System and method of digital-to-analog conversion by means of piezoelectric excitation of a phonograph cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for digital-mechanical-to-analog conversion of audio signals that utilizes a phono cartridge (1), a stylus (2), a contact receptacle (3), one or more piezoelectric actuators (4), a mechanical support platform (5), a digital audio input module (6), a digital processing unit (7), piezoelectric drivers (8), a phono preamplifier (9), position sensors (10), a force sensor (11), and an analog output (12). The digital processing unit (7) generates control signals that are applied, via the piezoelectric drivers (8), to the piezoelectric actuators (4).The essential mechanical principle consists of generating, by means of said piezoelectric actuators (4), a controlled relative movement between the contact receptacle (3) and the stylus (2) of the phonograph cartridge (1), such that said relative movement causes the generation of an analog electrical signal in the phonograph cartridge (1). The phonograph cartridge (1) may correspond to a moving magnet cartridge or a moving coil cartridge, without altering the mechanical principle of transduction.The present invention relates to a system and method for digital-mechanical-to-analog conversion of audio signals that utilizes a phono cartridge (1), a stylus (2), a contact receptacle (3), one or more piezoelectric actuators (4), a mechanical support platform (5), a digital audio input module (6), a digital processing unit (7), piezoelectric drivers (8), a phono preamplifier (9), position sensors (10), a force sensor (11), and an analog output (12). The digital processing unit (7) generates control signals that are applied, via the piezoelectric drivers (8), to the piezoelectric actuators (4).The essential mechanical principle consists of generating, by means of said piezoelectric actuators (4), a controlled relative movement between the contact receptacle (3) and the stylus (2) of the phonograph cartridge (1), such that said relative movement causes the generation of an analog electrical signal in the phonograph cartridge (1). The phonograph cartridge (1) may correspond to a moving magnet cartridge or a moving coil cartridge, without altering the mechanical principle of transduction.