Dual-Amplifier Phase Delay for Higher-Power Audio Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power amplifiers are limited by voltage swing and load impedance, leading to restricted output power and increased current demands, which can result in inefficiencies and distortion, especially in applications like car audio amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A dual/multiple amplifier sound system with a time delay between phases for out-of-phase correction, allowing for improved sound quality and efficiency by distributing audio frequencies and harmonics effectively across multiple speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the amplifier rail voltage is increased to improve output power, then the output power increases, but the system complexity and power supply requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio signal processing into two separate amplifiers (first and second amplifiers), each handling different phases of the signal. This segmentation allows each amplifier to operate at lower voltage levels while collectively delivering higher output power through parallel operation, avoiding the need for a single high-voltage power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs out-of-phase signal processing where the second amplifier processes the inverted phase of the audio signal relative to the first amplifier. This counterbalancing approach allows the combined output to achieve higher power delivery while maintaining lower individual amplifier voltage requirements, effectively counteracting the need for high-voltage single-amplifier designs.
2Power
If the load impedance is reduced to increase output power, then the output power increases, but the current demand and wiring losses worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By splitting the power delivery across two amplifiers operating in parallel with different phases, the system can deliver higher total power without requiring proportionally higher current through single heavy-gauge wiring. Each amplifier handles a portion of the total power, distributing the current load and reducing individual wiring requirements.
3Power
If bridging is used to double output voltage swing, then the output power increases, but the current demand per amplifier and effective load impedance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional bridging where two amplifiers drive the same load in opposition requiring high current capability, this patent inverts the approach by having two amplifiers drive separate parallel loads with out-of-phase signals. This inversion of the bridging concept achieves similar power multiplication benefits while reducing the current demand on each individual amplifier.
4Reliability
If multiple amplifiers are used in parallel to improve sound quality, then the sound quality improves, but the phase alignment and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary phase correction by introducing a time delay to the second amplifier's signal path before amplification. This pre-adjustment compensates for phase differences between the two amplifiers, ensuring proper phase alignment at the output without requiring complex real-time phase correction circuits or manual adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An amplification system which includes a source of electrical audio signals, a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a plurality of loudspeakers, and a first phase of the first amplifier and a second phase of the second amplifier reproduced in parallel having a time delay between first and second phase amplification for out of phase correction. The time delay is configured to correct poor sound signals while amplifying weaker harmonics and sound signals of different frequencies, thereby adjusting sound output of the amplification system and acoustical characteristics of a room. The amplification system is useful for providing improved sound quality and increased audio efficiencies.