Audio Interface Protocol Detection Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio devices require separate processing circuits for different audio transmission protocols (PDM, I2S, TDM), leading to high manufacturing costs and complex packaging due to the need for multiple interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that automatically detect the audio transmission protocol by analyzing the word select signal's voltage potential characteristics, allowing a single processing unit to switch between PDM, I2S, and TDM protocols, reducing the need for multiple circuit types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate processing circuits are used for different audio transmission protocols (PDM, I2S, TDM), then each protocol can be processed reliably, but manufacturing cost increases and packaging complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio protocol processing reliabilityVSAvoidpackaging complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single processing unit that can automatically detect and process multiple audio transmission protocols (PDM, I2S, TDM) through one unified interface. The detecting unit monitors the WS signal characteristics to identify the protocol type, and the processing unit adapts its operation accordingly, eliminating the need for separate processing circuits for each protocol while maintaining reliable processing for all protocol types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate processing circuits are used for different audio transmission protocols, then each protocol can be processed reliably, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio protocol processing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single processing unit processes multiple audio protocols, then manufacturing cost reduces and packaging complexity reduces, but the ability to accurately detect and distinguish different protocols increases difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging complexityVSAvoidprotocol detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the voltage potential characteristics of the WS signal as a distinctive marker to differentiate between protocol types. I2S protocol maintains WS at high voltage potential, PDM shows no WS signal (or constant low), and TDM exhibits voltage changes. This approach allows the detecting unit to easily identify protocol types by monitoring these electrical characteristics, simplifying the detection process despite handling multiple protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If three separate packages are used for three audio transmission protocols, then each protocol interface can be optimized, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol interface adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of three separate protocol interface packages into a single unified audio interface package. The detecting unit identifies the active protocol type, and the processing unit configures itself to handle the detected protocol, allowing one package to replace three while maintaining full protocol support and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11036460B2Device and method for detecting audio interface

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 SILICON INTEGRATED SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A device for detecting an audio interface includes a processing unit, a first audio interface transmitting circuit, and a second audio interface transmitting circuit. The processing unit is utilized to generate a clock signal and a word select (WS) signal. The first audio interface transmitting circuit is utilized to generate a first audio data according to the clock signal. The second audio interface transmitting circuit is utilized to generate a second audio data according to the clock signal and the WS signal. The processing unit switches to the first audio interface transmitting circuit if a voltage potential of the WS signal remains at a high voltage level or remains at a low voltage level longer than a predetermined period. The processing unit switches to the second audio interface transmitting circuit if the voltage potential of the WS signal changes during the predetermined period.