Digital Audio Bus Pickup for Multi-Sensor String Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instrument pickups face challenges with increasing complexity and cabling requirements as the number of sensors increases, leading to larger architectures and potential interference or failure due to power sources and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an audio bus interface that allows multiple sensors to be connected in a 'daisy chain' configuration, using a single two-wire connection for both signal transmission and power supply, eliminating the need for local power sources and minimizing redundant cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are connected with separate cabling and local power sources, then measurement precision and sound capture quality are improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connections (signal cables and power cables for each sensor) into a single integrated audio bus cable. The audio bus interface allows multiple sensors to share one cable that simultaneously carries both power and signal data, eliminating the need for separate cabling and local power sources for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio bus cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply to all sensors, transmits signal data from all sensors, and enables communication between components. This multi-functional cable replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cables, one for each function and sensor.
2Reliability
If local power sources (batteries) are installed in the pickup, then sensor operation is ensured, but weight increases and interference or failure risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the pickup unit and relocates it to the external audio system. The audio bus cable draws power from the audio system's power supply, eliminating the need for batteries or other local power sources in the pickup. This removes the weight and reliability issues associated with local power sources while ensuring continuous operation.
3Reliability
If traditional separate cabling is used for each sensor, then signal transmission is reliable, but the architecture becomes larger and more prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmissions into a single digital audio bus that carries data from all sensors through one shielded cable. This consolidated approach reduces the total cable surface area and minimizes electromagnetic interference compared to multiple separate cables, while the digital protocol ensures reliable transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a musical instrument pickup (1), in particular for a plucked string instrument and/or a bowed string instrument. The pickup (1) comprises at least one sensor which is designed to convert soundwaves detected by the sensor into electric signals. According to the invention, the pickup (1) has a digital audio bus interface which is designed to transmit electric signals and supply an electric current to at least parts of the musical instrument pickup (1) via a connection cable (K) which can be releasably connected or captively connected to the digital audio bus interface and which only has two wires (D1, D2) or at least two wires (D1, D2). The invention additionally relates to a musical instrument pickup system (10) equipped with said musical instrument pickup and to the use of an automotive audio bus (A2B) for or as an audio bus interface of the pickup (1).