Dual-Connector Microphone With Multi-ADC Dynamic Range Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microphones with a single analog-to-digital converter (ADC) suffer from non-simultaneous sampling on individual channels, leading to performance degradation and limited dynamic range, resulting in clipped signals and poor audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A microphone with a dual connector configuration, including an analog connector and a digital port, equipped with processing circuitry that splits audio signals into multiple processed signals, selectively switches between multiple ADCs based on optimal gain and signal-to-noise ratio, and generates a 32-bit floating-point recording to capture a large dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used in conventional microphones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and dynamic range of audio signals are limited, resulting in clipped signals and poor audio quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single ADC function into multiple ADCs that operate in parallel. Each ADC processes a different gain stage of the audio signal, allowing simultaneous conversion of multiple signal levels without clipping. This segmentation enables the system to capture the full dynamic range of audio signals while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using multiple ADCs to convert only the necessary portions of the audio signal at different gain stages. Instead of overloading a single ADC with the entire dynamic range, the system selectively converts signal portions that fall within each ADC's optimal range, preventing clipping while maintaining efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If conventional microphones rely on host device enhancement, then the microphone device complexity is reduced, but the audio signal quality and performance are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by implementing signal processing, ADC conversion, and quality enhancement functions directly within the microphone device itself. The processing circuitry pre-processes audio signals before transmission to the host device, ensuring high-quality audio output without relying on external enhancement. This preliminary processing maintains signal integrity and prevents quality loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed or variable gain is applied to the microphone input, then the device complexity is reduced, but the usable dynamic range is limited and signals are clipped when exceeding the maximum range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a gain selection circuit that dynamically switches between multiple fixed gain stages based on the input signal level. The processing circuitry monitors the audio signal and automatically selects the appropriate gain stage to optimize the output for different recording conditions. This dynamic gain adjustment expands the usable dynamic range while maintaining simple fixed-gain ADC conversion stages.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the field of microphone connectors, and more particularly to a dual connector including an analog connector and a digital port. The digital port may be positioned directly adjacent or within the analog connector. For example, a Type-C USB port may positioned directly above one or more pins of an XLR connector or between one or more pins of the XLR connector. Advantageously, the microphone may be configured to connect with a variety of host devices and may facilitate functioning as a USB-C microphone via the digital port for producing a 32-bit floating-point recording or audio stream.