function) and / or they may include numbers (relating to the magnitude of the capability).

[0025] In particular, it should be noted that the instructions define a parametric software program, i.e. a software program comprising parameters and configured to allow setting of the parameters; in particular, based on received setting data, the control unit sets the parameters contained in the software to allow setting characteristics of the audio amplifier.

[0026] The invention thus allows a user (eg an end customer or a person forming part of a distribution chain) to define the characteristics of an amplifier, eg at the moment it is used in the field or at the moment it is sold to an end customer.

[0027] In particular, according to the present invention, the amplifier can change some characteristics without having to physically modify the hardware and thus be adapted to the needs of the user.

[0028] The possibility to characterize the amplifier after it has been manufactured facilitates warehouse management, for example by distributors or resellers, and also allows the end customer to purchase an amplifier that can be adapted to his specific needs at a later stage.

[0029] In an example, the control unit includes a memory. The memory includes a setting file. The control unit can be programmed to update the setting file based on the received setting data.

[0030] The setting file may include a digital signature (or the setting data may include a digital signature), and the control unit may be programmed to perform a check on the digital signature.

[0031] In particular, the control unit can be programmed to extract (i.e., obtain) a digital signature from the settings file (or from the settings data). The control unit can be programmed to check the digital signature using a public / private key system. Upon a positive result of the digital signature check, the control unit can be programmed to set a characteristic of the plurality of characteristics according to the value of the setting parameter and / or, in particular, to update the setting of a characteristic of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated value.

[0032] The settings file (or update data) may include a timestamp. The timestamp may relate to the time when the settings file or update data was created or sent. The control unit may include a clock and may be programmed to perform a check on the timestamp. For example, the control unit may be programmed to check that the time associated with the timestamp is before a given time before updating a value.

[0033] The setting file or setting data may be encrypted. The control unit may be programmed to decrypt the values ​​before updating them.

[0034] In an example, the audio amplifier includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the audio amplifier and accessible by the memory, and the setting file (or setting data) includes the serial number. The control unit can be programmed to check whether the serial number included in the setting file (or setting data) matches the serial number of the amplifier.

[0035] In particular, the control unit can be programmed to extract the serial number from the setting file or from the setting data to compare it with the serial number of the audio amplifier. If the result is positive, the control unit can be programmed to update the value.

[0036] Thus, digitally protected settings files or settings data (e.g., by digital signature, encryption, time stamp and / or serial number) serve to ensure that the files or data are authentic; this ensures that the audio amplifier uses only the features that are validly defined in the settings file or settings data, and therefore only the features that the user has validly purchased.

[0037] As an alternative or in addition to digitally protecting the settings file or settings data, the settings file and / or settings data may also be received via a protected communication channel.

[0038] In an example, the audio amplifier comprises an NFC data exchange device, and the control unit is programmed to receive setting data via the data exchange device from a mobile device capable of transmitting data via NFC technology.

[0039] The use of NFC technology has the advantage of allowing the setting data to be received even when the amplifier is switched off (or still in its packaging); when the amplifier is next switched on, the values ​​are updated.

[0040] In an embodiment, the audio amplifier includes an internet connection channel, and the control unit is programmed to receive the settings file via the internet connection channel and decrypt the settings file. Preferably, the control unit receives the settings file in encrypted form. The control unit may update the values ​​after receiving the settings file, or it may update the values ​​at a later stage.

[0041] For example, the control unit has a clock and is programmed to set the characteristics permanently or within defined time intervals according to instructions contained in the setting file.For example, the setting data may include a time instruction indicating the time interval during which the setting is valid.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a method for amplifying an audio signal using an audio power amplifier, wherein the audio power amplifier defines a plurality of characteristics related to corresponding capabilities and / or functions of the audio amplifier itself, wherein the audio amplifier can be manufactured according to one or more features described herein. Preferably, the amplifier includes a control unit containing instructions. The instructions include setting parameters. The method includes the steps of setting the plurality of characteristics according to the setting parameter values, performed by the control unit. The method includes the steps of receiving setting data representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setting parameters and updating the settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

[0043] The present disclosure also provides a method for changing a setting of an audio power amplifier, the audio power amplifier defining a plurality of characteristics related to corresponding capabilities and / or functionality of the audio power amplifier itself, wherein the amplifier may be manufactured in accordance with one or more of the features described herein. The amplifier includes a control unit, wherein the control unit includes instructions; the instructions include setting parameters. The method includes the step of transmitting setting data representing updated values ​​of the setting parameters. The setting data is intended to be received and processed by the control unit to update the settings of the characteristics of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

[0044] In an example, the amplifier includes a memory including a settings file configured to be updated by the control unit based on the settings data. The received settings data may include a signature to allow the control unit to perform a check on the digital signature. The received settings data may be encrypted to allow the control unit to decrypt them.

