Apparatus and method for enhancing the reliability of a digital audio bus

Abstract

To provide apparatuses and methods for the reliability of a digital audio bus.SOLUTION: In certain embodiments, a digital audio system includes a plurality of audio devices connected by a first digital audio chain in a clockwise direction and a second digital audio chain in a counterclockwise direction. The first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain run concurrently, and a controller selects which audio chain to operate at a given time for audio connectivity. For example, the controller can initially select the first digital audio chain to provide audio connectivity, but transition selection from the first digital audio chain to the second digital audio chain in response to detecting a node failure in the first digital audio chain. Thus, the system is tolerant to node failures while maintaining system connectivity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology generally relates to electronic devices, and more specifically to digital audio buses.

Background Art

[0002] The Audio to Bus (A2B) can be used to connect a plurality of audio devices together. For example, each of the audio devices can be associated with an audio node, and the A2B can connect the audio nodes in series to form a daisy chain. By using A2B in this way, a significant reduction in cable wiring can be achieved. Therefore, due to the need for fewer cables, the overall design cost is reduced. Also, a reduction in the complexity of design, installation, and / or maintenance can be achieved.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to digital audio buses, such as Audio to Bus (A2B), implemented with redundancy to improve network reliability. Providing such redundancy addresses inherent limitations of the A2B's daisy chain topology, such as sensitivity to single node failures.

[0004] In one aspect, a digital audio system includes a plurality of audio nodes each associated with a corresponding audio device, a first digital audio chain connecting the plurality of audio nodes, and a second digital audio chain connecting the plurality of audio nodes. The first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain operate simultaneously and include a controller configured to select one of the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain for audio connectivity for at least one of the plurality of audio nodes.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for providing digital audio connectivity includes connecting a plurality of audio nodes using a first digital audio chain, wherein each of the audio nodes is associated with a corresponding audio device. The method further includes connecting the plurality of audio nodes using a second digital audio chain, operating the first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain simultaneously, and using a controller of at least one of the audio nodes to select either the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain for audio connectivity.

[0006] In another embodiment, the digital audio system includes a plurality of audio subnodes and a main audio node including a plurality of audio subnode selectors, each connected to a corresponding audio subnode among the plurality of audio subnodes. The main audio node further includes a main transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of audio subnodes in the chain through the plurality of audio subnode selectors.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for providing digital audio connectivity includes connecting a main audio node and a plurality of audio subnodes using a plurality of audio subnode selectors of the main audio node, wherein each of the plurality of audio subnode selectors is connected to a corresponding audio subnode among the plurality of audio subnodes. The method further includes communicating with the plurality of audio subnodes in the chain through the plurality of audio subnode selectors using the main transceiver of the main node. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A]This is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system including a digital audio bus according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of a power sharing circuit for a digital audio bus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an audio node. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows one embodiment of the state diagram of the transceiver in the audio node. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the digital audio system after node drop. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the digital audio system after reconfiguration to bypass the dropped nodes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following detailed description of embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be embodied in numerous different ways. This description refers to the drawings. It will be understood that the elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will also be understood that certain embodiments may include more elements and / or subsets of elements illustrated in the drawings than those illustrated. Furthermore, some embodiments may incorporate any preferred combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0010] A-to-B buses (A2B) can be used to connect multiple audio devices together in a daisy-chain configuration. However, A2B daisy-chain topologies are susceptible to reliability issues. For example, the loss of one audio node in a daisy-chain (e.g., due to a faulty node and / or cable disconnection) can disrupt the operation of multiple downstream audio nodes. Furthermore, the scope of partial and / or automatic recovery in these situations is very limited.

[0011] Such reliability issues make daisy-chain A2B unsuitable for high-reliability audio applications, including but not limited to live performances, on-stage audio connectivity, building alarms and security, emergency announcements, and / or mission-critical conferences. As A2B expands beyond automobiles, the need for plug-and-play that is tolerant of single-node failures is becoming increasingly desirable, particularly for professional audio systems.

[0012] Aspects of this disclosure relate to digital audio buses, such as A2B buses, that are implemented with redundancy to improve network reliability. Providing such redundancy addresses the inherent limitations of A2B daisy-chain topologies, such as susceptibility to single-node failures.

