Codec IC Mute Controller Suppresses Transient Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing codecs in electronic devices often produce undesirable transient signals, and current designs lack efficient integrated circuit solutions to effectively manage these issues, particularly in real-time signal processing applications.

Innovation Solution

A codec integrated circuit design that includes a controller module to monitor status conditions and assert a mute signal to disconnect the output based on predefined rules, using an output mute switch to prevent undesirable transient signals, thereby enhancing functionality and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an external digital signal processor is used to control a switch to disconnect the codec output, then transient signals can be suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient signalsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the controller module directly into the codec integrated circuit, merging the control functionality with the existing codec structure. This eliminates the need for external digital signal processors while maintaining the ability to detect status conditions and control the output mute switch, thereby suppressing transient signals without increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The codec integrated circuit performs self-control through its internal controller module that monitors status conditions and automatically asserts mute signals to disconnect the output when needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control components, reducing device complexity while effectively managing transient signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the codec output is disconnected based on multiple status conditions, then output stability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput stabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller module is pre-configured with multiple status condition monitoring capabilities and predefined disconnect rules. When specific status conditions are detected (such as power amplifier protection mode or digital signal processor mute mode), the controller proactively asserts the mute signal before transient signals can occur, ensuring output stability without requiring complex real-time control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller module continuously monitors multiple status conditions from both the codec and external devices, using feedback from these status signals to automatically determine when to assert or deassert the mute signal. This feedback mechanism enables reliable output control based on system state without requiring complex external control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7930046B2Codec integrated circuit, codec and methods for use therewith
Publication Date: 2011.04.19 NXP USA INC
  • US7930046B2 patent drawing
  • US7930046B2 patent drawing
  • US7930046B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A codec includes an output module for converting a digital input signal into an analog output signal. A controller module monitors a plurality of status conditions and asserts a mute signal for engaging an output mute switch based on a plurality of disconnect rules.