Adaptive Class D Amplifier Mode Switching for EMI and Linearity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Class D amplifiers face challenges in balancing power efficiency, linearity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, as they are limited by their fixed operating modes (Class AD or Class BD), which do not adapt dynamically to input signal characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A Class D amplifier system with a controller that dynamically adjusts its operational switching mode between Class AD and Class BD modes based on input signal characteristics, such as level or envelope, using a carrier wave generator to adjust relative phase between carrier signals, allowing for adaptive operation between 100% Class AD, 100% Class BD, or intermediate modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a Class D amplifier operates in fixed Class AD mode, then power efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different input signal characteristics deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to input signal characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier dynamically switches between Class AD and Class BD operating modes based on the characteristics of the input signal. The controller monitors signal parameters and adjusts the operating mode in real-time, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying conditions while maintaining power efficiency benefits where applicable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating mode parameter of the amplifier is changed based on input signal characteristics. By varying the operational parameter (Class AD vs Class BD mode) according to signal conditions, the system optimizes performance across different operating scenarios rather than being constrained to a single fixed mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a Class D amplifier operates in fixed Class BD mode, then adaptability to input signal characteristics is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to input signal characteristicsVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic mode switching to overcome the limitations of fixed Class BD operation. By transitioning between Class AD and Class BD modes based on real-time signal analysis, the amplifier maintains adaptability while recovering power efficiency benefits during appropriate operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational mode parameter is dynamically adjusted based on input signal characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to exploit the adaptability advantages of Class BD mode when needed while switching to power-efficient Class AD mode when signal conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If a Class D amplifier operates in fixed Class AD mode, then power efficiency is improved, but linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier dynamically adjusts its operating mode to optimize the trade-off between power efficiency and linearity. By switching between Class AD and Class BD modes based on signal characteristics, the system achieves better overall linearity performance while maintaining power efficiency benefits during appropriate operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating mode parameter is changed based on input signal characteristics to optimize linearity. When signal conditions require better linearity performance, the system transitions to Class BD mode, while maintaining Class AD mode for power efficiency when linearity requirements are less stringent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If a Class D amplifier operates in fixed Class BD mode, then linearity is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelinearityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between operating modes to balance linearity and power efficiency. By monitoring signal characteristics and adjusting the operating mode accordingly, the amplifier achieves improved linearity performance when needed while recovering power efficiency during other operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational mode parameter is dynamically adjusted based on signal characteristics to optimize the linearity-power efficiency trade-off. The system exploits Class BD mode's linearity advantages when required while switching to Class AD mode for power efficiency when linearity requirements are less demanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Device complexity

If a Class D amplifier operates in fixed mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode structureVSAvoidadaptability to input signal characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier incorporates dynamic mode switching capability that allows it to adapt to different input signal characteristics. The controller monitors signal parameters and adjusts the operating mode in real-time, providing adaptability without requiring completely separate amplifier designs for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both Class AD and Class BD modes using the same hardware infrastructure. This universal design approach provides adaptability to different signal conditions while avoiding the complexity of maintaining separate dedicated amplifier circuits for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11658623B2Class D amplifiers
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CIRRUS LOGIC INC
  • US11658623B2 patent drawing
  • US11658623B2 patent drawing
  • US11658623B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to Class D amplifier circuitry comprising a mode controller configured to dynamically adjust an operational switching mode of the Class D amplifier over a range between a Class AD mode and a Class BD mode.