Audio Clock Synchronization During Dynamic System Clock Scaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing systems face challenges in conserving power while minimizing clock frequency changes, which often result in inconsistencies leading to undesirable audio artifacts like pops or clicks due to dynamic clock throttling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a frequency control block that synchronizes changes in the system clock frequency with corresponding adjustments in the relationship between system and audio clocks, maintaining the audio clock frequency constant and minimizing period inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the clock frequency is dynamically changed to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but audio artifacts such as pops or clicks occur due to clock period inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the clock throttling operation with the audio signal processing cycles. Before changing the clock frequency, the system aligns the transition with the audio data buffer boundaries and processing stages, ensuring that frequency changes occur at safe points in the audio pipeline. This prevents clock period inconsistencies from manifesting as audible artifacts while still achieving power savings through dynamic frequency adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the audio processing state and clock synchronization status. The system uses feedback from the audio data buffer levels, processing stage completion signals, and clock period measurement to dynamically adjust the timing of frequency transitions. This closed-loop control ensures that clock frequency changes are coordinated with the audio processing state, preventing artifacts while maintaining power efficiency.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the clock frequency is reduced for power savings, then operational time from battery is extended, but inconsistencies in clock period occur leading to audio glitches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing regular clock synchronization cycles and structured frequency transition patterns. The system performs clock period recalibration at fixed intervals and uses periodic synchronization with the audio processing cycle to maintain consistency. This structured periodic approach ensures that even when operating at reduced frequencies for extended battery life, the clock period remains stable and consistent throughout operation.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic clock scaling is implemented to conserve power, then energy efficiency is improved, but audio signal quality deteriorates due to pops or clicks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary control mechanisms including buffer management layers and synchronization controllers that mediate between the clock frequency changes and the audio processing pipeline. These intermediary components absorb and smooth out the effects of frequency transitions, preventing direct transmission of clock artifacts to the audio signal. The buffer management system acts as an intermediary that can temporarily hold audio data during frequency transitions, ensuring continuous smooth playback without pops or clicks while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an audio processing system includes a frequency control block that forms a system clock and a master audio clock. The frequency control block is configured to change a frequency of the system clock and change a relationship between the system clock and the master audio clock so that the frequency of the master audio clock remains substantially constant.