Audio power amplifier

Abstract

The audio power amplifier (1) includes a control unit (18) that defines a plurality of characteristics and includes instructions relating to corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1). The instructions include a plurality of setup parameters. The control unit (18) is programmed to set characteristics of the plurality of characteristics according to setup parameter values, receive digital information representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setup parameters, and update the settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An audio amplifier has several characteristics related to its specific capabilities (such as output power rating and audio signal processing capabilities) and the functionality of the audio amplifier itself (such as number of digital input and output channels).

[0003] Typically, users (i.e., those who are part of the distribution chain, such as distributors or end customers) must be aware of the characteristics of amplifiers so that they can choose the type of amplifier that best suits their requirements. Therefore, amplifiers need to be more flexible.

[0004] Patent document US10382268B1 relates to a method for configuring electronic devices through a configuration file, but this document does not explain how such a configuration can be generated for an audio amplifier. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal through an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier that allows for easier and more efficient management of a sales network. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an audio power amplifier, a method for amplifying an audio signal through an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier that can provide a custom solution 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 through an audio power amplifier, and a method for changing the settings of an audio power amplifier that emphasizes flexibility.

[0007] These objects are fully achieved by the audio power amplifier, method of amplifying an audio signal through an audio power amplifier, and method of changing settings of an audio power amplifier as set forth in the present disclosure and the accompanying claims.

[0008] In particular, an audio power amplifier defines several characteristics, which may relate to the amplifier's corresponding capabilities (e.g., maximum power of the output audio signal) and / or the amplifier's functionality (e.g., number of digital input and / or output channels, type of signal processing algorithm).

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

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

[0011] The audio amplifier includes a control unit. The control unit includes instructions. The instructions include a plurality of setup parameters. In particular, the instructions may be configured to enable or disable one or more of the plurality of characteristics, e.g., enable or disable one or more amplifier functions (e.g., enable or disable one or more types of signal processing algorithms). Alternatively, or additionally, the instructions may be configured to set a magnitude (or capacity) of one or more of the characteristics, e.g., set one or more capabilities of the amplifier (e.g., a magnitude of the maximum power of an audio output signal from the amplifier).

[0012] The controller is programmed to set the characteristic (or at least one characteristic) of the plurality of characteristics according to setup parameter values.

[0013] The controller is programmed to receive setup data representing updated values ​​of a plurality of setup parameters, and to update a setting of a characteristic (or at least one characteristic) of the plurality of characteristics in accordance with the updated values.

[0014] Therefore, audio amplifiers are equipped with (specify) a Safe Operating Area (SoA) protection system. The SoA protection system defines the conditions for safe operation of 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 may be an analog system, a digital system, or both an analog and digital system.

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

[0017] For example, an audio amplifier may include an electronic card with multiple sections, or the audio amplifier may include multiple electronic cards with corresponding multiple sections. The amplifier's electronic components may all be located on the same electronic card, or may be located on different sections of the electronic card or multiple electronic cards. In particular, the audio amplifier may include a single control unit common to all sections of the electronic card (or common to two or more sections of the electronic card), or may include one 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 comprises a power supply unit and a dedicated power supply section of the audio amplifier. The dedicated power supply section may include a power supply unit controller. The dedicated power supply section, i.e. the power supply unit controller, can effect (i.e. regulate) the absorption of current on the power supply unit, for example through an integrated microchip or an analog circuit.

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

[0020] In one example, an audio amplifier includes an SoA controller configured to implement the SoA protection system. The SoA controller may be programmed to configure characteristics of the audio amplifier. In particular, the SoA controller may be programmed to define a value of output power provided by the audio amplifier and / or to define a value of input current provided to the audio amplifier. The SoA controller may be programmed to communicate with a power supply unit controller.

[0021] The controller is programmed to communicate with the SoA controller, for example, the controller can communicate with the SoA controller and monitor 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 power supply current sensor configured to detect a power supply current value. The sensor system may include a temperature sensor. A control unit, i.e., an SoA controller, is programmed to receive each detected value. The control unit, i.e., an SoA controller, may be programmed to verify that 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 have a single memory common to all parts of the electronic card (or common to two or more parts of the electronic card), or may have one 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 enable and / or disable one or more of the plurality of characteristics or set a magnitude of one or more of the plurality of characteristics based on the received setup data. The setup data may comprise a value to assign to the setup parameter. The value may comprise a binary value (related to enabling or disabling an audio amplifier function) and / or a numeric value (related to a magnitude of capability).

