Audio Amplifier Chip Retrieval in Power-Off Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices cannot be retrieved when they are in an off state due to the lack of power supply to components necessary for audio output, such as the system on chip (SOC) and codec, which are typically powered off in this state.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an audio power amplifier chip with a short-range communication module that can receive instructions to output audio directly through a speaker without requiring power from the SOC or codec, along with a battery or power management unit to supply power to these components when the device is off, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device is in an off state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot be retrieved because the SOC and codec are powered off and cannot control audio output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidretrieval function
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio output system into independent components: the audio power amplifier chip is separated from the SOC and codec, allowing it to be controlled independently by the short-range communication module. This segmentation enables the audio amplifier to remain operational or be quickly activated without requiring the SOC and codec to be powered on, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and retrieval functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If the SOC and codec are powered off to extend battery life, then battery life is extended, but the audio output function for device retrieval cannot be activated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidaudio output capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the audio amplification function from the main system (SOC and codec) and places it in a separate audio power amplifier chip. This extracted component can be directly controlled by the short-range communication module, allowing audio output to be activated without powering on the SOC and codec, thereby extending battery life while maintaining retrieval capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Speed

If the short-range communication module continuously monitors for retrieval instructions, then retrieval responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrieval responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the short-range communication module remain in a low-power monitoring state, ready to receive retrieval instructions without requiring the SOC and codec to be powered on. When a retrieval instruction is received, the audio power amplifier chip is quickly activated to output audio. This approach maintains retrieval responsiveness while minimizing power consumption during the monitoring phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution allows for the device to be effectively retrieved by audio output even in an off state, reducing power consumption and increasing the likelihood of successful retrieval by maintaining battery life and ensuring continuous operation of the short-range communication module.

Implementation Method 1

The audio power amplifier chip is configured to output audio through the speaker in response to the first instruction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4708935A1Electronic device, audio power amplifier chip, and device retrieval method
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4708935A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4708935A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4708935A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

This application provides an electronic device, an audio power amplifier chip, and a device retrieval method, to reduce power consumption of a lost electronic device during a retrieval process. The electronic device includes an audio power amplifier chip, a short-range communication module, and a speaker. The short-range communication module may receive a first instruction from a second electronic device when the electronic device is in an off state. The audio power amplifier chip may output audio through the speaker in response to the first instruction.