Digital Microphone Cross-Talk Compensation for Fast Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital microphones struggle with audible switching artefacts, or 'cross-talk', during rapid transitions between high and low power modes, necessitating a solution for seamless and rapid mode changes without generating noticeable noise.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a cross-talk compensation component that reconstructs the power profile and models thermal and acoustic properties of the digital microphone, using a subtractor to eliminate audible artefacts by subtracting the estimated cross-talk from the output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid transitions between operational modes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but audible switching artefacts (cross-talk) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by reconstructing the power profile before mode switching occurs and using this reconstruction to predict and compensate for the resulting cross-talk. The subtractor removes the predicted cross-talk from the output signal before the switching artefact can become audible, thereby preventing the harmful effect in advance while allowing rapid mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful cross-talk generated during rapid mode transitions into a beneficial signal by reconstructing the power profile and using it to generate a compensation signal. The reconstructed power profile, which initially represents the source of the problem, is transformed into a tool for eliminating the audible artefacts, turning the harmful switching behaviour into a useful predictive model.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption is reduced in lower quality mode, then energy efficiency is improved, but signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operational mode of the digital microphone based on power management requirements. The system can switch between high-power high-quality mode and low-power low-quality mode, with the cross-talk compensation mechanism ensuring that even during low-power operation, the signal quality remains acceptable by removing the dominant cross-talk artefacts that would otherwise be audible.
3Measurement precision
If cross-talk compensation is applied, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a replica or model of the power profile through reconstruction, rather than directly measuring or processing the actual power consumption. This copied power profile is then used to generate the cross-talk compensation signal. The copying approach simplifies the implementation by working with a mathematical model rather than requiring complex physical sensing and processing of actual power signals.
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
Significantly reduces audible artefacts below an audible threshold, enabling rapid transitions between operational modes in digital microphones.
Implementation Method 1
a reconstruction filter configured for modeling thermal and/or acoustic properties of the digital microphone
Implementation Method 2
a reconstruction filter configured for modeling thermal and/or acoustic properties of the digital microphone
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a cross-talk compensation component including a power profile reconstruction component for reconstructing the power profile of a digital microphone coupled to a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device, wherein the power profile represents power consumption of the digital microphone over time between at least two operational modes of the digital microphone, and a reconstruction filter for modeling thermal and/or acoustic properties of the digital microphone; and a subtractor having a first input for receiving a signal from the digital microphone, a second input coupled to the cross-talk compensation component, and an output for providing a digital output signal.