Boost power supply method and circuit, and audio device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a boost power supply method and circuit, and an audio device. The method comprises: obtaining a boost threshold value, wherein the boost threshold value synchronously varies with a power supply voltage; obtaining a signal value of an audio signal from an audio power amplifier, and comparing the signal value with the boost threshold value, so as to obtain a check flag signal; generating a corresponding boost control signal on the basis of the check flag signal; and obtaining a boosted supply voltage on the basis of the boost control signal, and using the boosted supply voltage to supply power to a power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier. The embodiments of the present application ensure the output power of an audio power amplifier and also reduce the power loss thereof, thereby improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

Description

A boost power supply method, circuit and audio equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the invention application with application date of November 22, 2023, application number "202311569731.3", and patent name "A boost power supply method, circuit and audio device", all contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of audio technology, and in particular to a boost power supply method, circuit, and audio equipment. Background Art

[0003] The efficiency of an audio amplifier is closely related to the size of the power supply voltage. When the input signal of the audio amplifier is determined, a sufficiently large power supply voltage is required to provide sufficient driving capability to prevent the audio signal output by the audio amplifier from being truncated. However, after the power supply voltage is large enough, further increasing the power supply voltage will increase the power loss of the audio amplifier.

[0004] The output power of an audio amplifier is a key indicator. To ensure that the amplifier can output sufficient power, a higher power supply voltage is required to meet the amplifier's power requirements. However, if the input signal is small, a higher power supply voltage will result in greater power loss.

[0005] Therefore, how to minimize the power loss of the audio amplifier while ensuring its output power has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, one of the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application is to provide a boost power supply method, circuit and audio device, which reduce its power loss while ensuring the output power of the audio amplifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the audio amplifier.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a boost power supply method, the method comprising: obtaining a boost threshold, the boost threshold changing synchronously with the power supply voltage; obtaining a signal value of an audio signal in an audio power amplifier, and comparing the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check flag signal; generating a corresponding boost control signal based on the check flag signal; obtaining a boosted power supply voltage based on the boost control signal, and using the boosted power supply voltage to power the power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

[0009] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a boost power supply circuit, which includes: a voltage generating module for obtaining a boost threshold, which changes synchronously with the power supply voltage; a power detection module for obtaining the signal value of an audio signal in an audio power amplifier, and comparing the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check flag signal; a boost control module for generating a corresponding boost control signal according to the check flag signal; an adaptive boost circuit for obtaining a boosted power supply voltage according to the boost control signal, and using the boosted power supply voltage to power the audio power amplifier.

[0010] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an audio device comprising the boost power supply circuit described in the second aspect and an audio power amplifier connected to the boost power supply circuit, wherein the boost power supply circuit uses the boosted supply voltage to power a power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

[0011] The embodiment of the present application obtains a boost threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage, and compares the signal value of the audio signal in the audio power amplifier with the boost threshold value to obtain a check mark signal. Based on the check mark signal, a corresponding boost control signal is generated. Based on the boost control signal, a boosted power supply voltage is obtained to power the power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can reduce its power loss while ensuring the output power of the audio power amplifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a boost power supply circuit;

[0014] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another boost power supply circuit;

[0015] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of another boost power supply circuit;

[0016] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a boost waveform of a power supply voltage;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another boost waveform of the power supply voltage;

[0018] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a boost power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG7 is a flow chart of a method for boosting power supply according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a boost waveform of another supply voltage;

[0021] FIG9 is a flow chart of step S2 in a method for boosting power supply according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG10 is a circuit diagram of an implementation of a voltage generating module of a boost power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG11 is a circuit diagram of another implementation of a voltage generating module of a boost power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG12 is a circuit diagram of an implementation of a power detection circuit of a boost power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG13 is a graph showing the output power and efficiency of a voltage boost power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and detailedly described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the embodiments of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description and illustrate exemplary embodiments. In addition, it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and / or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. It should also be noted that directions and references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, etc.) may be used merely to facilitate the description of features in the drawings. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0028] In the following description, numerous details are set forth. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known methods and apparatus are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid blurring the embodiments herein. References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, functions, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment herein. Therefore, the phrases "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" or "some embodiments" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, functions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, the first embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment in any case where the specific features, structures, functions, or characteristics associated with the two embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

[0029] As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used herein to describe functional or structural relationships between components. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonymous with each other. On the contrary, in certain embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical, optical, or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct or indirect (with other intermediate elements between them) physical or electrical contact with each other, and / or that two or more elements collaborate or interact with each other (e.g., as in a cause-and-effect relationship).