[0025] In particular, it should be noted that the instructions specify a parametric software program, i.e. a software program that has parameters and is configured to allow the parameters to be set, and in particular that the control unit is configured to set the parameters contained in the software based on the received setup data to set the characteristics of the audio amplifier.

[0026] The invention therefore enables a user (e.g. an end customer or someone forming part of the distribution chain) to define the characteristics of an amplifier, for example at the moment the amplifier is used in the field or at the moment the amplifier is sold to the end customer.

[0027] In particular, the present invention allows the amplifier to change several characteristics without the need to physically modify the hardware, and thus to adapt to the needs of the user.

[0028] This allows amplifiers to be characterized after they are manufactured, for example, facilitating warehousing by distributors and resellers, and also allows end customers to purchase amplifiers and later tune them to their specific needs.

[0029] In one example, the controller includes a memory, the memory includes a setup file, and the controller may be programmed to update the setup file based on the received setup data.

[0030] The setup file may be provided with a digital signature (ie the setup data may be provided with a digital signature), and the control unit may be programmed to perform verification of the digital signature.

[0031] In particular, the control unit may be programmed to extract (i.e., retrieve) a digital signature from the setup file (or setup data). The control unit may be programmed to verify the digital signature through a public / private key system. If the result of the digital signature verification is positive, the control unit may be programmed to set a property of the plurality of properties according to the value of the setup parameter and / or, in particular, to update the setting of the property of the plurality of properties according to the update value.

[0032] The setup file (or update data) may include a timestamp. This timestamp may relate to the time the setup file or update data was created or sent. The controller may include a clock and be programmed to perform a timestamp check. For example, the controller may be programmed to check that the time associated with the timestamp is before a particular time before updating the value.

[0033] The setup file or setup data may be encrypted, and the controller may be programmed to decrypt the values ​​before updating them.

[0034] In one example, the audio amplifier includes a serial number that is uniquely assigned to the audio amplifier and accessible in memory, the setup file (i.e., setup data) includes the serial number, and the controller may be programmed to verify that the serial number in the setup file (i.e., setup data) matches the serial number of the amplifier.

[0035] In particular, the control unit may be programmed to extract the serial number from the setup file or setup data and compare it with the serial number of the audio amplifier, and if this result is positive, the control unit may be programmed to update the value.

[0036] In this manner, digitally secured setup files or setup data (e.g., by digital signature, encryption, timestamp, and / or serial number) are used to ensure the authenticity of the files or data, thereby ensuring that the audio amplifier uses only the characteristics validly defined in the setup file or setup data, and therefore validly purchased by the user.

[0037] Alternatively, or in addition to digitally securing the setup file or setup data, the setup file and / or setup data may be received over a secured communications channel.

[0038] In one example, the audio amplifier includes an NFC data exchange device, and the control unit is programmed to receive setup data via the data exchange device from a mobile device capable of transferring data using NFC technology.

[0039] Using NFC technology has the advantage that the setup data can be received even when the amplifier is off (or still in its packaging), and the values ​​are updated the next time the amplifier is powered on.

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

[0041] For example, the control unit may have a clock and be programmed to set the characteristics permanently or at defined time intervals according to instructions contained in a setup file. For example, the setup data may comprise temporary instructions that indicate the time intervals for which the settings are valid.

[0042] The present disclosure further provides a method for amplifying an audio signal via an audio power amplifier, the audio power amplifier defining a plurality of characteristics relating to corresponding capabilities and / or functions of the audio amplifier itself. The audio amplifier may be manufactured according to one or more features described herein. Preferably, the amplifier includes a controller comprising instructions, the instructions including a plurality of setup parameters. The method includes, executed by the controller, setting the plurality of characteristics according to the setup parameter values. The method includes receiving setup data representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setup parameters and updating the settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

[0043] The present disclosure further provides a method for modifying settings of an audio power amplifier, the audio power amplifier defining a plurality of characteristics relating to corresponding capabilities and / or functions of the audio amplifier itself, the amplifier being manufactured according to one or more features described herein. The amplifier includes a controller, the controller including instructions, the instructions including setup parameters. The method includes transmitting setup data representing updated values ​​of the setup parameters. The setup data is intended to be received and processed by the controller to update settings of the characteristics of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

[0044] In one example, the amplifier includes a memory containing a setup file that the controller is configured to update based on the setup data. The received setup data may include a signature that allows the controller to perform digital signature verification. The received setup data may be encrypted, allowing the controller to decrypt them.

[0045] In one embodiment, the audio amplifier has a serial number that is uniquely assigned to the audio amplifier and accessible to memory, the setup file has the serial number, and the control unit can verify that the serial number in the setup file matches the serial number of the audio amplifier.