[0013] In one embodiment, a digital audio system includes a plurality of audio devices connected in a clockwise direction by a first digital audio chain and in a counterclockwise direction by a second digital audio chain. The first and second digital audio chains operate simultaneously, and a controller selects which audio chain to operate at a given time for audio connectivity. For example, the controller may initially select the first digital audio chain to provide audio connectivity, but in response to the detection of a node failure in the first digital audio chain, it may shift its selection from the first digital audio chain to the second digital audio chain. Thus, the system is resilient to node failures while maintaining system connectivity.

[0014] Such a configuration includes two semirings (a clockwise semiring and a counterclockwise semiring), which communicate via a common cable, thereby reducing the cost of cables and connectors. In one example, the first digital audio chain communicates via a first twisted-pair cable (e.g., a Cat5 cable), while the second digital audio chain communicates via a second twisted-pair cable.

[0015] In another embodiment, the digital audio system is implemented using a pseudo-hub. Such a configuration can utilize a star topology while maintaining the physical requirements of a daisy-chain. The number of connectors can be reduced by merging A and B ports. Additionally, the main node can intelligently decide to exclude or include audio subnodes in the network using a corresponding audio subnode selector.

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in a variety of electronic devices and applications, including those related to professional audio, instrument connectivity, and next-generation automobiles. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, consumer electronic products, audio equipment, and automotive equipment.

[0017] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system 20 including a digital audio bus according to one embodiment. The digital audio system 20 includes a main audio node 1, a first audio subnode 11, a second audio subnode 12, a third audio subnode 13, and a fourth audio subnode 14.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the main audio node 1 and audio subnodes 11-14 is associated with an audio device such as a musical instrument, speaker, microphone, audio amplifier, audio mixer, or other device conforming to a digital audio standard (e.g., A2B compliant). An example with four audio subnodes is shown, but the main audio node 1 may be connected to more or fewer audio subnodes (e.g., x subnodes, where x is a positive integer).

[0019] To provide audio connectivity between nodes (and thus between corresponding audio devices), a first daisy chain and a second daisy chain are included to connect each of the nodes. For example, the first or primary daisy chain 17a - 17d includes a first section or link 17a between the main audio node 1 and the first audio sub - node 11, a second link 17b between the first audio sub - node 11 and the second audio sub - node 12, a third link 17c between the second audio sub - node 12 and the third audio sub - node 13, and a fourth link 17d between the third audio sub - node 13 and the fourth audio sub - node 14. Additionally, the second or secondary daisy chain 18a - 18d includes a first link 18a between the main audio node 1 and the first audio sub - node 11, a second link 18b between the first audio sub - node 11 and the second audio sub - node 12, a third link 18c between the second audio sub - node 12 and the third audio sub - node 13, and a fourth link 18d between the third audio sub - node 13 and the fourth audio sub - node 14.

[0020] In the case of an A2B implementation, each daisy - chain section can be implemented as a twisted - pair cable that functions as a bidirectional data bus supporting multiple - channel audio with low jitter and latency.

[0021] Each of the audio nodes can include a controller such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) and / or a digital signal processor (DSP) that monitors the signaling states on the primary daisy chains 17a - 17d and the secondary daisy chains 18a - 18d. Additionally, when a failure in the primary daisy chains 17a - 17d is detected, the controller can switch from communicating audio data via the primary daisy chains 17a - 17d to communicating audio data via the secondary daisy chains 18a - 18d. Further, the controller can switch the selection of the daisy chain while also ensuring a smooth transition of the audio clock.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary daisy chains 17a - 17d and the secondary daisy chains 18a - 18d can each have the same configuration, and thus no new discovery (e.g., of an audio node) is required when transitioning from one daisy chain to another. Further, power can be drawn by each node from either the primary daisy chains 17a - 17d or the secondary daisy chains 18a - 18d. Thus, when one network goes off, the load can be shifted so that it is powered by the second network.

[0023] The digital audio system 20 of FIG. 1A is resilient to defective cables or cable disconnections, but not resilient when the entire audio device associated with a node is dropped from the network (e.g., due to a failure of a complete device).

[0024] In a particular embodiment, each link in each daisy chain is associated with a separate cable (e.g., a cable including twisted pairs) that plugs into the corresponding connector on the audio node at each end. In such an embodiment, the described digital audio system 20 may include four cables for each daisy chain, two connectors for the main audio node 1, and four connectors for each of the audio subnodes. Additionally, each node may include two transceivers, one each, for communication across each daisy chain.