[0031] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," and "on" refer to the relative position of one component or material with respect to other components or materials where such physical relationship is significant. For example, in the context of materials, a material or materials positioned above or below another material may be in direct contact or may have one or more intervening materials. Moreover, a material positioned between two materials or materials may be in direct contact with both layers or may have one or more intervening layers. In contrast, a first material or materials "above" a second material or materials is in direct contact with the second material or materials. Similar distinctions apply in the context of component assembly.

[0032] As used throughout this description and in the claims, a list of items linked by the term "at least one of" or "one or more of" may mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C.

[0033] The term "circuit" or "module" may refer to one or more passive and / or active components that are arranged to cooperate with each other to provide a desired functionality. The term "signal" may refer to at least one current signal, voltage signal, or magnetic signal. The terms "substantially," "close to," "approximately," "close to," and "approximately" generally mean within + / - 10% of a target value.

[0034] The terms used in this application are explained as follows:

[0035] VDD: power supply voltage;

[0036] VDDmin: minimum value of the power supply voltage; VDDmax: maximum value of the power supply voltage;

[0037] PVDD: supply voltage;

[0038] VTH: boost threshold; VTH_HYS: boost hysteresis threshold;

[0039] VOP1, VON1: differential output signal;

[0040] PO: Check flag signal (power check flag signal);

[0041] IN+, IN-: input signal;

[0042] y2: boost waveform of the power supply voltage;

[0043] A: Peak value of the boost waveform;

[0044] Tsin: period of boost waveform;

[0045] a: Advance of boost waveform;

[0046] Trise: The time required for the charge pump to boost the voltage;

[0047] HR: margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage;

[0048] b: Boost threshold hysteresis preset amount;

[0049] COMP1: first comparison unit;

[0050] COMP2: second comparison unit;

[0051] COMP3: the third comparison unit;

[0052] R1: first resistor;

[0053] R2: second resistor;

[0054] R3: the third resistor;

[0055] R4: fourth resistor;

[0056] R5: fifth resistor;

[0057] T1: first transistor;

[0058] T2: second transistor;

[0059] T3: the third transistor;

[0060] Pomax_VDDmin: The maximum output power that can be output when the power supply voltage is at the minimum value;

[0061] Pomax_VDDmax: The maximum output power that can be output when the power supply voltage is at its maximum value.

[0062] The size of the power supply voltage affects the efficiency of the audio power amplifier. For a certain input signal, if the supply voltage is too high, it will cause power loss. Therefore, providing different supply voltages according to the size of the input signal can effectively reduce power loss.

[0063] When a small signal or no signal is input, the audio power amplifier is usually powered by a lower supply voltage to reduce static power consumption. As the signal increases, the boost power supply circuit increases the lower supply voltage to the required supply voltage to continue supplying power to meet the output signal power requirements.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1, a boost power supply circuit includes: generating a power detection flag signal based on the power of an audio input signal; determining whether a boost is required based on the power detection flag signal; if a boost is required, generating a boost control signal and setting a boost threshold setting signal based on the power detection flag signal; starting a boost mode based on the boost control signal, outputting a boost to supply power to a power output stage circuit, and controlling the boost value based on the boost threshold setting signal.

[0065] In addition, referring to FIG2 , another power supply boost control circuit monitors the output signal of the integrator, sets a boost threshold comparison voltage, determines the method of controlling the power supply, and generates a boost control signal to control the power supply voltage to match the output sound signal as closely as possible.

