Audio Signal Switching to Suppress Idle Tones Without Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems face challenges in eliminating idle tones without relying on additional filtering components, which consume valuable resources and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a signal processor, detector, and selector that processes audio signals by outputting either the processed signal or a constant signal based on the detected input signal level, effectively eliminating idle tones without the need for internal or external filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional filtering components are added to mitigate idle noise, then idle tones are suppressed, but chip real estate is consumed and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful idle tones from the audio signal by detecting when the signal falls below a threshold level and replacing it with a constant signal, eliminating the need for physical filtering components that would otherwise be required to suppress these tones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical filtering system (inductors, resistors, capacitors) with an electronic signal processing system that uses detection and conditional signal replacement to achieve the same noise suppression effect without physical filters
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external filtering components are used to reduce idle noise, then audible noise is suppressed, but system cost increases due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a software-based or logic-based signal replacement approach that requires no expensive physical components, effectively using a virtual 'filter' implemented through conditional signal processing rather than costly external filtering hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive external filtering components (inductors, resistors, capacitors) with an electronic detection and conditional replacement mechanism that achieves noise suppression without requiring any external passive components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filtering components are added to the audio system, then idle tones are eliminated, but chip area and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts idle tones from the audio signal through detection of low-level signal conditions and replaces them with a constant signal, eliminating the need for physical filtering components that would occupy chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the audio signal by replacing it with a constant signal when certain conditions (low level) are detected, effectively altering the signal parameters to eliminate idle tones without requiring additional physical components on the chip
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that reduce or remove idle tones and noise from an audio signal are provided. According to various embodiments, a level of the received input signal is detected and a control signal can be generated based on the detected level. When the detected level is above a pre-determined threshold value, then the input signal (which may have been processed) is output. When the input falls below the pre-determined threshold, then a constant signal is output instead, where the constant signal may be one of a ground signal, or other constant voltage signal.