Devices, control methods, and wearable devices for reducing power consumption in loudspeaker systems

Abstract

An apparatus for reducing power consumption in a speaker system includes a voltage output module and a signal generation module. The voltage output module is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module. The signal generation module is configured to generate a feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module. This allows the power amplifier supply voltage to be converted into a follower supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module, or the follower supply voltage to be restored to the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module. Simultaneously, the follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage. A control method and a wearable device are also disclosed. This invention can automatically adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module in advance according to the audio signal amplitude, reducing system losses and extending battery life by using envelope tracking while ensuring audio signal transmission quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electronic equipment technology, and particularly relates to a device, control method and wearable device for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system. Background Technology

[0002] On the one hand, wearable devices typically need to be worn for extended periods to collect the necessary data, so they must be small, comfortable, and as lightweight as possible. Therefore, the battery integrated into the wearable device must be as small as possible. On the other hand, battery life is one of the main considerations for consumers when purchasing battery-powered electronic devices; therefore, high battery capacity is also crucial for wearable devices. Meeting both requirements simultaneously places higher demands on battery design, and product engineers typically choose high-energy-density, smaller, and lighter batteries to provide longer operating times.

[0003] At the application level, existing technologies also provide various ways to extend the usage time of wearable devices. For example, Chinese invention patent (publication number: CN104822110B) discloses a multi-audio channel switching control circuit and an audio device, which specifically discloses: "When an externally input audio signal is detected and the first power supply has sufficient power, only the first power supply powers the system, and the signal processing unit can process the externally input audio, so the audio signal output to the left speaker unit and the right speaker unit has a very good effect; when an externally input audio signal is detected and the voltage of the first power supply is lower than the threshold, the externally input audio signal is switched through the dual-channel audio interface switching control circuit, the second power supply powers the switching control circuit, and then directly outputs to the left speaker unit and the right speaker unit. At this time, only a signal for the switching transistor to be turned on is needed, the power consumption is very low, and the usage time of the device is extended when the first power supply, i.e., the main power supply, is insufficient."

[0004] While the method disclosed in the prior art can extend the device's usage time when the first power source, i.e. the main power source, is insufficient, the device itself needs to have both a first power source and a second power source built in, which is not conducive to reducing the size and weight of the product.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the challenge of balancing a compact and comfortable overall design with battery life in wearable devices, the first aspect of this invention designs and provides a device for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system, optimizing the system power consumption of the built-in speaker in a wearable device, extending battery life, and improving the user experience.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system includes a voltage output module and a signal generation module; wherein the voltage output module is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module, and the signal generation module is configured to generate a feedback signal corresponding to the amplitude of the audio signal and output it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into a follower supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module, or the follower supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module; at the same time, the follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the signal generation module is configured to generate a first feedback signal corresponding to the lower threshold based on the lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier power supply voltage is converted into a follower power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module; or generate a second feedback signal corresponding to the upper threshold based on the upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module so that the follower power supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the voltage output module includes a voltage conversion chip. The voltage conversion chip includes an input pin, a switch pin, an output pin, and a feedback pin; the input pin is configured to connect to the output terminal of a power management chip, the switch pin is configured to connect to the input terminal of a power supply branch, the output terminal of the power supply branch is connected to a power amplifier module, the output pin is configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch, one feedback pin is connected to the first terminal of a first resistor, and the other feedback pin is connected to the first terminal of a second resistor; the second terminal of the first resistor is connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the second terminal of the second resistor is grounded.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the signal generation module includes a switching element and a voltage divider resistor; the control terminal of the switching element is configured to receive a first switching signal generated according to a lower threshold value of the audio signal amplitude, or to receive a second switching signal generated according to an upper threshold value of the audio signal amplitude; the first terminal of the switching path of the switching element is grounded; the first terminal of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the second terminal of the switching path, and the second terminal of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the first terminal of the first resistor and the first terminal of the second resistor respectively; wherein, when the control terminal of the switching element receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned off, and the voltage output module receives a first feedback signal to convert the power amplifier supply voltage into a follower supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module; when the control terminal of the switching element receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned on, and the voltage output module receives a second feedback signal to restore the follower supply voltage to the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the voltage conversion chip is provided with an error amplifier, and a reference voltage signal is input to one of the input terminals of the error amplifier;