[0045] In one embodiment, the audio amplifier includes a serial number uniquely assigned to the audio amplifier and accessible by the memory, and the settings file includes the serial number to allow the control unit to check that the serial number in the settings file matches the serial number in the amplifier.

[0046] For example, the configuration data can be transferred via NFC technology from a mobile device capable of transferring data via NFC technology to an NFC data exchange device included in the audio amplifier. The configuration data can be transferred via an internet connection channel that is secured and included in the audio amplifier. The configuration data can be transferred via a connection channel between the audio amplifier and a local computer.

[0047] In an example, the method includes the step of a user logging into an authentication platform (e.g., an application on a mobile device, a web platform, or a proprietary software program installed on a local computer). The method may include the step of authenticating the user. The method may include the step of generating, preferably by a remote server, setting data based on the authentication result (i.e., the step of obtaining the setting data from a remote database via the remote server).

[0048] In one example, the method includes the steps of limiting output power from the audio amplifier and / or limiting input current supplied to the audio amplifier based on received setting parameters, performed by the control unit through a safe operating area (SoA) protection system.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method includes a detection step performed by a sensor system. For example, there may be a step of detecting the value of the output current supplied by the audio amplifier, performed by an output current sensor of the sensor system. There may be a step of detecting the value of the output voltage supplied by the audio amplifier, performed by an output voltage sensor. There may be a step of detecting the value of the input current of the audio amplifier, performed by a supply current sensor. The method may include the steps of receiving the value detected by the sensor system at a control unit and checking that the detected value matches a set update value. The method may include the step of controlling the output power and / or output current based on the check that the values ​​match.

[0050] The present invention is based on a modular, parameterizable software structure that determines the capabilities, i.e., features, of an audio amplifier. Specifically, the software embedded in the amplifier is structured using individual processes that can only be run if the user has purchased the features associated with them. These processes can also be parameterized to limit the machine's capabilities. For example, the software limits the output power based on the features purchased by the user (end customer, distributor, reseller). The hardware is sized to provide the maximum capabilities. The output power is limited by the software based on the purchased options. To ensure that the amplifier only uses validly purchased features, digitally signed settings files are used. This way, the amplifier software can check the authenticity of the files and prevent the settings from being loaded if the signature is invalid or if the file has been modified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] This and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figures 1 to 4 shows a mode of connection and data transmission for changing settings of the audio amplifier 1 according to one or more aspects of the present specification;

[0053] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An audio amplifier 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0054] Figure 6 An example of the steps of changing the settings of the audio amplifier 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings denotes an audio power amplifier. The audio power amplifier 1 includes an Ethernet connector 11 to form a channel for connecting to the Internet or a local network. The amplifier 1 includes multiple output channels 12 and multiple input channels 13, defining a multi-channel amplifier 1. The amplifier 1 includes a mains power connector 14 and a section 15 dedicated to powering the audio amplifier 1. The audio amplifier 1 includes an electronic card 16 dedicated to the electronic power circuitry and an electronic card 17 dedicated to the electronic signaling circuitry. The amplifier 1 also includes a control unit 18, a memory 19, an NFC data exchange device 20, and a display 21.

[0056] The control unit 18 includes instructions, including setting parameters, configured to allow the capabilities and functions of the amplifier itself to be defined. In particular, the instructions allow one or more functions of the amplifier 1 to be enabled or disabled, for example, enabling and / or disabling output channels of digital audio transmitted over IP from the amplifier and / or input channels of digital audio transmitted over IP, to define the number of digital output and / or input channels, and to define the encoding type of the digital output and / or input channels (e.g., etc.), enable and / or disable one or more audio signal processing blocks (or algorithms) to limit the number of audio signal processing blocks and / or the sequence of executing audio signal processing blocks, the capacity of signal processing blocks, etc.

[0057] The instructions are further configured to allow setting of one or more capabilities of the amplifier 1 (eg, the maximum power of the audio output signal from the amplifier 1 , the capacity of the signal processing block, etc.).

[0058] The audio amplifier 1 defines a safe operating area (SoA) protection system. With the SoA protection system, the control unit 18 is programmed to limit the output power of each channel of the audio amplifier 1 and to limit the input current to the power unit 14 based on received update data.

[0059] The audio amplifier 1 includes a SoA controller 51 configured to implement a SoA protection system. The SoA controller 51 is programmed to set characteristics of the audio amplifier 1. In particular, the SoA controller 51 is programmed to limit the value of the output power supplied by the audio amplifier 1 and / or to limit the value of the input current supplied to the audio amplifier 1.

[0060] The portion 15 dedicated to power supply comprises a controller 151 of the power unit, connected to the SoA controller 51 in order to communicate therewith and regulate the current absorption on the power unit 14 (based on setting data).

