Hardware Accelerator for Bluetooth Headset Audio Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bluetooth headset audio signal processing systems face challenges due to high power utilization and sub-optimal software code execution, primarily because they rely on embedded control processors that are computationally intensive and limited by available software development tools and hardware architectures.
Innovation Solution
A hardware accelerator is introduced to execute audio signal processing algorithms such as audio codec and acoustical echo cancellation, utilizing FFT algorithms and CORDIC for efficient signal processing, which reduces power consumption and optimizes hardware architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an embedded control processor is used for audio signal processing, then audio processing functions can be implemented, but power consumption becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct processing units: a DSP processor for computationally intensive audio signal processing tasks and a separate embedded control processor for control functions. This segmentation allows the DSP to handle audio processing with optimized performance while the control processor manages system control, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to using the embedded processor for all tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based processing approach on the embedded control processor with a dedicated hardware DSP processor. This substitution of hardware architecture specifically designed for signal processing provides superior computational efficiency and lower power consumption for audio processing tasks compared to general-purpose embedded processor software execution.
2Productivity
If the embedded control processor operates at high clock rates to handle audio processing, then processing capability improves, but power utilization increases beyond acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
Processing capabilities are segmented between two processors: the DSP processor handles computationally intensive audio processing at optimized clock rates, while the embedded control processor handles control functions. This segmentation allows each processor to operate at appropriate clock rates for its specific tasks, avoiding the need for the embedded processor to run at excessively high clock rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a DSP processor with clock rates and architecture optimized for audio processing. This parameter change in processing architecture provides the necessary processing capability without requiring the embedded control processor to operate at unsustainable high clock rates, thereby controlling power utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If audio processing algorithms are designed according to DSP processor capabilities, then hardware optimization improves, but software development is limited by available tools and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software development system that acts as an intermediary between the software developer and the DSP processor. This system includes development tools and an environment that enable software developers to create optimized audio processing algorithms without needing to deeply understand the underlying DSP hardware architecture, thus bridging the gap between hardware optimization and software development flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded control processor serves multiple functions: it controls the DSP processor, manages system operations, and provides a familiar development environment for software developers. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve hardware optimization through the DSP while maintaining software development flexibility through the versatile embedded control processor and its development tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and a system for audio signal processing for Bluetooth wireless headsets using a hardware accelerator are presented. Aspects of a method for processing a signal may include configuring circuitry within a single chip to establish at least one of a plurality of data paths for processing input data for a plurality of signal processing algorithms for implementing a subband codec (SBC). The method may also include executing vector rotation of data during processing within one or more of the plurality of data paths. Aspects of a system may include a hardware accelerator that configures circuitry within a single chip to establish at least one of a plurality of data paths for processing input data for a plurality of signal processing algorithms for implementing SBC. The hardware accelerator may execute vector rotation of data during processing within one or more of the plurality of data paths.