[0025] However, other embodiments are possible, such as configurations where the connection between both daisy-chains of adjacent audio nodes is provided via a single cable. For example, certain cables, such as Cat5 cables, carry multiple twisted pairs.

[0026] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system 30 including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. The digital audio system 30 includes a main audio node 21, a first audio subnode 31, a second audio subnode 32, a third audio subnode 33, and a fourth audio subnode 34.

[0027] To provide audio connectivity between nodes, a first daisy-chain and a second daisy-chain are included to connect the audio nodes. For example, the primary daisy-chains 37a to 37d include a first link 37a between the main audio node 21 and the first audio subnode 31, a second link 37b between the first audio subnode 31 and the second audio subnode 32, a third link 37c between the second audio subnode 32 and the third audio subnode 33, and a fourth link 37d between the third audio subnode 33 and the fourth audio subnode 34. Additionally, the secondary daisy-chains 38a to 38b include a first link 38a between the second audio subnode 32 and the third audio subnode 33, and a second link 38b between the third audio subnode 33 and the fourth audio subnode 34.

[0028] The digital audio system 30 in Figure 1B is similar to the digital audio system 20 in Figure 1A, except that the digital audio system 30 in Figure 1B employs a branch from one daisy chain to two daisy chains at the second audio subnode 32. Such a configuration may be suitable for applications where the main audio node and one or more audio subnodes can be assumed to be robust and therefore not subject to node drop or disconnection.

[0029] In the example illustrated, the primary daisy chain contains four links, and the secondary daisy chain contains two links. However, the primary and / or secondary daisy chains may be associated with more or fewer links (e.g., n subnodes for the primary daisy chain and m subnodes for the secondary daisy chain, where m and n are positive integers and n > m).

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system 50 including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. The digital audio bus 50 includes a main audio node 41 which includes a controller (corresponding to an MCU 42 in this example), a memory 43 for storing address extensions, and a connector 44. The digital audio bus 50 also includes first audio subnodes 45a / 45b / 45c / 45d, second audio subnodes 46a / 46b / 46c, and various daisy chains for connecting the audio subnodes.

[0031] For example, the first daisy chain 51a-51b includes a first link 51a between the main audio node 41 and the first audio subnode 45a, and a second link 51b between the first audio subnode 45a and the second audio subnode 46a. Additionally, the second daisy chain 52a-52b includes a first link 52a between the main audio node 41 and the first audio subnode 45b, and a second link 52b between the first audio subnode 45b and the second audio subnode 46b. Furthermore, the third daisy chain 53a-53b includes a first link 53a between the main audio node 41 and the first audio subnode 45c, and a second link 53b between the first audio subnode 45c and the second audio subnode 46c. Additionally, link 54a connects the main audio node 41 and the audio subnode 45d.

[0032] Therefore, various daisy-chains extend in a star configuration from the main audio node 41. Each daisy-chain can be of any length. Thus, a particular daisy-chain is described as containing two audio subnodes, but each chain can contain more or fewer audio subnodes.

[0033] The described configuration can be relatively robust when fault tolerance is provided to the main node 41. Furthermore, each audio subnode can operate with two or fewer connectors, achieving simplicity. Also, the audio subnodes can operate without the need for soft switches.

[0034] However, each downstream audio subnode in the daisy chain can still fail, and the main node 41 suffers from high cabling costs and / or bulk due to the large number of connectors. Therefore, the main node 41 may be suitable for certain audio devices such as professional audio mixers, but may not be suitable for smaller peripherals.

[0035] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system 150 including a digital audio bus according to another embodiment. The digital audio system 150 includes a main audio node 101, a first audio subnode 111, a second audio subnode 112, and a third audio subnode 113. The main audio node 101 includes an MCU 141, the first audio subnode 111 includes an MCU 142, the second audio subnode 112 includes an MCU 143, and the third audio subnode 113 includes an MCU 144.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiments, each of the main audio node 101 and audio subnodes 111-113 is associated with an audio device such as a musical instrument, speaker, microphone, audio amplifier, audio mixer, or other device compliant with a digital audio standard (e.g., A2B compliant in some embodiments). An example with three audio subnodes is shown, but more or fewer audio subnodes may be included.