[0061] The electronic card 16 dedicated to the power circuit and the part 15 dedicated to power supply can be located on a shared electronic card 52 (to perform power supply and power amplification functions); the SoA controller 51 can also be located on the shared electronic card 52.

[0062] Audio amplifier 1 includes a sensor system. The sensor system includes an output current sensor 53 and an output voltage sensor 54, which are configured to detect the output current value and output voltage value, respectively, for each channel. Output current sensor 53 and output voltage sensor 54 may be located on electronic card 16 dedicated to the power circuit. Audio amplifier 1 includes a supply current sensor 55, which is configured to detect the value of the supply current and is located on portion 15 dedicated to power supply. The sensor system may include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature value. Control unit 18 is programmed to receive the value detected by the sensor system and to check that the detected value matches the set update value.

[0063] The audio power amplifier 1 allows a user 2 (distributor or end user) to change the settings of the audio amplifier 1 , ie to define the capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier 1 .

[0064] In operation, user 2 enters the credentials required to log into an authentication platform (e.g., an application installed on a mobile device 41, a web platform, or a proprietary software program installed on a local computer 42). Next, user 2 is authenticated by checking credentials stored in a remote server, including a cloud service 31 and an external database 32. Specifically, the remote server may request verification of user 2's credentials by the cloud service 31, where user 2's credentials are stored in the external database 32. Once user 2 has been authenticated by the remote server, user 2 is correctly identified and can purchase capabilities and / or functions of audio amplifier 1. For example, user 2 can select the maximum output power, the number of digital output and / or input channels, and other settings. After user 2 makes their selections, the remote server requests cloud service 31 to check the amplifiers 1 owned by user 2 and, for each amplifier 1 owned by user 2, indicate which settings are available for purchase. When the purchase is complete, the remote server generates setup data (based on the purchased capabilities and / or functions). Preferably, the setup data is contained in a setup file. The setup data represents updated values ​​for setup parameters.

[0065] Generally speaking, the setting data are transferred to the control unit 18, which is programmed to update the settings of the characteristics of the audio amplifier 1 according to the updated values. The setting data (either alone or contained in a setting file) can be transferred to the control unit 18 by different methods.

[0066] One method involves using the NFC data exchange device 20 present on the audio amplifier 1 via a mobile device 21 capable of transferring data using NFC technology. In particular, the user 2 places the mobile device 41 close to the NFC data exchange device 20 in order to transfer the setting data to the amplifier 1.

[0067] In another method, an Internet connection channel of the audio amplifier 1 is used. In this case, the audio amplifier 1 can be connected to a remote server through the Internet connection channel to receive the setting data.

[0068] In another method, a channel connecting the audio amplifier 1 to a local computer 42 is used; the transmission of setting data between the remote server and the amplifier occurs via the local computer 42 in which proprietary software is installed or via a network platform connected to the local computer 42.

[0069] Thus, the user 2 enters credentials to log into the authentication platform and, after being authenticated by the remote server, the remote server retrieves the setting data (previously purchased by the user 2) and transmits them to the audio amplifier 1 ( Figure 6 , step A). ​​The setting data is copied to the memory 19 ( Figure 6 , step B). The control unit 18 performs a check on the digital signature associated with the received setting data ( Figure 6 , step C). If the result of the check is negative, the control unit 18 interrupts the process and does not update the settings of the audio amplifier 1 ( Figure 6 , step G). If the check result is positive, the control unit 18 extracts the serial number ( Figure 6 , step D), and compares it with the serial number uniquely assigned to audio amplifier 1 ( Figure 6 , step E). If the result of the comparison is negative, the control unit 18 interrupts the process and does not update the settings of the audio amplifier 1 ( Figure 6 , step G). If the comparison result is positive, the control unit 18 updates the settings of the audio amplifier 1 ( Figure 6 , step F).

[0070] Table 1 below represents an example of an interaction pattern between the user 2 , the remote server, the cloud service 31 and the external database 32 during the steps of checking options available to the user 2 and purchasing options of the audio amplifier 1 available to the user 2 .

[0071]

[0072] Table 2 below represents an example of interaction patterns between the audio amplifier 1 , the user 2 , the remote server, the cloud service 31 and the external database 32 during the step of the user 2 activating an option purchased by the user 2 via NFC data transmission.

[0073]

Claims

1. An audio power amplifier (1) defining a plurality of characteristics related to the respective capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1) itself, and comprising a control unit (18), said control unit (18) comprising instructions, wherein the instructions include setting parameters, and wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to: - setting a characteristic of the plurality of characteristics according to a setting parameter value; - receiving setting data representing updated values ​​of a plurality of setting parameters, and for updating the settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

2. The audio amplifier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (18) comprises a memory (19) containing a setting file, and The control unit (18) is programmed to update the setting file based on the received setting data.