[0046] For example, the setup data may be transmitted via NFC technology from a mobile device capable of transmitting data via NFC technology to an NFC data exchange device included in the audio amplifier. The setup data may be transmitted via an internet connection channel, which is secured and included in the audio amplifier. The setup data may also be transmitted via a connection channel between the audio amplifier and a local computer.

[0047] In one example, the method includes a step of a user logging in to 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 a step of authenticating the user. The method may include a step of generating setup data according to a result of the authentication (i.e., a step of retrieving the setup data from a remote database, preferably via the remote server), preferably performed by a remote server.

[0048] In one example, the method includes steps performed by a controller via a safe operating area (SoA) protection system to limit output power from the audio amplifier and / or limit input current supplied to the audio amplifier based on the received setup parameters.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method includes a detecting step performed by a sensor system. For example, the method may include a step performed by an output current sensor of the sensor system to detect a value of an output current provided by the audio amplifier, a step performed by an output voltage sensor to detect a value of an output voltage provided by the audio amplifier, or a step performed by a power supply current sensor to detect a value of an input current to the audio amplifier. The method may include, in a controller, receiving a value detected by the sensor system and verifying that the detected value matches a set updated value. The method may include controlling the output power and / or the output current based on the verification that the respective values ​​match.

[0050] The present invention is based on a modular, parameterizable software architecture for determining the capabilities, or characteristics, of an audio amplifier. In particular, the software embedded within the amplifier consists of individual processes that can only be executed if the user purchases the relevant features. These processes can also be parameterized to limit the capabilities of the device. For example, the software limits the output power depending on the features purchased by the user (end customer, distributor, or reseller). The hardware is sized to provide maximum capabilities. The output power is limited by the software depending on the options purchased. To ensure that the amplifier only uses validly purchased features, a digitally signed setup file is used. This allows the amplifier software to check the authenticity of the file and not load the settings if the signature is not valid or the file has been modified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1-4]1 illustrates connection and data transmission modes for changing settings of an audio amplifier 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A.5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an audio amplifier 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates steps for changing settings of an audio amplifier 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The numeral 1 in the drawings indicates an audio power amplifier. The audio power amplifier 1 comprises an Ethernet connector 11 forming a channel for connecting to the Internet or a local network. The amplifier 1 comprises a number of output channels 12 and a number of input channels 13, forming a multi-channel amplifier 1. The amplifier 1 comprises a mains power connector 14 and a section 15 dedicated to powering the audio amplifier 1. The audio amplifier 1 comprises an electronic card 16 dedicated to the power circuit and an electronic card 17 dedicated to the signal circuit. The amplifier 1 comprises a control section 18, a memory 19, an NFC data exchange device 20 and a display 21.

[0053] The control unit 18 is provided with instructions including setup parameters that allow defining the capabilities and functions of the amplifier itself, in particular the instructions allow enabling or disabling one or more functions of the amplifier 1, for example enabling and / or disabling digital audio over IP output channels and / or digital audio over IP input channels from the amplifier to define the number of digital output and / or input channels and the type of encoding of the digital output and / or input channels (e.g., Dante®, AES67®, Milan®, etc.), enabling and / or disabling one or more audio signal processing blocks (or algorithms) to define the number of audio signal processing blocks and / or the execution sequence of the audio signal processing blocks, the capacity of the signal processing blocks, etc.

[0054] 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.).

[0055] The audio amplifier 1 defines a safe operating area (SoA) protection system through which the control unit 18 is programmed to limit the output power of each channel of the audio amplifier 1 and limit the input current to the power supply unit 14 based on the received update data.

[0056] The audio amplifier 1 comprises an SoA controller 51 configured to implement the SoA protection system. The SoA controller 51 is programmed to set the characteristics of the audio amplifier 1. In particular, the SoA controller 51 is programmed to define the value of the output power provided by the audio amplifier 1 and / or to define the value of the input current provided to the audio amplifier 1.

[0057] The dedicated power supply part 15 comprises a power supply unit controller 151 connected to communicate with the SoA controller 51 to adjust the current draw of the power supply unit 14 (based on the setup data).

[0058] The dedicated power circuit electronic card 16 and the dedicated power supply unit 15 may be located on a shared electronic card 52 (to perform the power supply function and the power amplification function), and the SoA controller 51 may also be located on this shared electronic card 52.

