MEMS Audio Amplifier for Simultaneous Mic and Speaker ANR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices cannot effectively implement active noise reduction (ANR) procedures due to the inability to operate a transducer as both a microphone and a loudspeaker, necessitating separate components for noise cancellation and sound reproduction.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS transducer capable of operating as both a microphone and a loudspeaker, integrated with an amplifier unit, processes sound signals to generate anti-noise for ambient noise cancellation, eliminating the need for separate microphones and loudspeakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate microphones and loudspeakers are used for noise cancellation and sound reproduction, then the device can effectively implement active noise reduction, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single transducer that can operate in multiple modes: as a microphone for capturing ambient noise, as a loudspeaker for reproducing anti-noise signals, and as both simultaneously for active noise reduction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated microphone and loudspeaker components while maintaining ANR effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate microphone and loudspeaker components into a single integrated transducer unit. By combining these previously separate components into one element that can perform both functions, the device complexity is reduced while the active noise reduction capability is preserved through the transducer's ability to operate in both sensing and actuation modes
2Reliability
If separate microphones and loudspeakers are used for noise cancellation and sound reproduction, then the device can effectively implement active noise reduction, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single transducer that can operate in multiple modes: as a microphone for capturing ambient noise, as a loudspeaker for reproducing anti-noise signals, and as both simultaneously for active noise reduction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated microphone and loudspeaker components while maintaining ANR effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate microphone and loudspeaker components into a single integrated transducer unit. By combining these previously separate components into one element that can perform both functions, the device complexity is reduced while the active noise reduction capability is preserved through the transducer's ability to operate in both sensing and actuation modes
3Speed
If ambient noise is recorded at one location and anti-noise is played back at another location, then sound reproduction is achieved, but noise cancellation is delayed due to travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate microphone and loudspeaker components into a single integrated transducer unit. By combining these previously separate components into one element that can perform both functions, the device complexity is reduced while the active noise reduction capability is preserved through the transducer's ability to operate in both sensing and actuation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the transducer as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it captures ambient noise as a microphone and reproduces anti-noise as a loudspeaker at the same physical location. This eliminates the spatial separation delay between noise capture and anti-noise playback, enabling real-time noise cancellation without the latency introduced by sound travel time between separate components
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
Enables efficient active noise reduction by simultaneously recording ambient noise and reproducing sound, enhancing sound quality and reducing production costs through the use of a single transducer, while allowing faster noise cancellation without travel time delays.
Implementation Method 1
a sound-generating unit (200) with a sound transducer (2) that can be operated as both a microphone and as a loudspeaker
Implementation Method 2
a sound-generating unit (200) with a sound transducer (2) that can be operated as both a microphone and as a loudspeaker
Implementation Method 3
The audio amplifier can process and/or condition these audio signals so that the transducer can convert them into sound waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an amplifier unit (1) for a MEMS sound converter (2), which is operable as a microphone and as a loudspeaker, having at least one audio amplifier (3) for sound reproduction and/or sound recording. According to the invention, the amplifier unit (1) is designed such that the MEMS sound converter (2) provided therefor is operable simultaneously as a loudspeaker and as a microphone. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sound generating unit having an MEMS sound converter (2), which is operable as a microphone and as a loudspeaker, and an amplifier unit (1) coupled to the sound converter (2) for sound reproduction and/or sound recording.