[0037] Furthermore, while certain components of an audio node are depicted, an audio node may contain additional components. For example, an audio node may contain any combination of the components described herein. Such features are omitted from the drawing in Figure 3A for clarity.

[0038] To provide audio connectivity between nodes (and therefore between corresponding audio devices), a first digital audio chain (daisy chain) and a second digital audio chain are included to connect each of the nodes. For example, the first digital audio chain 121a-121c includes a first section or link 121a between the main audio node 101 and the first audio subnode 111, a second link 121b between the first audio subnode 111 and the second audio subnode 112, and a third link 121c between the second audio subnode 112 and the third audio subnode 113. Additionally, the second digital audio chain 122a-122c includes a first link 122a between the main audio node 101 and the third audio subnode 113, a second link 122b between the third audio subnode 113 and the second audio subnode 112, and a third link 122c between the second audio subnode 112 and the first audio subnode 111.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, each section of a digital audio chain between a pair of nodes is implemented via a common cable. For example, link 121c of a first digital audio chain and link 122b of a second digital audio chain can be carried on a common cable 125, which includes a first twisted pair 127 for link 121c and a second twisted pair 128 for link 122b. A suitable example of a cable having multiple twisted pairs is a Cat5 cable.

[0040] Each audio node may include a controller (e.g., an MCU in this example) that monitors the signaling status on the first digital audio chains 121a-121c and the second digital audio chains 122a-122c. Additionally, if a failure is detected in the first daisy chains 121a-121c, the controller can switch from communicating audio data via the first digital audio chains 121a-121c to communicating audio data via the second digital audio chains 122a-122c.

[0041] In the embodiment illustrated, the first digital audio chain 121a-121c connects audio nodes in a clockwise direction, while the second digital audio chain 122a-122c connects audio nodes in a counterclockwise direction. The first digital audio chain 121a-121c and the second digital audio chain 122a-122c operate simultaneously, and the controller of each node (in this example, an MCU) selects which audio chain to operate at a given time for audio connectivity.

[0042] For example, the controller can initially select a first digital audio chain 121a-121c to provide audio connectivity, but in response to the detection of a node failure within the first digital audio chain 121a-121c, it can shift its selection from the first digital audio chain 121a-121c to a second digital audio chain 122a-122c. Thus, the system is resilient to node failures while maintaining system connectivity.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, each node depicted is part of two networks (e.g., two A2B networks), one associated with a first digital audio chain 121a-121c and the other with a second digital audio chain 122a-122c. Additionally, each node can access audio data from both directions. Furthermore, the audio nodes of the first digital audio chain 121a-121c are found in a clockwise direction, while the audio nodes of the second digital audio chain 122a-122c are found in a counterclockwise direction (and therefore in the opposite direction to the first digital audio chain 121a-121c).

[0044] Such a configuration includes two semirings (a clockwise semiring and a counterclockwise semiring), which communicate via a common cable between adjacent nodes (e.g., a common cable 125), thereby reducing the cost of cables and connectors.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, the digital audio system 150 is an A2B system. Additionally, the main audio node 101 includes separate B ports for the first digital audio chains 121a-121c and the second digital audio chains 122a-122c, allowing a common stream configuration to be maintained for each chain.

[0046] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a power sharing circuit 210 for a digital audio bus according to one embodiment. The power sharing circuit 210 includes a first rectifier 201, a second rectifier 202, and a capacitor 203.

[0047] The power sharing circuit 210 in Figure 3B illustrates an example of a circuit that may be included as part of an audio subnode to receive power from two different digital audio chains. Additionally, when power is lost for one of the digital audio chains, the operation of the audio subnode can continue without interruption.

[0048] For example, the first rectifier 201 includes an anode connected to a first power supply (power supply 1) from a first digital audio chain and a cathode connected to a capacitor 203. Additionally, the second rectifier 202 includes an anode connected to a second power supply (power supply 2) from a second digital audio chain and a cathode connected to a capacitor 203. The capacitor 203 functions as a charge storage node for a shared power supply that can be used to power one or more components of the audio subnode.

[0049] When either the first power supply (power supply 1) or the second power supply (power supply 2) is active, the shared power supply operates to power the components of the audio subnode. Therefore, the reliability of the network can be enhanced by including a power sharing circuit, such as the power sharing circuit 210 in Figure 3B, in one or more audio subnodes of the audio network.