[0059] The audio amplifier 1 includes a sensor system. The sensor system includes an output current sensor 53 and an output voltage sensor 54, and is configured to detect the output current value and the output voltage value, respectively, for each channel. The output current sensor 53 and the output voltage sensor 54 may be located on an electronic card 16 dedicated to the power circuit. The audio amplifier 1 includes a power supply current sensor 55, which is configured to detect the value of the power supply current and is located on the dedicated power supply unit 15. The sensor system may also include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature value. The control unit 18 is programmed to receive the value detected by the sensor system and to check whether the detected value matches a set update value.

[0060] The audio power amplifier 1 allows a user 2 (a distributor or an end customer) to change the settings of the audio amplifier 1, that is, to define the capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier 1.

[0061] In operation, User 2 enters the necessary authentication information to log in to the authentication platform (e.g., an application installed on the mobile device 41, a web platform, or a proprietary software program installed on the local computer 42). User 2 is then authenticated by verifying the authentication information stored in a remote server consisting of the cloud service 31 and the external database 32. In particular, the remote server may request that User 2's authentication information be authenticated by the cloud service 31, where User 2's authentication information is stored in the external database 32. Once User 2 is authenticated by the remote server, User 2 is properly identified and can purchase capabilities and / or features for the audio amplifier 1. For example, User 2 may select the maximum output power, the number of digital output and / or input channels, and other settings. In accordance with User 2's selection, the remote server verifies the amplifiers 1 owned by User 2 with the cloud service 31 and requests that it indicate which settings are available for purchase for each amplifier 1 owned by User 2. Once the purchase is complete, the remote server generates setup data (based on the purchased capabilities and / or features). Preferably, the setup data is stored in a setup file. The setup data represents updated values ​​for the setup parameters.

[0062] Typically, the configuration data is sent to the control unit 18, which is programmed to update the configuration of the characteristics of the audio amplifier 1 in response to the updated values. The setup data (either separately or contained in a setup file) can be sent to the control unit 18 in a variety of ways.

[0063] One method is to use an NFC data exchange device 20 on the audio amplifier 1 via a mobile device 21 that can transfer data using NFC technology. Specifically, a user 2 brings a mobile device 41 close to the NFC data exchange device 20 to transfer configuration data to the amplifier 1.

[0064] Alternatively, the audio amplifier 1 can use its internet connection channel to connect to a remote server and receive setup data.

[0065] Alternatively, a channel may be used to connect the audio amplifier 1 to a local computer 42, with the transmission of setup data between the remote server and the amplifier occurring via the local computer 42 on which proprietary software is installed, or via a web platform to the local computer 42.

[0066] Therefore, User 2 enters authentication information to log in to the authentication platform. After being authenticated by the remote server, the remote server retrieves the setup data (previously purchased by User 2) and transmits it to Audio Amplifier 1 according to one or more of the methods described above (FIG. 6, Step A). ​​This setup data is copied to Memory 19 of Audio Amplifier 1 (FIG. 6, Step B). Control Unit 18 verifies the digital signature associated with the received setup data (FIG. 6, Step C). If the verification result is negative, Control Unit 18 aborts the process and does not update the settings of Audio Amplifier 1 (FIG. 6, Step G). If the verification result is positive, Control Unit 18 extracts the serial number from the setup data (FIG. 6, Step D) and compares it with the serial number uniquely assigned to Audio Amplifier 1 (FIG. 6, Step E). If the comparison result is negative, Control Unit 18 aborts the process and does not update the settings of Audio Amplifier 1 (FIG. 6, Step G). If the comparison result is positive, Control Unit 18 updates the settings of Audio Amplifier 1 (FIG. 6, Step F).

[0067] Table 1 below shows an example of the interaction between user 2, the remote server, cloud service 31, and external database 32 in the steps in which user 2 checks the available options and purchases the available audio amplifier 1 options. TIFF2026504182000002.tif203170

[0068] Table 2 below shows an example of the interaction between audio amplifier 1, user 2, remote server, cloud service 31, and external database 32 in the step where user 2's purchased option is activated by user 2 through NFC data transfer. TIFF2026504182000003.tif232170 [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0069] [Patent Document 1] US10382268B1

Claims

1. An audio power amplifier (1) comprising a control unit (18) that defines a plurality of characteristics and includes instructions relating to corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1) itself; The instructions include a plurality of setup parameters, and the control unit (18) setting a characteristic of the plurality of characteristics according to a setup parameter value; an audio amplifier programmed to receive setup data representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setup parameters and to update settings of the plurality of characteristics in accordance with the updated values;

2. The control unit (18) a memory (19) containing a setup file; 2. An audio amplifier (1) according to claim 1, programmed to update the setup file based on the received setup data.

