Vehicle audio amplifier with detachable control panel

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile sound equipment, in particular to an audio amplifier with a detachable control panel. The technical result is that versatility and technical feasibility are achieved, economical efficiency is remarkably improved, and maintainability is improved at the same time. The vehicle-mounted audio frequency amplifier adopts a split type structural design and is composed of two separable modules, namely an amplification module and a detachable control panel. The detachable control panel can be of a pure analog type or an analog-digital mixed type. The removable panel includes an input module for receiving an external audio signal, and an output module for transmitting a signal to an amplification module. The amplification module comprises an input module used for receiving an audio signal of the control panel, a one-stage or multi-stage low-frequency amplification circuit, a DC / DC voltage converter and a power supply. The claims comprise two independent claims and 15 subordinate claims, and four figures are shown.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive audio equipment technology, and more specifically, to an audio amplifier with a detachable control panel. Background Technology

[0002] Current in-vehicle infotainment systems suffer from numerous problems, resulting in a poor user experience for drivers and other users. These problems include system complexity and poor compatibility between systems in different vehicle models.

[0003] The closest prior art to this invention is the in-vehicle audio system with a multi-channel audio power amplifier described in Russian Patent RU 217824U1 (publication date: April 20, 2023). This known solution includes an audio source module equipped with a multi-channel DSP audio signal processor; and a multi-channel audio power amplifier module housed within an external casing. This amplifier module includes first, second, third, and fourth groups of Class D stereo amplifiers, having a total of eight output amplification channels, each designed for connection to an external speaker unit. The DSP processor is configured to generate first, second, third, and fourth audio signals, which are fed to the inputs of the first, second, third, and fourth groups of Class D stereo amplifiers, respectively; each group of Class D stereo amplifiers corresponds to a pair of output amplification channels, and the two output amplification channels in each pair have identical electrical characteristics.

[0004] Because different models of amplifiers and control panels require specific equipment configurations, existing technical solutions lack universality and are difficult to adapt to different equipment module layouts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a standardized and unified equipment structure design scheme.

[0006] The modular construction principle, employing both system and interface modules, ensures the standardization and uniformity of the equipment structure. This design allows for flexible adaptation to various control panels and amplification modules, and by selecting different interface module configurations, it is suitable for developing and manufacturing a series of vehicle audio amplifier products with diverse interface combinations. Furthermore, when a component of the equipment fails, the faulty part can be directly replaced without disassembling the entire device.

[0007] The technical benefits lie in achieving versatility, technical feasibility, and significantly improving economic efficiency, while also enhancing maintainability.

[0008] In a first embodiment, the technical effect is achieved through the following structure: a vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel includes a detachable analog panel and an amplification module. The detachable analog panel includes an input module, at least one matched operational amplifier, and an output module. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving analog signals from an audio signal source. The output module includes at least one output terminal for transmitting signals to the amplification module. Each input terminal in the input module has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of a corresponding matched operational amplifier, and the output terminals of each matched operational amplifier are respectively connected to the input terminals of corresponding output terminals in the output module. The amplification module includes an input module, at least one stage of low-frequency amplifier circuit, a DC / DC voltage converter, and a power supply module. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving signals from the detachable analog panel. Each input terminal in the input module has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of a corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit are respectively connected to the corresponding input terminals of the DC / DC voltage converter.

[0009] In a particular embodiment, the output of the DC / DC voltage converter of the amplification module is connected to the input of a corresponding external audio source.

[0010] In another specific implementation, the signal at the output of the DC / DC voltage converter of the amplification module is transmitted to an external auxiliary device.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the technical effect is achieved through the following structure: a vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel includes a detachable analog-to-digital panel and an amplification module. The detachable analog-to-digital panel includes an input module, a digital signal processor (DSP), and an output module. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving an analog-to-digital mixed signal from an audio signal source. The DSP includes at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal. The output module includes at least one audio output terminal for transmitting audio signals to the amplification module. Each input terminal in the input module has its output terminal connected to a corresponding input terminal of the DSP, and each output terminal of the DSP is connected to a corresponding audio output terminal in the output module. The amplification module includes an input module, at least one low-frequency amplifier circuit, a DC / DC voltage converter, and a power supply module. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving signals from the detachable analog-to-digital panel. Each input terminal in the input module has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of a corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit are connected to the corresponding input terminals of the DC / DC voltage converter.

