Multi-Channel Audio Codec Routing Reconfiguration via Select Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-channel converter integrated circuits face limitations in reconfiguration due to fixed physical orientations and routing configurations, which restrict their flexibility in mounting and integration into different systems.

Innovation Solution

The integration circuit includes a hardware pin that allows reconfiguration of channel orders by setting it to predefined voltage levels, enabling flexible pinout configurations without software intervention, thus accommodating various mounting orientations and system requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed physical orientation and routing configuration are used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but reconfiguration flexibility and adaptability to different mounting orientations are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidrouting configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability by introducing select pins that allow the routing circuitry to switch between different routing configurations at runtime. This enables the fixed physical structure to achieve dynamic adaptability, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing simplicity and flexible reconfiguration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the routing parameters (signal paths, channel orders) based on select pin inputs, allowing the same physical device to present different logical configurations. This parameter-based reconfiguration enables adaptability without changing the physical structure, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple routing configurations are implemented to support different mounting orientations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and integration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidintegration time overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures multiple routing paths within the device during manufacturing, but keeps them inactive until needed. The select pins enable users to activate the appropriate pre-configured routing for their specific mounting orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming integration decisions and reducing integration time overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the routing circuitry to serve multiple functions by supporting different routing configurations through select pins. A single device can accommodate various mounting orientations and system requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software control is used for reconfiguration, then flexibility is maintained, but system load and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidsoftware control overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based reconfiguration control with hardware-based select pin control. The select pins directly control the routing circuitry through hardware signals, eliminating the need for software intervention. This substitution reduces system load and complexity while maintaining reconfiguration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The routing circuitry is designed to automatically respond to select pin inputs and reconfigure itself without external software control. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the host system and simplifies the overall architecture by eliminating software management overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230328438A1Multi-channel converters and reconfiguration thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 CIRRUS LOGIC INT SEMICON LTD

AI summary

An audio codec integrated circuit (IC), comprising: an audio input interface; an audio output interface, wherein a first one of the audio input interface and the audio output interface comprises a plurality of interface pins, each interface pin configured to receive a respective one of a plurality of audio input signals or output a respective one of a plurality of audio output signals; a plurality of data converters for converting the plurality of audio input signals into the plurality of audio output signals; and routing circuitry for routing the plurality of audio input signals to the data converters and the plurality of audio output signals from the data converters, the routing circuitry configurable by at least one select pin to adjust the order of routing of the plurality of audio input signals to the data converters or the order of routing of the plurality of audio output signals from the data converters.