3. 3. The audio amplifier (1) of claim 2, wherein the setup file comprises a digital signature, and the control unit (18) is programmed to perform verification of the digital signature.

4. 4. The audio amplifier (1) of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a serial number that is uniquely assigned to the amplifier (1) and accessible to the memory (19), the setup file comprises the serial number, and the control unit (18) is programmed to verify that the serial number in the setup file matches the serial number of the audio amplifier (1).

5. 10. The audio amplifier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an NFC data exchange device (20), wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to receive the setup data via the data exchange device (20) from a mobile device (41) capable of transferring data by NFC technology.

6. 10. The audio amplifier (1) of claim 1, further comprising an internet connection channel, wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to receive the setup file in encrypted form via the internet connection channel and to decrypt the setup file.

7. The plurality of characteristics are: the maximum power of the audio output signal from the amplifier (1); the number of digital audio over IP input channels to said audio amplifier (1); the number of digital audio over IP output channels from said audio amplifier (1); Encryption type for digital audio over IP input channels, Encryption type for digital audio over IP output channels, The type of signal processing block of the audio amplifier (1), the capacity of said signal processing block; 10. An audio amplifier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the following application functions: audio file playback.

8. 10. An audio amplifier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) has a clock and is programmed to set the characteristics permanently or at defined time intervals according to instructions contained in the setup file.

9. 10. An 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 set the magnitude of one or more of the plurality of characteristics based on the setup data.

10. 10. The audio amplifier (1) of claim 1, further comprising a safe operating area (SoA) protection system, wherein the control unit 18 is programmed to limit the output power supplied by the audio amplifier (1) and to limit the input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1) based on the received setup parameters via the SoA protection system.

11. an output current sensor (53) configured to detect the value of the output current provided by the audio amplifier (1); an output voltage sensor (54) configured to detect the value of the output voltage provided by the audio amplifier (1); a power supply current sensor (55) configured to detect the value of an input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1); 11. The audio amplifier (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (18) is programmed to receive a value detected by the sensor system and to check whether the detected value matches a set update value.

12. A method for amplifying an audio signal through an audio power amplifier (1), the audio amplifier (1) comprising: a control unit (18) defining a plurality of characteristics and including instructions relating to corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1); The instructions include a plurality of setup parameters, and the method is executed by the control unit (18). setting the plurality of characteristics according to setup parameter values; receiving setup data representing updated values ​​of the plurality of setup parameters and updating settings of the plurality of characteristics according to the updated values.

13. A method for changing settings of an audio amplifier (1), the audio amplifier (1) comprising a control unit (18) including instructions defining a plurality of characteristics relating to corresponding capabilities and functions of the audio amplifier (1), the control unit (18) comprising the instructions; The instructions include setup parameters, and the method comprises the step of transmitting setup data representing updated values ​​of the setup parameters, the setup data being intended to be received and processed by the control unit (18) to update settings of the plurality of characteristics in accordance with the updated values.

14. The audio amplifier (1) includes a memory (19) containing a setup file configured to be updated by the control unit (18) based on the setup data, i) the received setup data includes a signature that enables the control unit (18) to perform digital signature verification; 14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the following conditions is true: ii) the received setup data are encrypted and the control unit (18) is able to decrypt them.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the audio amplifier (1) has a serial number that is uniquely assigned and accessible to the memory (19), the setup file has the serial number, and the control unit (18) can verify that the serial number in the setup file matches the serial number of the audio amplifier (1).

16. i) the setup data is transmitted by NFC technology from a mobile device (41) capable of transferring data by NFC technology to an NFC data exchange device (20) included in the audio amplifier (1); ii) the setup data is transmitted via an internet connection channel, the internet connection channel being secured and contained within the audio amplifier (1); iii) the setup data is transmitted via a connection channel between the audio amplifier (1) and a local computer (42).

17. A user (2) logs in to an authentication platform; verifying said user (2); The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising generating the setup data via a server depending on the result of the authentication.

18. Based on the received setup parameters, the controller (18) executes via a safe operating area (SoA) protection system: limiting the output power supplied by the audio amplifier (1); limiting the input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1); The method of any of claims 13 to 17, comprising:

19. The sensor system performs detecting the value of the output current provided by the audio amplifier (1) via an output current sensor (53) of the sensor system; detecting the value of the output voltage provided by the audio amplifier (1) via an output voltage sensor (54); and detecting the value of the input current supplied to the audio amplifier (1) via a power supply current sensor (55), 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving, in the control unit (18), a value detected by the sensor system, and verifying that the detected value matches a set update value.

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