Low Power Acoustic System Ultrasonic Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic devices, such as MEMS microphones, face challenges with high power consumption due to always-on codecs and limited bandwidth for ultrasonic frequencies, leading to user dissatisfaction and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low power acoustic system where codecs are deactivated during ultrasonic signal sensing and only activated when a detected signal is meaningful, using ultrasonic activity detection to wake up processors for processing, and employing digital signal processing to correlate and pattern match signals, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If codecs are kept always on for signal processing, then signal processing capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The codec operates dynamically by switching between active and inactive states based on ultrasonic signal detection. The system transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state where the codec is activated only when ultrasonic signals are detected, resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal processing capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic ultrasonic signal detection to determine when the codec should be activated. Instead of continuous operation, the codec is periodically awakened based on detected ultrasonic activity, enabling power savings while maintaining necessary signal processing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic signal detection is implemented, then bandwidth for ultrasonic frequencies is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the signal processing function by separating ultrasonic detection from general audio processing. A dedicated ultrasonic detection path identifies ultrasonic signals, which then triggers the codec activation. This segmentation enables ultrasonic bandwidth expansion without requiring the entire audio processing system to operate continuously, thereby managing complexity.
3Reliability
If processing components are activated continuously, then signal processing quality is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary ultrasonic signal detection before activating the full processing chain. By detecting ultrasonic signals in advance and only then activating the codec and processing components, the system maintains signal processing quality when needed while extending battery life through reduced continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces power consumption and improves battery life by only activating processing components when necessary, while enabling efficient detection and processing of ultrasonic signals without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
sound energy traverses through the port, moves the diaphragm and creates a changing potential with respect to the back plate, which creates an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an acoustic system includes detecting an ultrasonic sound signal and pattern matching the received ultrasonic sound signal to determine when the received ultrasonic sound signal is a desired ultrasonic sound signal. The method includes sending a signal to at least one electronic component when the received ultrasonic sound signal is the desired ultrasonic sound signal. The method includes operating the microphone in a lower power state when the received ultrasonic sound signal is not the desired ultrasonic sound signal.