[0012] In one particular implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes an RS232 interface for receiving a sequence of control signals from an external control device; wherein the output of the RS232 interface is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

[0013] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes an RS485 interface for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source; wherein the output of the RS485 interface is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

[0014] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a USB Type-A interface that is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

[0015] In another specific implementation, the analog-to-digital panel further includes a low-frequency amplifier circuit whose input module includes a USB Type-B interface for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source; wherein the output of the USB Type-B interface is connected to the input of the low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output of the low-frequency amplifier circuit is connected to the corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

[0016] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a USB Type-C interface that is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

[0017] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes an optical fiber interface that is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor for receiving optical signals from an audio signal source.

[0018] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a coaxial input interface that is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

[0019] In another specific implementation, the analog-to-digital panel includes a Bluetooth module for receiving digital signals via a Bluetooth channel; wherein the output of the Bluetooth module is connected to a corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

[0020] In another specific implementation, the analog-to-digital panel further includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a first-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, a second-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, a third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, a fourth-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, an RCA audio output interface, and an analog audio signal delay line. The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes input terminals for receiving high-level and low-level analog signals from an audio signal source. The output terminals of the high / low-level analog signal input terminals are connected to the input terminals of the first-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output terminal of this stage is connected to the input terminal of the analog audio delay line. The output terminal of the delay line is connected to the second-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, and its output terminal is connected to the input port of the ADC. The output terminal of the ADC is connected to the corresponding input terminal of the digital signal processor. A designated output terminal of the digital signal processor is connected to the input terminal of the ADC, and its output signal is transmitted to the third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit. The third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit has a dual-output structure: the first output terminal is connected to at least one audio output interface for transmitting signals to the amplification module, and the second output terminal is connected to the fourth-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, ultimately outputting a signal through the RCA audio interface.

[0021] In another specific implementation, the analog-to-digital panel includes a master / slave mode switch.

[0022] In another specific implementation, the output of the DC / DC voltage converter of the amplification module is connected to the input of a corresponding external audio source.

[0023] In another specific implementation, the signal at the output of the DC / DC voltage converter of the amplification module is transmitted to an external auxiliary device.

[0024] In another specific implementation, the input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a configurable output interface for transmitting control signals to the amplification module.

[0025] The combination of a detachable control panel and a standardized amplification module eliminates the need to manufacture separate equipment for various amplifiers during production, thus ensuring the versatility of the equipment structure. This significantly improves economic efficiency, optimizes the production process, and enhances the maintainability of the overall structure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the detachable simulation control panel.

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the detachable analog-to-digital control panel.

[0028] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the enlarged module according to the first implementation scheme.

[0029] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a block diagram of the enlarged module according to the second implementation scheme. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The core of this solution lies in designing the car audio amplifier with a detachable control panel as two separate modules—the amplification module and the detachable control panel.

[0031] The magnification module can be of different categories—Class A, Class B, Class AB, Class C, and Class D. This module ( Figure 3 , Figure 4 It can contain different numbers of amplification channels. The amplification module can have different power levels and can also be used as a preamplifier in conjunction with an external amplifier.

[0032] The detachable control panel can be an analog panel. Figure 1 ) or analog-digital hybrid panel ( Figure 2 There are two forms.

[0033] The detachable analog panel 1 is a general-purpose panel without a built-in DSP.

[0034] The detachable analog-to-digital panel 3 is a universal panel with a built-in audio processor (DSP) that can be controlled via a PC or other devices.

[0035] The vehicle audio amplifier, featuring a detachable control panel, receives audio data from an external source. This means the amplifier can receive multiple audio signals from various audio sources. In this configuration, multiple audio sources refer to various devices capable of providing audio signals in different formats. For example, these multiple audio sources include devices capable of providing audio signals in different formats, such as cassette players, DVD players, CD players, Blu-ray players, radio receivers, MP3 players, or storage media containing media files.

[0036] This audio amplifier can receive various types of audio signals: digital signals, analog signals, and radio frequency (RF) signals.

[0037] This audio amplifier receives signals from audio sources via wired connections such as cables, interfaces, jacks, and plugs, and can also transmit signals wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, NFC, and other methods.

[0038] This audio amplifier can receive a sequence of control signals according to user control commands to perform corresponding audio signal processing operations. The user interface for transmitting control commands can take various forms, including button arrays, touch panels, and remote controls. If a wireless remote control is used as the user interface, the device can integrate a Bluetooth wireless receiver module, allowing users to input control commands via a separate wireless remote control.

[0039] In one embodiment, the vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel includes a detachable analog panel 1 and an amplification module 2.

[0040] The detachable analog panel 1 includes an input module 101, one or more matched operational amplifiers 102.1, 102.2...102.n, and an output module 103.

[0041] Input module 101 includes one or more input terminals for receiving analog signals from an audio signal source. The output terminal of each input module port is connected to the input terminal of the corresponding matched operational amplifier 102.1, 102.2...102.n.