[0012] The power amplifier supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0013]

[0014] The supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0015]

[0016] in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor. This represents the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system, comprising the following steps: driving a voltage output module to operate, the voltage output module being configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module; generating a feedback signal corresponding to the amplitude of the audio signal based on the amplitude of the audio signal and outputting it to the voltage output module; the voltage output module, based on the received feedback signal, converting the power amplifier supply voltage into a follower supply voltage and supplying power to the power amplifier module, or converting the follower supply voltage back to the power amplifier supply voltage and supplying power to the power amplifier module, wherein the follower supply voltage is lower than the power amplifier supply voltage.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, generating a feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal amplitude based on the audio signal amplitude and outputting it to the voltage output module includes: generating a first feedback signal corresponding to the lower threshold based on the lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude and outputting it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier power supply voltage is converted into a follower power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module; or generating a second feedback signal corresponding to the upper threshold based on the upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude and outputting it to the voltage output module so that the follower power supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the voltage output module includes: a voltage conversion chip, the voltage conversion chip including: an input pin configured to connect to the output terminal of a power management chip; a switch pin configured to connect to the input terminal of a power supply branch, the output terminal of the power supply branch being connected to a power amplifier module; an output pin configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch; and a feedback pin, one path of the feedback pin being connected to a first terminal of a first resistor, and the other path being connected to a first terminal of a second resistor; the second terminal of the first resistor being connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the second terminal of the second resistor being grounded;

[0020] The signal generation module includes: a switching element, the control terminal of which is configured to receive a first switching signal generated according to a lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude, or to receive a second switching signal generated according to an upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude; a first terminal of the switching path of the switching element is grounded; and a voltage divider resistor, the first terminal of which is connected to the second terminal of the switching path, and the second terminal of which is connected to the first terminal of the first resistor and the first terminal of the second resistor, respectively.

[0021] Specifically, when the control terminal of the switching element receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned off, and the voltage output module receives the first feedback signal so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into the follower supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module; when the control terminal of the switching element receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned on, and the voltage output module receives the second feedback signal so that the follower supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the voltage conversion chip is provided with an error amplifier, and a reference voltage signal is input to one of the input terminals of the error amplifier;

[0023] The power amplifier supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0024]

[0025] The supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0026]

[0027] in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor. This represents the resistance value of the third resistor. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides a wearable device, including means for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system. The means for reducing the power consumption of the speaker system includes a voltage output module and a signal generation module. The voltage output module is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module. The signal generation module is configured to generate a feedback signal corresponding to the amplitude of the audio signal and output it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into a follower supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module, or the follower supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module. At the same time, the follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0030] This invention can automatically adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module in advance according to the amplitude of the audio signal. When the amplitude of the audio signal is high, it automatically switches to a higher power amplifier power supply voltage, and when the amplitude of the audio signal is low, it automatically switches to a lower follower power supply voltage. Under the premise of ensuring the quality of audio signal transmission, it uses envelope tracking to reduce system loss and extend battery life.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram illustrating the principle of the device for reducing power consumption in a loudspeaker system provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of the device for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 The system power consumption test data is for a system without the power consumption reduction device for the speaker system provided by this invention.

[0036] Figure 4 The diagram shows the system power consumption test results when using the device for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system provided by this invention.

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for reducing power consumption in a loudspeaker system provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the principle of the device for reducing power consumption in a speaker system provided by the present invention. As part of an audio system, it enables audio playback from the speaker. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, the core of the entire audio system is the main control chip 18. The main control chip 18 is configured to process digital audio signals. The main control chip 18 includes a processor. The processor can be a dedicated processor, a central processing unit (CPU), etc. The processor can access memory to execute instructions stored in the memory to perform related functions, such as transmitting audio data with other digital audio devices according to the integrated circuit built-in audio bus protocol (Inter-IC Sound, I2S). The memory can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0041] The audio system also includes a power amplifier module 12. The signal input terminals IN (including the left and right channels) of the power amplifier module 12 are coupled to the main control chip 18 (i.e., connected to the corresponding ports of the main control chip 18). The power amplifier module 12 includes a power amplifier (not shown in the figure), which can be of various known types, such as a Class D power amplifier. The output of the power amplifier can be connected to the speaker 14 to play sound externally in operation. The power amplifier module 12 may also include necessary digital-to-analog conversion circuitry. This circuitry can be a design or integrated chip commonly used in the prior art, and is not the focus of this invention; therefore, it will not be described in detail here.