3. The audio amplifier (1) according to claim 2, wherein the setting file comprises a digital signature, and wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to perform a check on the digital signature.

4. An audio amplifier (1) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a serial number uniquely assigned to the amplifier (1) and accessible by the memory (19), and wherein the settings file includes the serial number, the control unit (18) being programmed to check that the serial number in the settings file matches the serial number of the audio amplifier (1).

5. The audio amplifier (1) according to claim 1 , comprising an NFC data exchange device (20), and wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to receive the setting data via the data exchange device (20) from a mobile device (41) capable of transmitting data via NFC technology.

6. The audio amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an Internet connection channel, wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to receive the setting file in encrypted form via the Internet connection channel and to decrypt the setting file.

7. The audio amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of characteristics comprises one or more items from the following list: - the maximum power of the audio output signal from the amplifier (1); - the number of input channels of digital audio transmitted over IP to the audio amplifier (1); - the number of output channels of digital audio transmitted over IP from the audio amplifier (1); - encryption type for input channels of digital audio transmitted over IP; - encryption type for output channels of digital audio transmitted over IP; - the type of signal processing block of the audio amplifier (1); - the capacity of the signal processing block; - Application functionality, such as playback of audio files.

8. The audio amplifier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) has a clock and is programmed to set the characteristic permanently or within defined time intervals according to instructions contained in the setting file.

9. The audio amplifier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions are designed to enable or disable one or more of the plurality of characteristics, or to set the magnitude of one or more of the plurality of characteristics, based on the setting data.

10. The audio amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a safe operating area (SoA) protection system, wherein the control unit 18 is programmed by the SoA protection system to limit the output power supplied by the audio amplifier (1) and to limit the input current supplied to the audio amplifier based on the received setting parameters.

11. The audio amplifier (1) according to claim 10, comprising a sensor system comprising at least one of the following elements: an output current sensor (53) configured to detect a value of an output current supplied by the audio amplifier; an output voltage sensor (54) configured to detect a value of an output voltage supplied by the audio amplifier (1); a supply current sensor (55) configured to detect a value of an input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1), in, The control unit (18) is programmed to receive the value detected by the sensor system and to check that the detected value matches the set update value.

12. A method for amplifying an audio signal by means of an audio power amplifier (1), said audio amplifier (1) defining a plurality of characteristics related to corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1) itself and comprising a control unit (18), said control unit (18) comprising instructions, Wherein the instructions include setting parameters, the method comprises the following steps performed by the control unit (18): - setting the plurality of characteristics according to setting parameter values; - receiving setting data representing updated values ​​for a plurality of setting parameters, and updating the settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

13. A method for changing settings of an audio amplifier (1), said audio amplifier (1) defining a plurality of characteristics related to corresponding capabilities and functions of said audio amplifier (1) itself and comprising a control unit (18), said control unit (18) comprising instructions, Wherein said instructions comprise setting parameters, said method comprising the step of transmitting setting data representing updated values ​​of said setting parameters, said setting data being intended to be received and processed by said control unit (18) to update said settings of said plurality of characteristics according to said updated values.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the audio amplifier (1) comprises a memory (19), the memory (19) comprising a setting file, the setting file being configured to be updated by the control unit (18) based on the setting data, wherein at least one of the following conditions is true: i) the received setting data includes a signature, allowing the control unit (18) to perform a check on the digital signature; ii) The received setting data are encrypted to allow the control unit (18) to decrypt them.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the audio amplifier (1) comprises a serial number uniquely assigned to the amplifier (1) and accessible by the memory (19), and wherein the settings file comprises the serial number so as to allow the control unit (18) to check that the serial number in the settings file matches the serial number of the audio amplifier (1).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein At least one of the following conditions is true: i) the setting data is transmitted from a mobile device (41) capable of transmitting data via NFC technology to an NFC data exchange device (20) included in the audio amplifier (1) via NFC technology; ii) the setting data is transmitted via an internet connection channel, wherein the internet connection channel is protected and included in the audio amplifier (1); iii) The setting data is transmitted via a connection channel between the audio amplifier (1) and a local computer (42).

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising the steps of: - User (2) logs in to the authentication platform; - authenticating the user (2); - Based on the result of the verification, generating the setting data via the server.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, comprising the following steps performed by the control unit (18) via a safe operating area (SoA) protection system: Based on the received setting parameters, - limiting the output power supplied by the audio amplifier (1), and - limiting the input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1).

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising the following steps performed by the sensor system: detecting the value of the output current supplied by the audio amplifier (1) via an output current sensor (53) of the sensor system, detecting the value of the output voltage supplied by the audio amplifier (1) via an output voltage sensor (54), detecting the value of the input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1) via a supply current sensor (55), The method comprises the steps of receiving at the control unit (18) a value detected by the sensor system and checking that the detected value matches a set update value.

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