[0042] Output module 103 includes one or more output terminals for transmitting signals to amplification module 2. The output terminals of each matched operational amplifier 102.1, 102.2...102.n are respectively connected to the input terminals of the corresponding input terminals of output module 103.

[0043] The amplifier module 2 includes an input module 201, one or more low-frequency amplifier circuits 202.1, 202.2...202.n, a DC / DC voltage converter 203, and a power supply module 204.

[0044] Input module 201 includes one or more input terminals for receiving signals from the detachable analog panel 1. The output terminal of each input terminal in input module 201 is connected to the input terminal of a corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit 202.1, 202.2…202.n. The output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit 202.1, 202.2…202.n are connected to the corresponding input terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter 203.

[0045] The corresponding output terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter 203 transmits the signal to the corresponding external audio source 205.1, 205.2...205.n or external auxiliary device 206.

[0046] In another implementation, the vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel includes a detachable analog-to-digital panel 3 and an amplification module 2.

[0047] The analog-to-digital panel 3 includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 301, an input module 302, and an output module 303.

[0048] The digital signal processor 301 includes one or more input terminals and one or more output terminals.

[0049] Input module 302 includes one or more input terminals for receiving analog-to-digital mixed signals from an audio signal source. The output terminal of each input terminal in input module 302 is connected to a corresponding input terminal of digital signal processor 301.

[0050] Output module 303 includes one or more audio output terminals for transmitting audio signals to amplification module 2. Each output terminal of digital signal processor 301 is connected to a corresponding audio output terminal of output module 303.

[0051] The amplifier module 2 includes an input module 201, one or more low-frequency amplifier circuits 202.1, 202.2...202.n, a DC / DC voltage converter 203, and a power supply module 204.

[0052] Input module 201 includes one or more input terminals for receiving signals from the detachable analog-to-digital panel 3. The output terminal of each input terminal in input module 201 is connected to the input terminal of a corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit 202.1, 202.2…202.n. The output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit 202.1, 202.2…202.n are connected to the corresponding input terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter 203.

[0053] The corresponding output terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter 203 transmits the signal to the corresponding external audio source 205.1, 205.2...205.n or external auxiliary device 206.

[0054] The input module 302 of the analog-to-digital panel 3 may include: an RS232 interface 304 for receiving control signal sequences from external control devices, an optical fiber interface for receiving optical signals from an audio signal source, and a Bluetooth module 307 for receiving digital signals via a Bluetooth channel.

[0055] The analog-to-digital panel input module 302 may include: an RS485 interface 305, a USB Type-A interface, a USB Type-B interface, a USB Type-C interface, and a coaxial input interface, all of which are used to receive digital signals from an audio signal source.

[0056] The RS232 interface, RS485 interface, USB Type-A interface, USB Type-B interface, USB Type-C interface, optical fiber interface, coaxial input interface, and Bluetooth module output are all connected to the corresponding input terminals of the digital signal processor 301.

[0057] The analog-to-digital panel 3 may further include: an analog-to-digital converter 308, a digital-to-analog converter 309, a first-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 310, a second-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 312, a third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 314, a fourth-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 315, an RCA audio output interface 316, and an analog audio signal delay line 311. The input module 302 of the analog-to-digital panel includes input terminals for receiving high-level and low-level analog signals from an audio signal source. The output of the high / low level analog signal input is connected to the input of the first-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 310, and its output is connected to the input of the analog audio delay line 311. The output of the delay line is connected to the input of the second-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 312, and its output is connected to the input of the analog-to-digital converter 308. The output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the corresponding input of the digital signal processor 301. One output of the digital signal processor is connected to the input of the digital-to-analog converter 309, and its output is connected to the input of the third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 314. The first output of the third-stage amplifier circuit is connected to the corresponding audio output of the output module 303 for transmitting audio signals to the amplification module 2. The second output of the third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 314 is connected to the input of the fourth-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit 315, and finally outputs the signal through the RCA audio output interface 316.

[0058] The audio amplifier can operate normally by receiving only a single type of audio signal from the signal source.

[0059] External audio sources 205.1, 205.2...205.n can be speaker units embedded in the vehicle compartment, and these units can be placed in any location inside the compartment (as determined by the installer).

[0060] External auxiliary device 206 may be an external amplifier or an external audio playback device (such as wired or wireless headphones, wireless speakers, etc.).

[0061] The analog-to-digital panel 3 may also include a master / slave mode switch.

[0062] The input module 302 of the analog-to-digital panel 3 may include a configurable output interface for transmitting control signals to the amplification module 2.