[0042] To ensure the stable operation of the power amplifier module 12, in some specific embodiments of the present invention, the power amplifier module 12 is powered by a voltage output module 10. The voltage output module 10 is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power module into the power amplifier supply voltage Vout and supply power to the power amplifier module 12. The power supply voltage Vcc is provided by a power management chip 20 coupled to the battery 22. The power amplifier supply voltage is directly related to audio quality and system power consumption. If the power amplifier supply voltage is too low, the audio signal is prone to distortion when the peak power is high, affecting sound quality. Conversely, if the power amplifier supply voltage is too high, excessive losses will occur when the peak power is low. The purpose of this invention is to achieve a balance between audio quality and system power consumption by automatically adjusting the voltage in advance according to the audio signal amplitude, thereby controlling the speaker system power consumption at a low level.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 1The device for reducing the power consumption of the speaker system also includes a signal generation module 16. The signal generation module 16 is configured to generate a feedback signal ET_Ctrl corresponding to the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module 10. This allows the power amplifier supply voltage to be converted into a follower supply voltage to power the power amplifier module 12, or the follower supply voltage to be restored to the power amplifier supply voltage to power the power amplifier module 12. The follower supply voltage is lower than the power amplifier supply voltage. In other words, the device for reducing the power consumption of the speaker system provided by this invention can automatically adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module 10 in advance according to the audio signal amplitude. When the audio signal amplitude is high, it automatically switches to a higher power amplifier supply voltage; when the audio signal amplitude is low, it automatically switches to a lower follower supply voltage. This reduces system losses and extends the battery life of the 22 by using envelope tracking while ensuring the audio signal transmission quality.

[0044] Optionally, the audio signal amplitude can be generated by the main control chip 18. That is, after the main control chip 18 analyzes the audio signal and generates a PWM signal, it can obtain the current timing of the audio signal output based on the clock signal. The signal generation module 16 is configured to generate a first feedback signal corresponding to the lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module 10 so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted to the follower supply voltage to power the power amplifier module 12; alternatively, the signal generation module 16 can also be configured to generate a second feedback signal corresponding to the upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module 10 so that the follower supply voltage recovers to the power amplifier supply voltage and powers the power amplifier module 12. In this way, when the generated audio signal amplitude reaches the upper threshold, the power amplifier supply voltage is switched to a higher value; when the audio signal amplitude reaches the lower threshold, the power amplifier supply voltage is switched to a lower value. Under light load conditions, this effectively reduces system power consumption. The upper and lower thresholds of the audio signal amplitude are the high and low levels of the analyzed PWM audio signal, respectively. In an optional implementation, the audio signal can be input as one input signal to the comparator circuit, and a reference signal can be input to the other input terminal of the comparator circuit. When the amplitude of the audio signal is higher than the reference signal, there is an output signal corresponding to the upper limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude; or, correspondingly, when the amplitude of the audio signal is lower than the reference signal, there is an output signal corresponding to the lower limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude.

[0045] Figure 2 This is an optional circuit diagram for the voltage output module 10 and the signal generation module 16. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the voltage output module 10 includes a voltage conversion chip U1. The voltage conversion chip U1 has at least an input pin VIN, switch pins (SW, SW1), an output pin OUT, and a feedback pin FB. In an optional embodiment, the voltage conversion chip U1 is a DC-DC regulator chip with an integrated error amplifier, one input terminal of which receives a reference voltage signal. The specific value of the reference voltage signal is related to the chip signal and is one of the known parameters of the chip itself. More specifically, the voltage conversion chip U1 can be selected from chips such as the MP2145 voltage conversion chip U1 manufactured by MPS or other similar regulator chips; wherein the input pin VIN is configured to connect to the output terminal of the power management chip 20, and the switch pins (SW, SW1) are configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch through an inductor L1. Internally, the switch pins (SW, SW1) are connected to the internal high-side power switch and low-side power switch. The output pin OUT is configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch. The output terminal of the power supply branch is connected to the power amplifier module 12, configured to provide the power amplifier module 12 with a power supply voltage or a follower power supply voltage. The feedback pin FB is connected to the first terminal of the first resistor RA on one side and to the first terminal of the second resistor RB on the other side. The second terminal of the first resistor RA is connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the second terminal of the second resistor RB is grounded.