[0050] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the audio node 260. The audio node 260 includes a first transceiver 251 (TRX1) for communication over a first digital audio chain (daisy chain), a second transceiver 252 (TRX2) for communication over a second digital audio chain, and a controller 250 (MCU in this example) for selectively enabling communication over the first or second digital audio chain. The audio node 260 can be implemented in the digital audio system herein, such as one or more of the audio nodes in Figure 3. Figure 4B is an embodiment of the transceiver state diagram 270 of the audio node 260 in Figure 4A.

[0051] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, a transceiver (e.g., TRX1 or TRX2) can operate in node ready state 261 when the associated digital audio chain is operational. For example, an operational digital audio chain may be associated with active power, a locked phase-locked loop (PLL) for the audio clock, and / or other characteristics associated with a running and otherwise operational digital audio chain.

[0052] However, when the PLL is unlocked, the transceiver can transition to a sustain state 262 where the sustain signal is active, or to a reset state 264 where the sustain signal is inactive. From the sustain state 262, the transceiver can transition to a power-up reset state 263 (when sustain occurs), or to a reset state 264 under certain logical conditions of the reset signal (RST) and power-on reset signal (Porst). From the power-up reset state 263, the transceiver can transition back to a node-ready state 261 when the PLL re-locks. Various other state transitions to and from the reset state 264 and power-up reset state 263 are described based on various logical conditions of RST and Porst.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4A, the controller 250 detects the sustain state for TRX1 (sustain 1) and the sustain state for TRX2 (sustain 2) in order to determine when the first digital audio chain (associated with TRX1) and the second digital audio chain (associated with TRX2) are operational. Thus, the controller 250 can be prepared to switch to a transceiver with a stable clock as needed.

[0054] Implementing audio nodes in this way provides a smooth transition from one digital audio chain to another.

[0055] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a digital audio system 520 including a digital audio bus, according to another embodiment.

[0056] The digital audio system 520 includes a main audio node 500, a first audio subnode 501, a second audio subnode 502, and a third audio subnode 503. Although an example with three audio subnodes is shown, the digital audio system 520 may include more or fewer audio subnodes as desired for a given application.

[0057] The main audio node 500, the first audio subnode 501, the second audio subnode 502, and the third audio subnode 503 are connected to utilize a star topology while maintaining the physical requirements of an A2B daisy-chain. Furthermore, the main audio node 500 intelligently decides whether to include or exclude specific subnodes in the network. The digital audio system 520 is also referred to herein as the pseudo-hub 520.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the number of connectors is reduced by merging the A and B ports of the A2B. Thus, in this embodiment, both the A and B ports are merged into a single connector, and the same cable carries both upstream and downstream data.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5A, the main audio node 500 includes various components, including a controller 510 (corresponding to the MCU in this example), a main transceiver 511, a soft switch 512, a first demultiplexing / relay (demultiplexer / relay) 513, a second demultiplexer / relay 514, and a third demultiplexer / relay 515.

[0060] Continuing to refer to Figure 5A, the first demultiplexer / relay 513 communicates with the first audio subnode 501 via port A or port B (A+B port). Additionally, the first demultiplexer / relay 513 communicates with the second demultiplexer / relay 514. Furthermore, the second demultiplexer / relay 514 communicates with the second audio subnode 502 via port A+B. Additionally, the second demultiplexer / relay 514 communicates with the third demultiplexer / relay 515. Furthermore, the third demultiplexer / relay 515 communicates with the third audio subnode 503 via port A+B. Demultiplexers / relays 513-515 function as an audio node selector.

[0061] The main audio node 500 and audio subnodes 501-503 can communicate with each other using the components described. For example, the main transceiver 521 of the main audio node 500 is shown as transmitting audio data to the first demultiplexer / relay 513 via port B, and the first demultiplexer / relay 513 can provide audio data to the first audio subnode 501. In addition, the first audio subnode 501 can communicate with the second audio subnode 502 via the first demultiplexer / relay 513 and the second demultiplexer / relay 514. Furthermore, the second audio subnode 502 can communicate with the third audio subnode 503 via the second demultiplexer / relay 514 and the third demultiplexer / relay 515.