[0066] In addition, referring to FIG3 , another audio adaptive boost circuit includes: detecting and determining the voltage level of the power supply, and generating a corresponding power supply voltage level signal; detecting the voltage amplitude of the audio input signal, and generating an audio amplitude level signal according to the voltage amplitude of the audio signal; selecting a corresponding voltage level according to the power supply voltage level signal, and selecting a boost control signal of a corresponding voltage level in the selected voltage level according to the audio amplitude level signal; and performing boosting according to the boost control signal.

[0067] As described above, to meet the power requirements of the output signal, a boostable power supply circuit is typically used. When the input signal is small, a lower supply voltage provides sufficient drive capability. As the input signal increases, the boost circuit raises the lower supply voltage to the required voltage and continues to provide power. To ensure that the supply voltage matches the input signal as closely as possible without causing signal distortion, multiple supply voltage levels are set based on the input signal strength.

[0068] However, since the power supply voltage provided by the battery is directly related to the battery charge level, as the battery charge decreases, the output power supply voltage gradually decreases. When this power supply voltage is used as the power supply voltage for the audio amplifier, if the supply voltage decreases, the corresponding load capacity will also decrease. Therefore, in order for the battery to operate normally across the entire power range, the corresponding load capacity must be able to meet the output power requirements of the audio amplifier when the battery outputs the lowest power supply voltage.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the battery's output power voltage ranges from a minimum power voltage to a maximum power voltage, with the minimum power voltage being VDDmin and the maximum power voltage being VDDmax. Typically, the boost threshold of a boost circuit is designed based on the load capacity corresponding to the battery's lowest output power voltage. In Figure 4, this boost threshold is indicated by the vertical coordinate at point a, which is relatively low.

[0070] Referring to FIG5 , the embodiment of the present application designs the boost threshold to change synchronously with the power supply voltage, with the maximum power supply voltage (the maximum value of the power supply voltage) being higher than the minimum power supply voltage (the minimum value of the power supply voltage). If the power supply voltage increases, it can provide driving capability for a larger input signal, and the boost threshold changes from point a to point b. Because the boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage, the embodiment of the present application can obtain a boost threshold corresponding to the power supply voltage at different battery levels, thereby reducing the power loss of the audio amplifier and improving the efficiency of the audio amplifier.

[0071] The specific implementation of the embodiment of the present application is further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiment of the present application.

[0072] The embodiment of the present application provides a boost power supply method, which is applied to a boost power supply circuit. Referring to FIG6 , a boost power supply circuit 61 is connected to a power supply battery 62 to obtain a power supply voltage provided by the battery 62 , and the boost power supply circuit 61 is used to supply power to an audio power amplifier 63 .

[0073] Specifically, the audio power amplifier 63 includes a first-stage amplifier, a second-stage amplifier, and a power output stage circuit. An input signal is sent to the first-stage amplifier, amplified by the first-stage amplifier, and then sent to the second-stage amplifier, and then to the power output stage circuit, and finally to the speaker.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7 , the method includes:

[0075] Step S1: obtaining a voltage boost threshold, wherein the voltage boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage.

[0076] Specifically, the voltage boost threshold is generated by the voltage generation module, and the generated voltage boost threshold is sent to the power detection circuit.

[0077] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, step S1 includes:

[0078] Step S11: obtaining a boost threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage according to a preset model; or,

[0079] Step S12: According to a preset correspondence between the power supply voltage and the boost threshold, a boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage is obtained.

[0080] The embodiment of the present application obtains a boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage through a preset model or corresponding relationship, thereby reducing the power loss of the audio amplifier and improving the efficiency of the audio amplifier.

[0081] In addition, the embodiment of the present application can also obtain the corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boost threshold through a preset model, thereby obtaining the boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage based on the corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boost threshold.

[0082] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the preset model is:

[0083] y2(0)=Y(VDD), where y2(0) is the boost threshold, Y() is the functional relationship, and VDD is the power supply voltage.

[0084] Specifically, the preset model is calculated based on the circuit physical model and different application scenarios. The embodiment of the present application can use different preset models to more accurately set the boost threshold for different circuit physical models and different application scenarios, thereby further improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0085] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the preset model is: y2(0)=K*VDD, where K is a positive number greater than 0; or,

[0086] A1, A2, ..., An represent different functions, and a1, a2, ... represent segmented interval values ​​of the power supply voltage VDD.