[0046] Corresponding to the voltage output module 10, in some embodiments of the present invention, the signal generation module 16 includes a switching element Q1 and a voltage divider resistor RC. The switching element Q1 is preferably a switching transistor, such as a MOSFET. The control terminal of the switching element Q1 is configured to receive a first switching signal generated based on a lower threshold value of the analyzed audio signal amplitude, or correspondingly, to receive a second switching signal generated based on an upper threshold value of the analyzed audio signal amplitude. The first terminal of the switching path of the switching element Q1 is grounded. The first terminal of the voltage divider resistor RC is connected to the second terminal of the switching path, with one path of the second terminal of the voltage divider resistor RC connected to the first terminal of the first resistor RA and the other path connected to the first terminal of the second resistor RB.

[0047] When the control terminal of the switching element Q1 receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element Q1 is turned off, the circuit of the voltage divider resistor RC is disconnected, the resistance value of the multiple resistors connected to the feedback pin FB changes, and the voltage output module 10 receives the first feedback signal so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into the following supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module 12.

[0048] When the control terminal of the switching element Q1 receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element Q1 is turned on, the circuit where the voltage divider resistor RC is located is turned on, the resistance value of the multiple resistors connected to the feedback pin FB changes, and the voltage output module 10 receives the second feedback signal so that the power supply voltage is restored to the power supply voltage and the power amplifier module 12 is powered.

[0049] By default, the switching path of the switching element Q1 is turned on, and the voltage output module 10 supplies power to the power amplifier module 12 with the power amplifier power supply voltage.

[0050] The control terminal of the switching element Q1 is configured to be coupled to one GPIO interface of the main control chip 18. In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip 18 can be Qualcomm's SXR2150P, which has multiple modulation methods.

[0051] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, for example as Figure 2 The power amplifier supply voltage for the circuit shown can be expressed by the following formula:

[0052]

[0053] The supply voltage can be expressed by the following formula:

[0054]

[0055] in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor, RA. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor RB. This represents the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor RC. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

[0056] set up It is 200KΩ. It is 62KΩ. It is 69KΩ, which can be calculated according to the above formula. Approximately 4.3V, Approximately 2.54V. According to the power equivalence formula, when the voltage received by the voltage output module 10 decreases, the system power consumption of the speaker 14 decreases accordingly. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The test results show that, under the traditional control method, the median power consumption P1 of the speaker system when playing the same audio signal is 0.7W. However, after using the power consumption reduction device provided by this invention, the median power consumption P2 of the speaker 14 when playing the same audio signal is 0.35W, a reduction of 50%. Using a song as the audio signal for power consumption testing, under the traditional control method, the speaker system power consumption is 184W when playing the audio signal. However, after using the power consumption reduction device provided by this invention, the speaker system power consumption is 155W when playing the same audio signal, a reduction of 1 / 6. The power consumption reduction device provided by this invention can effectively reduce the power consumption of the speaker system, increase the battery life 22, and improve the user experience.

[0057] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for reducing power consumption in a loudspeaker system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method for reducing the power consumption of a loudspeaker system consists of several steps as illustrated in the figure.

[0058] Step S11: Drive the voltage output module to work.

[0059] Specifically, the voltage output module is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power module into the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module.

[0060] In this embodiment, the core of the voltage output module is a voltage conversion chip U1. The voltage conversion chip U1 has at least an input pin VIN, switching pins (SW, SW1), an output pin OUT, and a feedback pin FB. For example, the voltage conversion chip U1 is a DC-DC regulator chip with an integrated error amplifier. Inside the voltage conversion chip U1, a reference voltage signal is input to one input terminal of the error amplifier. The specific value of the reference voltage signal is related to the chip signal and is one of the known parameters of the chip itself. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, the voltage conversion chip U1 can be selected from chips such as the MP2145 voltage conversion chip U1 manufactured by MPS or other similar regulator chips.