[0062] Therefore, the physical requirements for an A2B daisy-chain can be met. However, as will be discussed further below with reference to Figures 5B and 5C, the main audio node 500 intelligently decides whether to include or exclude specific subnodes in the network, thus utilizing a star topology.

[0063] One or more of the described components of the main audio node 500 may be implemented and / or controlled by the controller 503. For example, the controller 503 may include data processing hardware and memory hardware that, when executed by data processing hardware, stores instructions (also known as computer programs, software, software applications, or code) that cause the data processing hardware to perform various operations to implement desired functions. In a particular embodiment, an audio subnode selector is implemented by the controller 503.

[0064] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the digital audio system 520 of Figure 5A after a node drop. In this example, the second audio subnode 502 has been dropped. Without reconfiguration, the first demultiplexer / relay 513 can no longer transmit audio data to the first subnode 502 through the second demultiplexer / relay 515 and port A of the second audio subnode 502. Furthermore, the second audio subnode 502 can no longer transmit data to the third demultiplexer / relay 515 through the second demultiplexer / relay 514 via port B.

[0065] Without reconfiguration, dropping the second audio subnode 502 from the network would break the daisy-chain and prevent the communication of audio data otherwise passing through the second audio subnode 502.

[0066] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the digital audio system 520 from Figure 5A after reconfiguration to bypass the dropped nodes.

[0067] The MCU 510 of the main audio node 500 reconfigures the second demultiplexer / relay 514 to directly route data between the first demultiplexer / relay 513 and the third demultiplexer / relay 515. Thus, the second audio subnode 502 is effectively dropped from the network and daisy-chain, even though it remains physically connected to the main audio node 500 by cable.

[0068] Therefore, when the main audio node 500 detects a node drop, bypass mode is activated to close the connection and bypass the dropped node. During such a bypass, the remaining audio subnodes can be rediscovered and the audio rerouted. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the internal connections can be rearranged so that the dropped node is downstream of the last active audio subnode.

[0069] The digital audio system 520 shown in Figures 5A to 5C is fault-tolerant in the event of a faulty cable or cable disconnection, and when an audio device is removed from the network or fails within the network. conclusion

[0070] The preceding description may refer to elements or features as being “connected” or “joined” together. As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly stated, “connected” means that one element / feature is directly or indirectly connected to another element / feature, not necessarily mechanically connected. Similarly, unless otherwise explicitly stated, “joined” means that one element / feature is directly or indirectly joined to another element / feature, not necessarily mechanically connected. Thus, while the various schematic diagrams shown in the figures illustrate exemplary arrangements of elements and components, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in actual embodiments (assuming that the functionality of the depicted circuits is not adversely affected).

[0071] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel devices, methods, and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made in the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, while the disclosed embodiments are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments can perform similar functions using different components and / or circuit topologies, and several elements can be removed, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these elements can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Any preferred combination of elements and actions of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, the scope of the invention is defined solely by reference to the appended claims.

[0072] The claims presented herein are in a single dependent form for filing with the USPTO, but it should be understood that any claim may be dependent on any prior claim of the same type, unless it is clearly not technically feasible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 Main Audio Node 11,12,13,14 Audio subnodes 17a~17d Primary daisy chain 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Links 18a~18d Secondary daisy chain 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d Links 20 Digital Audio Systems 30 Digital Audio Systems 21 Main Audio Node 31, 32, 33, 34 Audio subnodes 37a~37d Primary daisy chain 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d Links 38a~36b Secondary daisy chain 38a,38b Links 41 Main Audio Node 42 Microcontroller Unit (MCU) 43 memory 44 connectors 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d First audio subnodes 46a, 46b, 46c Second audio subnode 50 Digital Audio Buses 51a-51b First Daisy Chain 51a, 51b Links 52a~52b Second Daisy Chain 52a, 52b Links 53a~53b Third Daisy Chain 53a, 53b Links 54a Link 101 Main Audio Node 111,112,113 Audio subnodes 121a~121c First Digital Audio Chain 121a, 121b, 121c Links 122a~122c Second Digital Audio Chain 122a,122b,122c Links 125 Common Cable 127 First Twisted Pair 128 Second Twisted Pair 141,142,143,144 MCU 150 Digital Audio Systems 201 First Rectifier 202 Second Rectifier 203 Capacitor 210 Power sharing circuit 250 Controllers (MCUs) 251 First transceiver (TRX1) 252 Second transceiver (TRX2) 260 audio nodes 261 nodes are ready. 262 Sustain State 263 Power-up Reset State 264 Reset state 270 Transceiver Status Diagram 500 Main Audio Nodes 501, 502, 503 Audio subnodes 510 Controller (MCU) 511 Main transceiver 512 Soft Switch 513, 514, 515 Demultiplexer / Relay 520 Digital Audio System