[0087] The embodiment of the present application implements a preset model through a linear function or a piecewise function, which can meet the needs of various application scenarios and circuit physical models, and more accurately set the boost threshold, thereby further improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0088] The following further illustrates the embodiments of the present application through a specific implementation scenario.

[0089] Referring to Figure 8, the boost waveform of the power supply voltage is shown as y2, where A is the peak value of the boost waveform, Tsin is the period of the boost waveform, which represents the frequency of the signal (1 / Tsin), and a is the advance amount of the boost waveform. The threshold of the power supply voltage at the boost moment, i.e., the boost threshold, can be obtained based on the intersection of the waveform and the y-axis.

[0090] Here, Trise is the time required for the charge pump to boost the voltage (referred to as boost time). HR in the figure is headroom, which can be represented as the product of the current generated by the supply voltage passing through the load and the total on-resistance (Rdson) of the output driver transistors, including parasitic power losses.

[0091] According to mathematical methods, for a given boost time, the frequency of the signal 1 / Tsin, the margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, and the power supply voltage are known, and the threshold y2(0) that prevents the boost waveform of the supply voltage from being truncated during the boost process of the supply voltage can be calculated, which is the boost threshold.

[0092] Specifically, the embodiments of the present application can set different boost thresholds according to different parameters (including boost time, signal frequency 1 / Tsin, margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, power supply voltage, or other parameters as needed).

[0093] In a typical application of a 2x voltage charge pump circuit, the preset model of the boost threshold is:

[0094] y2(0)=PVDD*sin(a / Tsin*2π)=2*VDD*sin(a / Tsin*2π), where the advance amount a of the boost waveform, the period Tsin of the boost waveform, the margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, the supply voltage, and the relationship between the power supply voltage conform to the 2x voltage charge pump circuit.

[0095] The embodiment of the present application uses a model to calculate the boost threshold corresponding to different power supply voltages, and then uses a voltage generating circuit to generate a boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage. This ensures that under different power supply voltages, the signal can be boosted before the signal reaches the maximum output power that the power supply voltage can provide, and ensures that no signal distortion occurs during the specific boosting process, and neither excessive efficiency is lost nor signal truncation occurs.

[0096] The preset model adopted in the embodiment of the present application can meet the typical application of a 2x voltage charge pump circuit and can be implemented using a simpler circuit design.

[0097] Step S2: obtaining a signal value of an audio signal in the audio power amplifier, and comparing the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check mark signal.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, a power detection circuit receives a voltage boost threshold generated by a voltage generation circuit, and compares the signal value of the audio signal in the obtained audio power amplifier with the voltage boost threshold to generate a check flag signal.

[0099] Specifically, the check flag signal may be any flag signal that can represent the comparison result between the signal value and the boost threshold, such as a current check flag signal, a voltage check flag signal, or a power check flag signal.

[0100] In some further specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the signal value of the audio signal comes from one of the first-stage amplifier, the second-stage amplifier, and the power output stage circuit in the audio power amplifier.

[0101] The embodiment of the present application can obtain the signal value of the audio signal through one of the first-stage amplifier, the second-stage amplifier, and the power output stage circuit. The implementation of the embodiment of the present application is more flexible.

[0102] In some specific implementations of the present application, the power detection circuit further obtains a boost hysteresis threshold corresponding to the boost threshold, where the boost hysteresis threshold is the boost threshold lag behind the preset amount b. Those skilled in the art can set the preset amount b as needed.

[0103] Referring to FIG9 , step S2 includes:

[0104] Step S21: Obtain signal values ​​of a first differential audio signal and a second differential audio signal in the audio power amplifier.

[0105] Step S22: Compare the signal value of the first differential audio signal with the boost threshold to obtain a first comparison result.

[0106] Step S23: Compare the signal value of the second differential audio signal with the boost hysteresis threshold to obtain a second comparison result.

[0107] Step S24: Obtain a check mark signal according to a logical calculation result of the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

[0108] In the embodiment of the present application, by comparing the signal values ​​of the first differential audio signal and the second differential audio signal with the boost threshold and the boost hysteresis threshold, respectively, the influence of audio signal noise on the comparison result is avoided, thereby making the comparison result between the signal value of the audio signal and the boost threshold more accurate.