[0061] See Figure 2 As shown, taking MP2145 as the voltage conversion chip U1 as an example, the power supply voltage is provided by the power management chip coupled to the battery. The input pin VIN of the voltage conversion chip U1 is configured to connect to the output terminal of the power management chip, the switch pins (SW, SW1) are configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch through an inductor, the output pin OUT is configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the feedback pin FB is connected to the first terminal of the first resistor RA on one side and to the first terminal of the second resistor RB on the other side. The second terminal of the first resistor RA is connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the second terminal of the second resistor RB is grounded. Inside the chip, the switch pins (SW, SW1) are connected to the internal high-side power switch and low-side power switch, while the output terminal of the power supply branch is connected to the power amplifier module.

[0062] By default, the voltage output module supplies power to the power supply module using the power amplifier's power supply voltage.

[0063] The power amplifier module includes a power amplifier, which can be of various known types, such as a Class D power amplifier. The output of the power amplifier can be connected to a speaker to play sound when in operation. The power amplifier module may also include necessary digital-to-analog (DAC) circuitry. This DAC circuitry can utilize designs or integrated chips commonly found in the prior art. The circuit design and operating principle of the DAC circuitry are not the focus of this invention and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0064] Step S12: Generate a feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal amplitude based on the audio signal amplitude and output it to the voltage output module.

[0065] The audio signal amplitude is generated by the main control chip. That is, after the main control chip analyzes the audio signal and generates a PWM signal, it can obtain the current timing output audio signal amplitude based on the clock signal. The main control chip is configured to process digital audio signals. The main control chip includes a processor, which can access memory units to execute instructions stored in the memory units to implement related functions, such as according to the integrated circuit built-in audio bus protocol (Inter-IC Sound, I...). 2 S) Transmits audio data and signals with other digital audio devices. The processor can be a dedicated processor or a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory.

[0066] The feedback signal is set to follow the amplitude of the audio signal and correspond to the amplitude of the audio signal.

[0067] Step S13: The voltage output module converts the power amplifier supply voltage into a follower supply voltage based on the received feedback signal and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0068] Step S14: Alternatively, the voltage output module restores the power supply voltage to the power amplifier module based on the received feedback signal.

[0069] In steps S13 and S14, the follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage.

[0070] That is, through such Figure 5 The method shown for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system can automatically adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module in advance according to the amplitude of the audio signal. When the amplitude of the audio signal is high, it automatically switches to a higher power amplifier supply voltage; when the amplitude of the audio signal is low, it automatically switches to a lower follower supply voltage. Under the premise of ensuring the quality of audio signal transmission, it uses envelope tracking to reduce system losses and extend battery life.

[0071] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the feedback signal may be generated by a software algorithm.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the feedback signal is preferably generated by hardware circuitry.

[0073] In the implementation where the feedback signal is generated by hardware circuitry, step S12, namely generating a feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal amplitude and outputting it to the voltage output module, further includes:

[0074] The first feedback signal corresponding to the lower limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude is generated and output to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier power supply voltage is converted into the follower power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0075] Correspondingly, this also includes: generating a second feedback signal corresponding to the upper limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude and outputting it to the voltage output module so that the power supply voltage is restored to power supply voltage and power the power amplifier module.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the first feedback signal and the second feedback signal are generated by the signal generation module.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the signal generation module includes a switching element Q1 and a voltage divider resistor RC. The switching element Q1 is preferably a switching transistor, such as an N-channel MOSFET. The control terminal of the switching element Q1 (e.g., Figure 2 The gate of the switching element Q1 is configured to receive a first switching signal generated based on a lower threshold of the analyzed audio signal amplitude, or correspondingly, to receive a second switching signal generated based on an upper threshold of the analyzed audio signal amplitude. The first terminal of the switching path of the switching element Q1 is grounded (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (Source in the circuit), while the first terminal of the voltage divider resistor RC is connected to the second terminal of the switching path (e.g., the source of the circuit). Figure 2 (The drain in the circuit), the second end of the voltage divider resistor RC is connected to the first end of the first resistor RA in one path and to the first end of the second resistor RB in the other path.

