Audio Amplifier Energy Buffering for Limited Power Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio amplifiers with limited power delivery capabilities struggle to achieve high sound pressure levels due to constraints imposed by power sources like USB and Power over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, which limit their output.
Innovation Solution
Employing DC to DC converters to maximize the energy storage potential of capacitors by allowing voltage variation without affecting normal amplifier functionality, using electrical energy storage devices like capacitors or batteries, and incorporating an audio level controller to manage energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio amplifiers use limited power sources like USB or PoE interfaces, then the system achieves simplified power delivery and data transmission, but the output power and sound pressure level are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy storage by capturing and storing energy from the limited power source in a capacitor before the high-power demand occurs. This preliminary action allows the amplifier to accumulate sufficient energy to drive high-power speakers despite the limited instantaneous power delivery capability of USB or PoE interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging of the energy storage capacitor from the limited power source, followed by periodic discharge to the amplifier during high-power demand periods. This periodic action pattern allows the system to average out the power delivery over time, achieving high instantaneous output power while using a limited average power source.
2Device complexity
If audio amplifiers use combined power and data delivery interfaces, then the system achieves simplified cabling and installation, but the maximum power delivery is constrained by interface standards
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage capacitor acts as an intermediary between the limited power delivery interface and the high-power amplifier load. It buffers the power transfer, allowing the amplifier to draw more power than the interface can continuously supply by utilizing stored energy during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal distribution of power delivery parameters, converting continuous limited power delivery into periodic high-power pulses. By modifying the time-domain characteristics of power delivery, the system achieves high instantaneous power output while maintaining compatibility with limited power interface standards.
3Illumination intensity
If audio amplifiers operate at high output power levels, then the system achieves high sound pressure levels, but the limited power source cannot sustain the required power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy accumulation in the capacitor during periods of lower power demand, preparing stored energy reserves before high-power operation is required. This preliminary action enables sustained high-power output by drawing from pre-stored energy rather than relying solely on continuous power source delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between power source direct supply and capacitor-supplied power. The capacitor ensures uninterrupted high-power delivery to the amplifier, maintaining continuous high sound pressure output even when the power source cannot immediately supply required power levels.
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
Enables audio amplifiers to deliver sustained outputs beyond the limits of their power sources, ensuring efficient operation and higher sound pressure levels even with uncertain or variable power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC to DC converter having an input connected to the power input terminal, an electrical energy storage device connected to an output of the first DC to DC converter
Implementation Method 2
maximize the energy storage potential of storage devices, such as capacitors, by allowing the storage devices to vary in voltage
Implementation Method 3
a second DC to DC converter having an input connected to the electrical energy storage device, an amplifier conductively connected to the output of the second DC to DC converter so as to be powered by the output
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audio amplifier for use with a limited power source, the audio amplifier having: a power input terminal, a signal input terminal, a first DC to DC converter having an input connected to the power input terminal, an electrical energy storage device connected to an output of the first DC to DC converter, a second DC to DC converter having an input connected to the electrical energy storage device, an amplifier conductively connected to the output of the second DC to DC converter so as to be powered by the output of the second DC to DC converter, the amplifier also being conductively connected to the signal input terminal so as to receive a signal for amplification, and an output of the amplifier configured to be connected to a transducer such that the transducer may be driven by the amplifier.