[0109] Step S3: Generate a corresponding boost control signal according to the inspection flag signal.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, a boost control circuit receives a check flag signal and generates a corresponding boost control signal according to the check flag signal.

[0111] Step S4: obtaining a boosted supply voltage according to the boost control signal, and using the boosted supply voltage to power the power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

[0112] The embodiment of the present application receives a boost control signal through an adaptive boost circuit, obtains a boosted supply voltage according to the boost control signal, and uses the boosted supply voltage to power the power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

[0113] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage, thereby reducing its power loss while ensuring the output power of the audio power amplifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0114] Corresponding to the above method, an embodiment of the present application further provides a boost power supply circuit. Referring to FIG6 , the circuit includes:

[0115] The voltage generating module is used to obtain a voltage boost threshold, where the voltage boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage.

[0116] The power detection module is used to obtain the signal value of the audio signal in the audio power amplifier, and compare the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check mark signal.

[0117] The boost control module is used to generate a corresponding boost control signal according to the inspection flag signal.

[0118] The adaptive boost circuit is used to obtain a boosted supply voltage according to the boost control signal, and use the boosted supply voltage to power the audio power amplifier.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present application, the boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage, thereby reducing its power loss while ensuring the output power of the audio power amplifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0120] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the voltage generating module 101 includes:

[0121] a model calculation unit, configured to obtain, according to a preset model, a voltage boost threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage; or

[0122] The table lookup obtaining unit is used to obtain the boosting threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage of the power supply according to the preset corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boosting threshold value.

[0123] The embodiment of the present application obtains a boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage through a preset model or corresponding relationship, thereby reducing the power loss of the audio amplifier and improving the efficiency of the audio amplifier.

[0124] In addition, the embodiment of the present application can also obtain the corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boost threshold through a preset model, thereby obtaining the boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage based on the corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boost threshold.

[0125] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the preset model is:

[0126] y2(0)=Y(VDD), where y2(0) is the boost threshold, Y() is the functional relationship, and VDD is the power supply voltage.

[0127] Specifically, the preset model is calculated based on the circuit physical model and different application scenarios. The embodiment of the present application can use different preset models to more accurately set the boost threshold for different circuit physical models and different application scenarios, thereby further improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0128] In some specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the preset model is: y2(0)=K*VDD, where K is a positive number greater than 0; or,

[0129] A1, A2, ..., An represent different functions, and a1, a2, ... represent segmented interval values ​​of the power supply voltage VDD.

[0130] The embodiment of the present application implements a preset model through a linear function or a piecewise function, which can meet the needs of various application scenarios and circuit physical models, and more accurately set the boost threshold, thereby further improving the efficiency of the audio power amplifier.

[0131] The following further illustrates the embodiments of the present application through a specific implementation scenario.

[0132] Referring to Figure 8, the boost waveform of the power supply voltage is shown as y2, where A is the peak value of the boost waveform, Tsin is the period of the boost waveform, which represents the frequency of the signal (1 / Tsin), and a is the advance amount of the boost waveform. The threshold of the power supply voltage at the boost moment, i.e., the boost threshold, can be obtained based on the intersection of the waveform and the y-axis.

[0133] Here, Trise is the time required for the charge pump to boost the voltage (referred to as boost time). HR in the figure is headroom, which can be represented as the product of the current generated by the supply voltage passing through the load and the total on-resistance (Rdson) of the output driver transistors, including parasitic power losses.

[0134] According to mathematical methods, for a given boost time, the frequency of the signal 1 / Tsin, the margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, and the power supply voltage are known, and the threshold y2(0) that prevents the boost waveform of the supply voltage from being truncated during the boost process of the supply voltage can be calculated, which is the boost threshold.

[0135] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application can set different boost thresholds according to different parameters (boost time, signal frequency 1 / Tsin, margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, power supply voltage).

