Audio ADC with Integrated Encoding to Cut DSP Processing Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital converters lack efficient encoding capabilities, which complicates circuit integration and increases processing load for digital signal processors in sound processing devices.
Innovation Solution
An analog-to-digital converter design incorporating a coding selection module, pre-amplifier, and 1-bit ΔΣ modulator, which generates a control signal to determine whether to encode or forward the digital signal, allowing for adjustable gain and encoding modes based on channel selection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing analog-to-digital converters are used without encoding capabilities, then the conversion function is simple, but the processing load of the digital signal processor increases and circuit integration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the encoding function with the analog-to-digital conversion function into a single integrated circuit. The ADC unit includes both the conversion module and encoding module, merging two previously separate functions (conversion and encoding) into one unified device, thereby reducing the processing load on external digital signal processors while maintaining circuit integration simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The analog-to-digital converter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a conversion device and an encoding device. The same hardware circuit performs dual roles: converting analog audio signals to digital format and simultaneously encoding the digital signals according to different channel configurations, eliminating the need for separate encoding circuits or post-processing
2Productivity
If encoding function is added to analog-to-digital converter, then processing load is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: an analog-to-digital conversion module and an encoding module. Each module performs a specific function independently, with the conversion module handling analog-to-digital transformation and the encoding module handling signal encoding. This modular segmentation allows for manageable complexity while achieving multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding operation is performed preliminarily within the ADC circuit itself, before the digital signal leaves the converter. By completing the encoding function at the source during the conversion process, the patent eliminates the need for subsequent encoding operations in the digital signal processor, thereby reducing overall processing load while concentrating complexity only where necessary
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone, and comprises a coding selection module, a pre-amplifier, a 1-bit ΔΣ modulator, and a signal coding module. The coding selection module receives a mode signal and a channel selection signal, and generates a control signal according to the mode signal and the channel selection signal. The pre-amplifier amplifies the first audio signal to obtain a second audio signal. The 1-bit ΔΣ modulator converts the second audio signal from analog to digital to obtain a third audio signal. The signal coding module encodes a fourth audio signal according to the third audio signal as an output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the control signal indicates that the mode signal selects an encoding mode, and forwards the third audio signal as the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the control signal indicates that mode signal does not select the encoding mode.