Audio Processing Chain Synchronization for Phase-Coherent Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing audio signal processing across multiple channels is challenging due to timing mismatch and phase errors, leading to performance degradation in applications like beamforming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core audio processor system with a synchronization pulse generator that produces pulses with programmable phases, synchronized to a clock signal, to ensure coherent processing across multiple channels, accounting for initial conditions, chip-to-chip variations, and temperature/voltage variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If audio signal processing is performed on multiple channels independently, then processing capacity and functionality are improved, but timing mismatch and phase errors occur between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio signal processing into multiple independent processing chains (one per channel), each with its own processing units. This segmentation enables parallel processing while the synchronization pulse generator ensures each segment receives precisely timed initiation pulses to maintain coherence across channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system uses feedback mechanisms where the synchronization pulse generator monitors and adjusts the timing of initiation pulses for each processing chain. This feedback ensures that despite variations in processing speed or timing drift, all channels remain synchronized to within a fraction of a sample period.
2Manufacturing precision
If synchronization pulses are generated for each processing chain, then timing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization pulse generator is designed as a universal component that can generate and distribute synchronized initiation pulses to multiple processing chains simultaneously. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate timing control circuits for each channel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the synchronization control functionality into a single integrated pulse generator that manages all processing chains. By merging the timing control functions into one component rather than distributing control across multiple independent units, the system reduces complexity while achieving precise synchronization across all channels.
3Speed
If processing chains operate in parallel, then processing speed is improved, but phase errors and timing mismatch increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic synchronization pulses that are generated at regular intervals corresponding to the audio sample rate. Each processing chain receives these periodic initiation pulses simultaneously, ensuring that parallel processing operations are periodically reset and realigned, maintaining phase coherence throughout continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization pulse generator performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and distributing the exact timing for each processing chain's operation. Before processing begins, the system establishes precise timing relationships between all channels, and this preliminary synchronization is maintained throughout processing, preventing phase errors from accumulating during parallel operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are related to a system and a method for synchronizing signal processing on audio channels. In one aspect, a system includes processors, each including an audio data input configured to receive audio data from multiple audio sources. In one aspect, each processor includes audio channels coupled to the audio data input, where each audio channel includes a corresponding processing chain configured to convert a sample rate of audio data from a corresponding audio source. Each processor may include a synchronization pulse generator configured to generate a corresponding synchronization pulse for each processing chain in response to a trigger pulse. The synchronization pulse generator may include a counter configured to generate an output having a phase based on a programmable initial condition of the counter, where the synchronization pulse for each processing chain is based on the counter output and a phase register value of the corresponding processing chain.