[0136] In a typical application of a 2x voltage charge pump circuit, the preset model of the boost threshold is: y2(0) = PVDD*sin(a / Tsin*2π) = 2*VDD*sin(a / Tsin*2π), where the advance amount a of the boost waveform, the period Tsin of the boost waveform, the margin between the boost waveform and the supply voltage, the supply voltage, and the relationship between the power supply voltage are consistent with the 2x voltage charge pump circuit.

[0137] The embodiment of the present application uses a model to calculate the boost threshold corresponding to different power supply voltages, and then uses a voltage generating circuit to generate a boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage. This ensures that under different power supply voltages, the signal can be boosted before the signal reaches the maximum output power that the power supply voltage can provide, and ensures that no signal distortion occurs during the specific boosting process, and neither excessive efficiency is lost nor signal truncation occurs.

[0138] The preset model adopted in the embodiment of the present application can meet the typical application of a 2x voltage charge pump circuit and can be implemented using a simpler circuit design.

[0139] Based on the above formula, the voltage generation module can be implemented by a voltage divider circuit.

[0140] Specifically, referring to Figure 10, the voltage generating module includes: a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 connected in series; the first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the power supply voltage, the second end of the first resistor R1 is respectively connected to the first end of the second resistor R2 and the boost threshold output end, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is grounded.

[0141] The resistance ratio of the first resistor R1 to the second resistor R2 is (1-k) / k.

[0142] The circuit used by the voltage generating module in the embodiment of the present application is simple and easy to implement.

[0143] In order to further improve the anti-interference capability of the voltage generating module, referring to FIG11 , the voltage generating module further includes: a third comparison unit and an amplifier circuit connected to the third comparison unit, the second end of the first resistor is respectively connected to the first end of the second resistor and the positive input end of the third comparison unit, the negative input end of the third comparison unit is grounded, and the output end of the third comparison unit is connected to the amplifier circuit.

[0144] Specifically, the third comparison unit is a third comparator, and the amplification circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, and a fifth resistor. The output end of the third comparator is connected to the base of the first transistor, the emitter of the first transistor is grounded via the third resistor, the collector of the first transistor is connected to the collector of the second transistor and the bases of the second and third transistors, respectively, the bases of the second and third transistors are connected to each other, the emitters of the second and third transistors are connected to each other and to a power supply voltage, the collector of the third transistor is connected to a common mode voltage via the fourth and fifth resistors, and the area between the fourth and fifth resistors forms a boost threshold output end.

[0145] In some further specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the voltage generating module further obtains a boost hysteresis threshold corresponding to the boost threshold, and the boost hysteresis threshold is a preset hysteresis amount b of the boost threshold.

[0146] Referring to FIG12 , the power detection module includes:

[0147] The signal obtaining unit is used to obtain the signal values ​​of the first differential audio signal and the second differential audio signal in the audio power amplifier.

[0148] The first comparing unit is configured to compare the signal value of the first differential audio signal with the voltage boost threshold to obtain a first comparison result.

[0149] The second comparing unit is configured to compare the signal value of the second differential audio signal with the boost hysteresis threshold to obtain a second comparison result.

[0150] The logic circuit is used to obtain a check mark signal according to a logic calculation result of the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

[0151] In some further specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the signal value of the audio signal comes from one of the first-stage amplifier, the second-stage amplifier, and the power output stage circuit in the audio power amplifier.

[0152] The embodiment of the present application can obtain the signal value of the audio signal through one of the first-stage amplifier, the second-stage amplifier, and the power output stage circuit. The implementation of the embodiment of the present application is more flexible.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present application, by comparing the signal values ​​of the first differential audio signal and the second differential audio signal with the boost threshold and the boost hysteresis threshold, respectively, the influence of audio signal noise on the comparison result is avoided, thereby making the comparison result between the signal value of the audio signal and the boost threshold more accurate.

[0154] Specifically, both the first and second comparison units COMP1 are comparators. The first comparison unit receives the value of the first differential audio signal at its positive input and the voltage boost threshold at its negative input. The second comparison unit receives the value of the second differential audio signal at its positive input and the voltage boost hysteresis threshold at its negative input. When the audio signal is detected to be greater than the corresponding threshold, the comparator flips, and the logic calculation unit 1024 outputs the corresponding voltage boost control signal. The corresponding check flag signal Po is related to the power supply voltage.

