Audio Signal Processing System Feed-Forward Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional audio signal processing systems face trade-offs between low power consumption, large dynamic operating range, low latency, and low distortion due to the use of analog-to-digital converters, which introduce delays in feedback signal generation.
Innovation Solution
A feed-forward signal generation method is employed to produce a feedback signal without analog-to-digital conversion, using a high-pass filter and comparator circuits to generate a feedback signal that controls operating parameters of the audio signal processing system, allowing for low latency without sacrificing dynamic input signal range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog-to-digital converter is used for feedback signal generation, then signal processing capability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential feedback control function from the complex ADC processing chain and implements it through a simplified analog circuit path. The feed-forward signal generator creates a parallel analog feedback path that bypasses the digital conversion process, removing the time-consuming ADC operation while retaining the core signal processing capability needed for feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary feed-forward signal generation mechanism that mediates between the transducer signal and the feedback control system. This intermediary path uses analog circuitry (comparators, filters, envelope detectors) to generate control signals without requiring full digital conversion, thus reducing latency while maintaining processing capability.
2Measurement precision
If gain is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then signal fidelity is improved, but bandwidth product decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary signal processing actions through the feed-forward path that prepares and conditions signals before they require amplification. By generating envelope signals and control signals in advance through analog processing, the system achieves good signal-to-noise ratio without relying solely on high gain amplification, thereby preserving bandwidth product.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables rapid accommodation of large amplitude changes in transducer signals and suppresses transient noise spikes, achieving low latency and signal fidelity without the delays associated with traditional ADC conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pass filter circuit and a comparator circuit, the comparator circuit configured to perform a threshold crossing functionality upon a portion of the amplified signal propagated through the high-pass filter circuit
Implementation Method 2
the comparator circuit configured to perform a threshold crossing functionality upon a portion of the amplified signal propagated through the high-pass filter circuit
Implementation Method 3
a controller configured to receive the feed-forward signal from the feed-forward signal generator and produce a feedback signal that controls at least one operating parameter of at least the front-end amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure pertains to an audio signal processing system that offers low latency without sacrificing various desirable features such as large dynamic operating range and low power consumption. Low latency is achieved by generating a feed-forward signal that is based in part on performing high-pass filtering and threshold crossing detection upon an amplified transducer signal. The feed-forward signal is provided to a controller, which uses the feed-forward signal to produce a feedback signal that controls one or more operating parameters of one or more components of the audio signal processing system. The feedback signal produced in this manner avoids incurring a delay associated with propagating the amplified transducer signal to the controller via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for purposes of generating the feedback signal. Generation, and use, of the feed-forward signal also allows the audio amplifier to rapidly adjust to amplitude changes in audio signals received from the transducer.