Amplifier Analog Input Gating for Unused Input Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amplifiers lack the ability to determine when an analog input is not being used, leading to increased noise due to unconnected inputs, which degrades the audio listening experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for amplifiers to measure audio analog signal levels, determine if they are below a threshold, and gate the input to prevent further processing, thereby reducing noise by grounding or disregarding the input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the analog input circuitry is enabled to process signals, then the amplifier can receive and amplify audio signals, but noise increases when no circuit is connected or the input is not receiving an analog signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput signal reception capabilityVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier performs preliminary detection of the analog input signal level before full processing. The processor measures the signal level and determines whether it exceeds a threshold before enabling full analog input processing, preventing noise from unconnected inputs from affecting the audio output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the analog input signal level and uses this feedback to dynamically control the processing state. When the measured signal level exceeds the threshold, the amplifier enables full processing; when below the threshold, it disables processing to reduce noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the amplifier continuously monitors all analog inputs to detect unused inputs, then noise from unconnected inputs can be reduced, but the processing power requirements exceed current amplifier capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise from unconnected inputsVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier performs partial monitoring by measuring only the signal level parameter rather than fully processing the audio signal. This partial action approach allows continuous monitoring capability with minimal processing power consumption, using the processor only to measure levels and make binary decisions about enabling/disabling input processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12615025B2System and method for detecting analog signals on an amplifier input and gating the same

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 CRESTRON ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A system and method are described herein for gating at least one input to an amplifier, the method comprising: measuring at least one audio analog signal level received by the amplifier at a first input; determining whether the received at least one audio analog signal level is below a predetermined threshold level; and gating the first input such that the received audio analog signal level is ignored in further processing by the amplifier.