[0155] Referring to Figure 13, Curve 1 shows the efficiency curve for the maximum output power that can be provided by powering with the power supply voltage, and Curve 2 shows the efficiency curve for the maximum output power that can be provided by powering with the supply voltage. For a given input signal, if the supply voltage is too high, power loss will occur. At the same output power, a higher supply voltage will result in greater power loss. However, a low supply voltage cannot produce high output power. Therefore, selecting the power supply voltage for lower output power can achieve higher efficiency, while selecting the supply voltage for higher power to meet the output power requirements.

[0156] Typically, to ensure sufficient output power across the full power supply range, from the minimum to the maximum power supply voltage, without truncation distortion, it is necessary to perform a boost before the maximum boost control signal at the minimum power supply voltage, resulting in a lower boost threshold, as shown in curve 3 on Figure 13 . However, the boost threshold in the present application changes synchronously with the power supply voltage. When the power supply voltage increases from the minimum power supply voltage to the maximum power supply voltage, the boost threshold increases synchronously. The efficiency curve is shown in curve 4 on Figure 13 , achieving higher efficiency across the full power supply range.

[0157] Thus far, specific embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0158] In the 1990s, technological improvements could be clearly distinguished as either hardware improvements (for example, improvements to circuit structures like diodes, transistors, and switches) or software improvements (improvements to process flows). However, with the advancement of technology, many process flow improvements today can now be considered direct improvements to hardware circuit structures. Designers almost always create the corresponding hardware circuit structure by programming the improved process flow into the hardware circuit. Therefore, it cannot be said that a process flow improvement cannot be implemented using hardware modules. For example, a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), is an integrated circuit whose logical function is determined by user programming. Designers can "integrate" a digital system on a PLD by programming it themselves, without having to hire a chip manufacturer to design and manufacture a dedicated integrated circuit chip. Moreover, nowadays, instead of manually fabricating integrated circuit chips, this programming is mostly done using "logic compiler" software. This is similar to the software compiler used when developing programs. Before compilation, the original code must also be written in a specific programming language, called a hardware description language (HDL). There is not just one HDL, but many, such as ABEL (Advanced Boolean Expression Language), AHDL (Altera Hardware Description Language), Confluence, CUPL (Cornell University Programming Language), HDCal, JHDL (Java Hardware Description Language), Lava, Lola, MyHDL, PALASM, RHDL (Ruby Hardware Description Language), etc. The most commonly used are VHDL (Very-High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and Verilog. Those skilled in the art will also understand that by simply programming the method flow in one of these hardware description languages ​​and then programming it into an integrated circuit, a hardware circuit that implements the logic method flow can be easily obtained.

[0159] The controller can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the controller can take the form of a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code (e.g., software or firmware) executable by the (micro)processor, logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to, the following microcontrollers: ARC 625D, Atmel AT91SAM, Microchip PIC18F26K20, and Silicone Labs C8051F320. The memory controller can also be implemented as part of the control logic of the memory. Those skilled in the art will also know that in addition to implementing the controller in a purely computer-readable program code format, the controller can be implemented in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers by logically programming the method steps. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the devices included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered as structures within the hardware component. Or even, the devices for implementing various functions can be considered as both software modules that implement the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0160] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments may be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products having certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, the computer may be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, a camera phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a combination of any of these devices.

[0161] For the convenience of description, the above devices are described as being divided into various units according to their functions. Of course, when implementing this application, the functions of each unit can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware.

[0162] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0163] The present application is described with reference to the flow chart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that each flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram and the combination of the flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram can be realized by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processing machine or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for realizing the function specified in one flow chart flow or multiple flows and / or one box or multiple boxes of the block diagram.

[0164] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0165] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0166] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPUs), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0167] Memory may include non-permanent storage in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0168] Computer-readable media includes permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory computer-readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0169] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0170] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0171] The present application may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The present application may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0172] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the method embodiments.

