Audio Signal Path Clock Redundancy for Reference Clock Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal audio devices face issues with component synchronization and operation when the clock signal becomes unavailable, leading to erroneous outputs and component failure, particularly in the absence of a reference clock input signal.
Innovation Solution
A redundant uninterruptable clock conditioning circuit generates a substitute clock signal to maintain uninterrupted operation, and a controller determines the presence or absence of the reference clock input signal to modify the signal path parameters, reducing audio artifacts, powering down components, or transitioning to a mute condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single clock signal source is used to operate audio components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of continuous operation deteriorates when the clock signal becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the absence of a reference clock input signal before complete failure occurs. The controller detects clock signal availability and proactively switches to an internal clock source, preventing operational failure and maintaining continuous audio output without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by having a redundant internal clock source ready as a backup. When the external reference clock fails, the internal clock immediately takes over, providing a cushion against complete system failure and ensuring uninterrupted operation of audio components.
2Productivity
If the signal path continues operating with a substitute clock signal, then the productivity is maintained, but audio artifacts are generated in the output signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by adaptively adjusting signal path parameters based on clock signal conditions. When operating with a substitute internal clock, the controller dynamically modifies parameters such as gain, volume, or signal routing to minimize audio artifacts while maintaining continuous operation, allowing flexible optimization of output quality under varying clock conditions.
3Loss of time
If components operate without a reference clock input signal, then the loss of time is reduced by avoiding shutdown, but measurement precision of audio output deteriorates due to synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by generating an internal clock signal that replicates the function of the missing reference clock. The internal clock source copies the timing and synchronization functions needed for audio component operation, allowing the system to maintain precise synchronization and measurement capabilities even without the external reference clock input.
Data Source
AI summary
Responsive to the absence of a reference clock input signal to a clock conditioning circuit for generating a desired clock signal for synchronizing components of an audio signal path, a controller may cause the signal path to receive at the clock input a substitute clock signal in the absence of the reference clock input signal and may modify one or more parameters of the signal path in order to perform one or more of the following: (i) reduce the presence of audio artifacts in the output signal caused by the absence of the reference clock input signal; (ii) power down at least one component of the signal path to reduce power consumed by the signal path; (iii) continue to operate the signal path with the substitute clock signal; and (iv) transition the signal path to a mute condition or a zero volume condition.