Claims

1. It is a digital audio system, Multiple audio nodes, each associated with a corresponding audio device, A first digital audio chain connecting the aforementioned plurality of audio nodes, A second digital audio chain connecting the plurality of audio nodes, wherein the first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain operate simultaneously with the second digital audio chain. A plurality of audio devices connected in a clockwise direction by the first digital audio chain and in a counterclockwise direction by the second digital audio chain, Equipped with, A digital audio system comprising a controller configured such that at least one of the plurality of audio nodes selects, at a given time, whether to operate the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain for audio connectivity.

2. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein the first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain are each an A2B daisy chain.

3. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein the first digital audio chain operates in a clockwise direction, and the second digital audio chain operates in a counterclockwise direction.

4. The digital audio system according to claim 3, wherein the audio nodes of the first digital audio chain are found in the clockwise direction, and the audio nodes of the second digital audio chain are found in the counterclockwise direction.

5. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of audio nodes include a main audio node and two or more audio subnodes, the first digital audio chain extends from the main audio node through the two or more audio subnodes, and the second digital audio chain extends from the main audio node through the two or more audio subnodes.

6. The digital audio system according to claim 5, wherein each of the two or more audio subnodes comprises a controller for selecting either the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain for audio connectivity.

7. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein the controller initially selects the first digital audio chain to provide audio connectivity, and in response to detection of a node failure in the first digital audio chain, transitions from the first digital audio chain to the second digital audio chain.

8. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of audio nodes is merged from the first power supply unit of the first digital audio chain and the second power supply unit of the second digital audio chain, and receives power from the merged power supply unit.

9. The digital audio system according to claim 8, further comprising: a first rectifier between the first power supply unit and the merged power supply unit of the first digital audio chain; and a second rectifier between the second power supply unit and the merged power supply unit of the second digital audio chain.

10. The digital audio system according to claim 1, wherein the first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain are supported via a common cable.

11. The digital audio system according to claim 10, wherein the common cable includes a first twisted pair for the first digital audio chain and a second twisted pair for the second digital audio chain.

12. A method for providing digital audio connectivity, Connecting multiple audio nodes using a first digital audio chain, wherein each of the multiple audio nodes is associated with a corresponding audio device. Connecting the multiple audio nodes using a second digital audio chain, The first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain are operated simultaneously, This includes using the controller of at least one of the plurality of audio nodes to select, at a given time, which of the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain to operate for audio connectivity, The audio device includes a plurality of audio devices connected in a clockwise direction by the first digital audio chain and in a counterclockwise direction by the second digital audio chain. method.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first digital audio chain and the second digital audio chain are each an A2B daisy chain.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first digital audio chain operates in a clockwise direction and the second digital audio chain operates in a counterclockwise direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the audio node of the first digital audio chain is found in the clockwise direction, and the audio node of the second digital audio chain is found in the counterclockwise direction.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of audio nodes include a main audio node and two or more audio subnodes, the first digital audio chain extends from the main audio node through the two or more audio subnodes, and the second digital audio chain extends from the main audio node through the two or more audio subnodes.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising using the respective controllers of each of the two or more audio subnodes to select one of the first digital audio chain or the second digital audio chain for audio connectivity.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising using the controller to first select the first digital audio chain to provide audio connectivity, and then transitioning from the first digital audio chain to the second digital audio chain in response to detection of a node failure in the first digital audio chain.

19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising supplying power to at least one of the plurality of audio nodes using a merged power supply unit which is merged from the first power supply unit of the first digital audio chain and the second power supply unit of the second digital audio chain.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: a first rectification between the first power supply unit and the merged power supply unit of the first digital audio chain; and a second rectification between the second power supply unit and the merged power supply unit of the second digital audio chain.

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