[0063] The audio amplifier described in this invention can be applied to devices such as in-vehicle audio systems, DSP / FM / USB / BT receivers, etc. It can realize broadcast reception, playback of audio files on DVD / CD / Blu-ray / USB storage media, receive external audio source signals through various audio input interfaces or wireless transmission protocols, and output the enhanced multi-channel audio signals to the vehicle's built-in speakers, external auxiliary amplifiers, or connected external audio playback devices.

Claims

1. A vehicle audio amplifier having a removable control panel, comprising a removable analog panel and an amplifier module, wherein, The detachable analog panel includes an input module and an output module. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving analog signals from an audio signal source and at least one matched operational amplifier. The output module includes at least one output terminal for transmitting signals to an amplification module. Each input terminal in the input module has at least one output terminal connected to the input terminal of the corresponding matched operational amplifier, and the output terminals of each matched operational amplifier are respectively connected to the input terminals of the corresponding output terminals in the output module. The amplification module includes an input module, at least one low-frequency amplifier circuit, a DC / DC voltage converter, and a power supply module; the input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving signals from the detachable analog panel; wherein, the output terminal of each input terminal in the input module is connected to the input terminal of the corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit are respectively connected to the corresponding input terminals of the DC / DC voltage converter.

2. The vehicle audio amplifier with detachable control panel of claim 1, wherein: The output terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter is connected to the input terminal of the corresponding external audio source.

3. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output signal of the DC / DC voltage converter is transmitted to external auxiliary equipment.

4. A vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel, including a detachable analog-to-digital panel and an amplification module; wherein, The analog-digital panel The device includes a digital signal processor (DSP), an input module, and an output module. The DSP includes at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal. The input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving analog-to-digital signals from an audio signal source. The output module includes at least one audio output terminal for transmitting audio signals to an amplification module. Each input terminal in the input module has its output terminal connected to a corresponding input terminal of the DSP, and each output terminal of the DSP is connected to a corresponding audio output terminal in the output module. The amplification module includes an input module, at least one low-frequency amplifier circuit, a DC / DC voltage converter, and a power supply module; the input module includes at least one input terminal for receiving signals from a detachable analog-to-digital panel; wherein the output terminal of each input terminal in the input module is connected to the input terminal of the corresponding low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of each low-frequency amplifier circuit are respectively connected to the corresponding input terminals of the DC / DC voltage converter.

5. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes an RS232 interface for receiving signal sequences from external control devices; the external control devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens, control panels, and computers; wherein the output of the RS232 interface is connected to the corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

6. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes an RS485 interface for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source; wherein the output of the RS485 interface is connected to the corresponding input of a digital signal processor.

7. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a USB Type-A interface, which is connected to a corresponding input terminal of the digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

8. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital panel also includes a low-frequency amplifier circuit, whose input module includes a USB Type-B interface for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source; wherein the output of the USB Type-B interface is connected to the input of the low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output of the low-frequency amplifier circuit is connected to the corresponding input of the digital signal processor.

9. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a USB Type-C interface, which is connected to a corresponding input terminal of the digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

10. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a fiber optic interface that is connected to a corresponding input terminal of a digital signal processor for receiving optical signals from an audio signal source.

11. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The input module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a coaxial input interface, which is connected to a corresponding input terminal of the digital signal processor for receiving digital signals from an audio signal source.

12. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital panel includes a Bluetooth module for receiving digital signals via a Bluetooth channel; wherein the output of the Bluetooth module is connected to the corresponding input of the digital signal processor.

13. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital panel includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an RCA audio output interface, and an analog audio signal delay circuit with a matched operational amplifier. The analog-to-digital panel's input module includes input terminals for receiving high-level and low-level analog signals from an audio signal source; wherein, The output of the high / low level analog signal input terminal is connected to the input of the first-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, and the output of this stage is connected to the input of the analog audio delay line. The output of the delay line is connected to the second-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, and its output is connected to the input port of the analog-to-digital converter. The output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the corresponding input of the digital signal processor. The designated output of the digital signal processor is connected to the input of the digital-to-analog converter, and its output signal is transmitted to the third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit. The third-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit has a dual-output structure: the first output is connected to at least one audio output interface for transmitting signals to the amplification module, and the second output is connected to the fourth-stage low-frequency amplifier circuit, finally outputting the signal through the RCA audio interface.

14. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output terminal of the DC / DC voltage converter is connected to the input terminal of the corresponding external audio source.

15. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output signal of the DC / DC voltage converter is transmitted to external auxiliary equipment.

16. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital panel includes a master / slave mode switch.

17. The vehicle audio amplifier with a detachable control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output module of the analog-to-digital panel includes a configurable output interface for transmitting current regulation signals to the amplification module.

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