I2S Interface Multi-Channel Audio via Frequency-Divided Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems, such as those using the I2S interface, struggle to efficiently handle multi-channel audio data due to limitations in data transfer capacity, making it difficult to manage increasing amounts of audio data in in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and system that utilize a processor to generate a frame synchronization signal with a frequency m times the sampling frequency, an external counter to frequency-divide this signal, and an I2S interface to output or receive 2m-channel audio data, effectively emulating a TDM interface to handle multiple channels over an Ethernet line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the I2S interface is used to transfer audio data, then the interface is simple and compatible with existing ICs, but it can only transfer data of at most 2 channels per line, making it difficult to handle multi-channel audio data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-channel audio data transfer problem by using multiple I2S interfaces in parallel, where each interface handles a portion of the channels. This allows the system to achieve multi-channel capability (improving adaptability) while keeping each individual interface simple and compatible with existing ICs (maintaining low device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the I2S interface universal by demonstrating that it can handle both traditional 2-channel audio and expanded multi-channel audio through parallel configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same basic interface to adapt to different channel requirements without requiring entirely different interface architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the TDM interface is used to transfer multi-channel audio data, then the channel capacity increases to 8 or 16 channels per line, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple copies of the simple I2S interface instead of a single complex TDM interface. By replicating the proven I2S interface architecture multiple times in parallel, the system achieves the channel capacity of TDM (improving adaptability) while avoiding the increased device complexity and cost associated with implementing a true TDM interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more audio channels are handled to meet increasing infotainment requirements, then the system functionality improves, but the data transfer capacity requirements increase beyond what a single I2S interface can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional data transfer approach (one I2S interface) to a multi-dimensional approach by arranging multiple I2S interfaces in parallel. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle increased audio channel capacity (improving adaptability) by distributing the data transfer load across multiple interfaces, thereby managing the increased quantity of data without overloading a single interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device according to an embodiment includes: a processor configured to execute a media clock for generating a frame synchronization signal having a frequency which is m times a sampling frequency; a first interface configured to output 2m-channel audio data to a DAC or receive an input of the 2m-channel audio data from an ADC, in synchronization with the frame synchronization signal; and an external counter configured to generate a frequency-divided frame synchronization signal obtained by 1/m-frequency division of the frame synchronization signal and output the frequency-divided frame synchronization signal to the DAC and the ADC.