Digital Microphone Audio Path Switching for Power and Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems with Wake on Voice technology operate in lower performance modes, limiting sound signal processing quality due to the disconnection of High-Definition Audio (HDA) codecs during power-saving states, despite the presence of Digital Microphones (DMICs) that require better processing resources.
Innovation Solution
A computer system architecture that connects a digital microphone and HDA codec, enabling high-quality audio processing by selectively enabling/disabling the HDA codec based on power states, ensuring efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the HDA codec is connected to the digital microphone to improve audio quality, then sound signal processing quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the audio processing path based on operational mode. In wake-on-voice mode, the HDA codec is disconnected and the PCH processes audio directly to save power. In high-performance mode, the HDA codec is connected to provide high-quality audio processing. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between power consumption and audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital microphone is designed to be universally compatible with multiple processing paths - it can connect to both the PCH and the HDA codec. This multi-functionality allows the system to flexibly select the appropriate processing path based on power requirements and performance needs, resolving the trade-off between power consumption and audio quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the HDA codec is disconnected during power-saving state to reduce power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but audio processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing architecture dynamically adapts its configuration based on system state. During power-saving states, the system uses the simplified PCH processing path. When high-performance audio processing is needed, the system dynamically connects the HDA codec. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power saving and audio processing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system operates in lower performance mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but audio quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational modes based on power requirements. In low-power mode, audio processing is handled by the PCH with limited capabilities. When high audio quality is required, the system dynamically transitions to high-performance mode by connecting the HDA codec, which supports higher sampling rates and bit depths. This resolves the contradiction between power consumption and audio quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a processing method thereof of sound signal are provided. The computer system includes a platform path controller (PCH), a high-definition audio (HDA) codec, and a digital microphone. The HDA codec is coupled to the PCH. The digital microphone is coupled to the PCH and the HDA codec. The digital microphone is used to generate sound signal. The HDA codec processes the sound signal from the digital microphone. Accordingly, the audio recording with high quality could be provided.