[0078] When the control terminal of the switching element Q1 receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element Q1 is turned off, the circuit of the voltage divider resistor RC is disconnected, the resistance values ​​of the multiple resistors connected to the feedback pin FB change, and the voltage conversion chip U1 receives the first feedback signal so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into the follower supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module.

[0079] When the control terminal of the switching element Q1 receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element Q1 is turned on, the circuit where the voltage divider resistor RC is located is turned on, the resistance value of the multiple resistors connected to the feedback pin FB changes, and the voltage conversion chip U1 receives the second feedback signal so that the power supply voltage is restored to the power supply voltage and the power amplifier module is powered.

[0080] The first and second switching signals follow the amplitude of the analyzed audio signal, i.e., they are output to the control terminal of the coupled switching element Q1 through one GPIO interface of the main control chip. Specifically, the main control chip generates and outputs a first switching signal corresponding to the lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude to the control terminal of the switching element Q1, or generates and outputs a second switching signal corresponding to the upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude to the control terminal of the switching element Q1. The signal generation module further generates a first feedback signal corresponding to the lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude and outputs it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into a following supply voltage to power the power amplifier module, or the signal generation module further generates a second feedback signal corresponding to the upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude and outputs it to the voltage output module so that the following supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier supply voltage to power the power amplifier module. The upper and lower thresholds of the audio signal amplitude are the high and low levels of the analyzed PWM audio signal, respectively. In an optional implementation, the audio signal can be input as one input signal to the comparator circuit, and a reference signal can be input to the other input terminal of the comparator circuit. When the amplitude of the audio signal is higher than that of the reference signal, there is an output signal corresponding to the upper limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude; or, correspondingly, when the amplitude of the audio signal is lower than that of the reference signal, there is an output signal corresponding to the lower limit threshold of the audio signal amplitude. The reference signal can be set according to the actual audio signal.

[0081] The power amplifier supply voltage and the follower supply voltage are related to the reference voltage signal of the error amplifier in the voltage conversion chip U1.

[0082] The power amplifier supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0083]

[0084] The supply voltage is expressed by the following formula:

[0085]

[0086] in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor, RA. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor RB. This represents the resistance value of the third resistor. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

[0087] A third aspect of the present invention provides a wearable device, which includes means for reducing the power consumption of a speaker system. The means for reducing the power consumption of the speaker system are described in detail in the above embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, and will not be repeated here. The wearable device equipped with the means for reducing the power consumption of the speaker system can achieve the same function. Wearable devices include, but are not limited to, smartwatches, smart wristbands, smart rings, smart ankle bracelets, smart glasses, smart helmets, smart headbands, and smart clothing.

[0088] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for reducing power consumption in a loudspeaker system, characterized in that, Used in wearable devices to enable audio playback from speakers; It includes: The main control chip is configured to process digital audio signals and is coupled to the signal input terminal of the power amplifier module; the power amplifier module includes a Class D power amplifier. A voltage output module, configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module, comprising: A voltage conversion chip, wherein the feedback pin of the voltage conversion chip is connected to the first terminal of a first resistor on one side and to the first terminal of a second resistor on the other side; the second terminal of the first resistor is connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, the second terminal of the second resistor is grounded, and the output terminal of the power supply branch is connected to the power amplifier module, configured to provide power supply voltage or follow the power supply voltage to the power amplifier module; and A signal generation module is configured to generate a feedback signal corresponding to the amplitude of an audio signal, and output it to the voltage output module so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into a follower supply voltage to power the power amplifier module, or the follower supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier supply voltage to power the power amplifier module. The follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage. The audio signal amplitude is generated by the main control chip. After parsing the audio signal and generating a PWM signal, the main control chip obtains the current timing output amplitude of the audio signal based on a clock signal, which includes: A switching element, wherein the control terminal of the switching element is configured to receive a first switching signal generated based on a lower threshold value of the audio signal amplitude, or to receive a second switching signal generated based on an upper threshold value of the audio signal amplitude; a first terminal of the switching path of the switching element is grounded; and A voltage divider resistor, wherein the first end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the second end of the switching path, and the second end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the first end of the first resistor and the first end of the second resistor respectively. When the control terminal of the switching element receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned off, the circuit where the voltage divider resistor is located is disconnected, and the voltage output module receives the first feedback signal so that the power amplifier supply voltage is converted into a following supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module. When the control terminal of the switching element receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned on, the circuit where the voltage divider resistor is located is turned on, and the voltage output module receives the second feedback signal so that the following power supply voltage is restored to the power amplifier power supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module. Among them, the upper and lower threshold values ​​of the audio signal amplitude are the high and low levels of the parsed PWM audio signal, respectively.

