Audio Sample Rate Conversion With Ring Data Path and Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signal processing systems face challenges in efficiently converting digital audio signals between different sample rates, particularly in flexible and scalable manner, as they often require fixed pathways and central hubs for data routing, limiting their ability to handle variable sample rates and processing latencies.
Innovation Solution
A digital processing device with a ring configuration data path allows flexible routing of data between modules, using a routing controller to manage communication and a sample rate converter module that performs sample rate conversion, enabling efficient handling of variable sample rates and reducing processing latencies through a hybrid filtering approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed pathways and central hubs are used for data routing, then system structure is simplified, but flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent processing modules (audio processing module, video processing module, etc.) connected via a ring configuration data path. Each module can independently process different sample rates without requiring a central hub, enabling flexible routing while maintaining simple module-level structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional centralized hub-and-spoke architecture to a distributed ring topology, adding the dimension of decentralized communication. This allows data to flow through multiple paths and enables flexible routing between any modules in the ring without requiring a central coordination point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sample rate conversion is used, then sample rate changing is achieved, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores conversion ratios and filter coefficients in lookup tables before actual sample rate conversion is needed. During runtime, the sample rate converter module retrieves pre-computed values from these tables, significantly reducing processing latency compared to real-time calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample rate converter module dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the specific conversion ratio required. For simple ratios (e.g., 2:1, 3:2), it uses efficient decimation or interpolation filters; for complex ratios, it combines multiple filtering stages with optimized buffer management to minimize latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable sample rates are supported, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample rate converter module is designed as a universal component that can handle any sample rate conversion ratio through a standardized interface. It uses a combination of resampling filters and buffer management that works across different conversion scenarios, eliminating the need for separate dedicated converters for each sample rate pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (filter coefficients, buffer sizes, downsampling/upsampling ratios) based on the desired output sample rate rather than changing the fundamental architecture. The sample rate converter module accepts different parameter sets dynamically, allowing variable sample rate support without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a sample rate converter and method for sample rate conversion are generally described herein. In some embodiments, an interpolation module calculates new digital samples for insertion into a digital sample ring, a cache module provides input digital samples of a digital sample stream to the interpolation module, and a control module maintains and provides state information to the interpolation module and the cache module. Based on pitch parameters, the control module provides the interpolation module a fractional portion of an address for use in calculating the new digital samples and provides the cache module with an integer portion of the address and an address increment.