Clock Power Switching in Audio Amplifiers to Suppress Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio signal amplification devices face issues with noise propagation from power supply circuits to clock generation circuits, leading to distortion in output signals and a deterioration of the Signal-to-Noise ratio.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an audio signal amplification device with a power supply circuit that includes a constant voltage generation circuit, a capacitor, a charging circuit, and a selection circuit, which controls the supply of direct current power to the clock generation circuit, switching between power generated in the constant voltage circuit and power charged to the capacitor to minimize noise propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the constant voltage generation circuit supplies power directly to the clock generation circuit, then the power supply is simple and responsive, but noise propagates to the clock generation circuit causing signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSignal-to-Noise ratioVSAvoidPower supply circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit is segmented into multiple independent power supply paths: a first power supply path for the clock generation circuit (using first capacitor and first charging circuit) and a second power supply path for other circuits (using second capacitor and second charging circuit). This segmentation isolates the noise-prone constant voltage generation circuit from the sensitive clock generation circuit, preventing noise propagation while maintaining circuit functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitors are introduced as intermediary energy storage elements between the constant voltage generation circuit and the clock generation circuit. The first capacitor supplies power to the clock generation circuit, acting as a buffer that isolates the clock circuit from noise generated in the constant voltage generation circuit and charging circuit, thereby improving the Signal-to-Noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the capacitor is charged continuously, then the power supply stability is improved, but the charging circuit generates noise that propagates to the clock generation circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower supply stabilityVSAvoidNoise propagation to clock generation circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system dynamically switches between different power sources based on operational requirements. The control circuit determines whether to supply power from the constant voltage generation circuit or from the charged capacitors, and whether to enable charging operations. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain power stability while avoiding noise propagation during sensitive clock generation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuits operate periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit manages charging operations in cycles, enabling the capacitors to be charged when power supply stability is needed while allowing periods where charging is suspended to prevent noise propagation to the clock generation circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the power supply circuit uses a single power path, then the device complexity is low, but noise from the power supply circuit propagates to the clock generation circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOutput signal qualityVSAvoidNumber of power supply paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply circuit is divided into multiple independent power supply paths with dedicated capacitors and charging circuits for different functional blocks. The clock generation circuit has its own dedicated power path (first power supply path) isolated from other circuits' power path (second power supply path), preventing noise coupling while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach effectively suppresses noise propagation to the clock generation circuit, ensuring stable direct current power supply and maintaining a high Signal-to-Noise ratio by isolating the noise-prone constant voltage generation circuit and charging circuit from the clock generation circuit.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor; a first charging circuit that charges the first capacitor by using the input power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3240191B1Audio signal amplification device, power supply device, and power supply control method
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3240191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3240191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3240191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An audio signal amplification device capable of suppressing propagation of noise is provided. The audio signal amplification device includes: a clock generation circuit that generates a clock for use in amplifying an audio signal; and a power supply circuit that generates direct current power, which is supplied to the clock generation circuit, from input power. The power supply circuit includes: a constant voltage generation circuit that generates direct current power of a constant voltage from the input power; a first capacitor; a first charging circuit that charges the first capacitor by using the input power; and a selection circuit. The selection circuit selects one direct current power of the direct current power generated in the constant voltage generation circuit and of direct current power charged to the first capacitor, and supplies the selected direct current power to the clock generation circuit.