2. The apparatus for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion chip further includes: An input pin, configured to connect to the output of a power management chip; A switch pin, configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch; An output pin, configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch.

3. The apparatus for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The voltage conversion chip is equipped with an error amplifier, and one input terminal of the error amplifier receives a reference voltage signal. The power amplifier supply voltage is expressed by the following formula: ； The following power supply voltage is expressed by the following formula: ； in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor. This represents the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

4. A method for reducing the power consumption of a loudspeaker system, characterized in that, For use in wearable devices to enable audio playback via a speaker, the method includes the following steps: The voltage output module is configured to convert the power supply voltage output by the power supply module into a power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module. The voltage output module includes a voltage conversion chip, whose feedback pin is connected to the first terminal of a first resistor and the first terminal of a second resistor. The second terminal of the first resistor is connected to the input terminal of the power supply branch, and the second terminal of the second resistor is grounded. The output terminal of the power supply branch is connected to the power amplifier module, configured to provide a power supply voltage or follow the power supply voltage to the power amplifier module. A feedback signal corresponding to the audio signal amplitude is generated based on the audio signal amplitude and output to the voltage output module; the audio signal amplitude is generated by the main control chip; the main control chip is configured to process digital audio signals and is coupled to the signal input terminal of the power amplifier module; the power amplifier module includes a Class D power amplifier; after the main control chip analyzes the audio signal and generates a PWM signal, it obtains the current timing output amplitude of the audio signal based on the clock signal; The voltage output module converts the power amplifier supply voltage into a follower supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module based on the received feedback signal, or restores the follower supply voltage to the power amplifier supply voltage and supplies power to the power amplifier module. Wherein, the follower supply voltage is less than the power amplifier supply voltage. The feedback signal is generated by a signal generation module, which includes: a switching element, the control terminal of which is configured to receive a first switching signal generated based on a lower threshold of the audio signal amplitude, or to receive a second switching signal generated based on an upper threshold of the audio signal amplitude; the first terminal of the switching path of the switching element is grounded; and A voltage divider resistor, wherein the first end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the second end of the switching path, and the second end of the voltage divider resistor is connected to the first end of the first resistor and the first end of the second resistor respectively. Specifically, when the control terminal of the switching element receives the first switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned off, and the voltage output module receives the first feedback signal to convert the power amplifier supply voltage into a follower supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module; when the control terminal of the switching element receives the second switching signal, the switching path of the switching element is turned on, and the voltage output module receives the second feedback signal to restore the follower supply voltage to the power amplifier supply voltage and supply power to the power amplifier module; wherein, the upper and lower threshold values ​​of the audio signal amplitude are respectively the high and low levels of the parsed PWM audio signal.

5. The method for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage output module also includes: Voltage conversion chip, the voltage conversion chip comprising: Input pins, configured to connect to the output of a power management chip; and A switch pin, configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch; An output pin, configured to connect to the input terminal of the power supply branch.

6. The method for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The voltage conversion chip is equipped with an error amplifier, and one input terminal of the error amplifier receives a reference voltage signal. The power amplifier supply voltage is expressed by the following formula: ； The following power supply voltage is expressed by the following formula: ； in, This represents the resistance value of the first resistor. This represents the resistance value of the second resistor. This represents the resistance value of the third resistor. This represents the reference voltage of the error amplifier.

7. A wearable device, characterized in that, Includes the means for reducing power consumption of a loudspeaker system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images