[0173] The above are merely embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A boost power supply method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtaining a voltage boost threshold, wherein the voltage boost threshold changes synchronously with the power supply voltage; Obtaining a signal value of an audio signal in an audio power amplifier, and comparing the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check mark signal; generating a corresponding voltage boost control signal according to the inspection flag signal; A boosted supply voltage is obtained according to the boost control signal, and the boosted supply voltage is used to power the power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of obtaining the voltage boost threshold comprises: Obtaining a boost hysteresis threshold corresponding to the boost threshold, wherein the boost hysteresis threshold is a preset amount of hysteresis of the boost threshold; The step of obtaining a signal value of an audio signal in the audio power amplifier and comparing the signal value with the voltage boost threshold to obtain a check mark signal comprises: Obtaining signal values ​​of a first differential audio signal and a second differential audio signal in the audio power amplifier; Comparing the signal value of the first differential audio signal with the voltage boost threshold to obtain a first comparison result; Comparing the signal value of the second differential audio signal with the boost hysteresis threshold to obtain a second comparison result; A check flag signal is obtained according to a logical calculation result of the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of obtaining the voltage boost threshold comprises: Obtaining a voltage boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage according to a preset model; or, According to the preset corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the voltage boost threshold, a voltage boost threshold that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage is obtained.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The preset model is calculated based on the circuit physical model and different application scenarios.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The preset model is: y2(0)=Y(VDD), where y2(0) is the boost threshold, Y() is the functional relationship, and VDD is the power supply voltage.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The preset model is: y2(0)=K*VDD, where K is a positive number greater than 0; or, Wherein A1, A2, ..., An represent different functions, and a1, a2, ... represent segmented interval values ​​of the power supply voltage VDD.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal value of the audio signal comes from one of the first-stage amplifier, the second-stage amplifier, and the power output stage circuit in the audio power amplifier.

8. A boost power supply circuit, characterized in that: The circuit comprises: A voltage generating module, used for obtaining a voltage boost threshold, wherein the voltage boost threshold changes synchronously with a power supply voltage; A power detection module, used to obtain a signal value of an audio signal in the audio power amplifier, and compare the signal value with the boost threshold to obtain a check mark signal; A boost control module, used to generate a corresponding boost control signal according to the inspection flag signal; The adaptive boost circuit is used to obtain a boosted supply voltage according to the boost control signal, and use the boosted supply voltage to power the audio power amplifier.

9. The circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that The voltage generating module is further used for: Obtaining a boost hysteresis threshold corresponding to the boost threshold, wherein the boost hysteresis threshold is a preset amount of hysteresis of the boost threshold; The power detection module comprises: A signal obtaining unit, used to obtain signal values ​​of the first differential audio signal and the second differential audio signal in the audio power amplifier; a first comparing unit, configured to compare the signal value of the first differential audio signal with the voltage boost threshold to obtain a first comparison result; a second comparing unit, configured to compare the signal value of the second differential audio signal with the boost hysteresis threshold to obtain a second comparison result; A logic circuit is used to obtain a check mark signal according to a logic calculation result of the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

10. The circuit according to claim 8, characterized in that The voltage generating module comprises: a model calculation unit, configured to obtain a voltage boost threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage of the power supply according to a preset model; or The table lookup obtaining unit is used to obtain the boosting threshold value that changes synchronously with the power supply voltage of the power supply according to the preset corresponding relationship between the power supply voltage and the boosting threshold value.

11. The circuit according to claim 10, characterized in that The preset model is calculated based on the circuit physical model and different application scenarios.

12. The circuit according to claim 11, characterized in that The preset model is: y2(0)=Y(VDD), where y2(0) is the boost threshold, Y() is the functional relationship, and VDD is the power supply voltage.

13. The circuit according to claim 12, characterized in that The preset model is: y2(0)=K*VDD, where K is a positive number greater than 0, or, Wherein A1, A2, ..., An represent different functions, and a1, a2, ... represent segmented interval values ​​of the power supply voltage VDD.

14. An audio device, comprising the boost power supply circuit according to any one of claims 8 to 13 and an audio power amplifier connected to the boost power supply circuit, wherein the boost power supply circuit uses the boosted supply voltage to power a power output stage circuit of the audio power amplifier.

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