Firmware-Configurable Oversampling Filter for Audio Sound Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio signal processor ICs lack flexibility in sound quality design due to fixed computational algorithms for digital filters, restricting the ability of set designers to achieve desired sound quality.

Innovation Solution

An audio signal processing circuit with a configurable oversampling filter that includes a processor running firmware, allowing for changeable computational algorithms and the loading and selection of multiple sets of coefficients, along with an encryption mechanism to secure confidential coefficient data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed computational algorithm is used for the digital filter, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability for sound quality design is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the computational algorithm configurable through firmware. The oversampling filter includes a processor that can execute different computational algorithms by loading different firmware, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its filtering characteristics while maintaining a fixed hardware structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing different computational algorithms to be loaded via firmware configuration. The system can change the computational parameters and algorithms of the digital filter without physical modification, enabling flexible sound quality design while keeping the hardware structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of coefficients are loaded and stored, then the adaptability for different sound quality designs is improved, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single oversampling filter structure that can perform multiple filtering functions by loading different coefficient sets and computational algorithms. The processor-based architecture allows the same hardware to universally handle various filter configurations, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements copying by storing multiple sets of coefficients in memory that can be selectively loaded. Instead of duplicating hardware structures, the system creates virtual copies of filter configurations through software, allowing multiple filter profiles to coexist in a compact manner that minimizes device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the sets of coefficients are encrypted, then the security and protection of confidential information is improved, but the ease of operation and processing speed are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the decryption functionality within the processor firmware. The decryption process is integrated into the coefficient loading sequence, so that encryption/decryption operations are automatically performed as part of the normal operation flow, minimizing additional operational steps and maintaining ease of use while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12119842B2Audio signal processing circuit
Publication Date: 2024.10.15 ROHM CO LTD
  • US12119842B2 patent drawing
  • US12119842B2 patent drawing
  • US12119842B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An oversampling filter oversamples a digital audio signal. A ΔΣ modulator delta-sigma modulates a signal output from the oversampling filter. A D/A converter converts a signal output from the ΔΣ modulator into an analog audio signal. The oversampling filter includes a processor configured to run firmware and a computational algorithm is configurable based on the firmware.