Microphone Array Series Chain Architecture for Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microphone arrays face challenges with scalability and flexibility due to cumbersome wiring and susceptibility to noise and signal degradation, particularly when the number of microphones increases, as they require separate connections to a central processing unit and sequential analog-to-digital conversion.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a chain architecture where microphone units, each comprising a microphone, an analog-to-digital converter, and local memory, are connected in series with a controller unit, reducing the need for extensive cabling and minimizing electromagnetic interference by digitizing signals closer to the source, and using a serial data transfer method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate individual connections are used from central processor to every microphone, then each microphone can be independently connected to the processing unit, but the system becomes cumbersome and lacks flexibility when the number of microphones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microphone array system into modular microphone units, each containing its own ADC converter and memory. These units can be independently configured and connected in series, allowing the system to scale by simply adding or removing units without rewiring the entire array. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible reconfiguration while reducing overall wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional parallel hub-and-spoke architecture to a series chain architecture where microphone units are connected sequentially. This dimensional change in connection topology reduces the wiring complexity from O(N^2) in hub-and-spoke to O(N) in series configuration, while maintaining full connectivity to the central processor through the chain.
2Reliability
If digitization occurs only at the central processing unit, then the system architecture is simplified, but analog signals are susceptible to noise and signal degradation over the transfer path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes ADC converters to each microphone unit, segmenting the signal digitization function across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at the central processor. This ensures that analog signals are converted to digital as close as possible to their source, minimizing the length of analog signal transfer paths and reducing susceptibility to noise and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local memory at each microphone unit as an intermediary between the microphone and the central processor. This memory buffer allows the system to store digital signals locally before transmission, providing protection against signal degradation during transfer and enabling flexible data management in the distributed architecture.
3Productivity
If a single multiplexed ADC chip is used for several microphones, then the hardware cost is reduced, but non-simultaneous sampling occurs resulting in performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns one ADC converter to each microphone unit, segmenting the digitization function so that each microphone can be sampled simultaneously and independently. This eliminates the performance degradation caused by sequential sampling in multiplexed systems, while the modular architecture keeps the overall hardware complexity manageable through standardized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling parameter from sequential (time-division multiplexed) to simultaneous across all microphones. By distributing ADC converters to each unit, the system can capture audio signals from all microphones at the same time, preserving the temporal relationships and spatial information necessary for high-quality audio processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a plurality of microphone units including at least a first microphone unit and a second microphone unit, each of the first and second microphone units comprising a microphone, an analog-to-digital converter, and a local memory. The microphone is configured to capture an analog audio signal. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the analog audio signal created by the microphone into a digital audio signal. The local memory is configured to store the digital audio signal. The apparatus further comprises. a controller unit comprising a processor configured to process the digital audio signals. The first microphone unit and the second microphone unit are operatively connected to the controller unit in a series configuration, the second microphone unit being configured to output the digital audio signal to the first microphone unit, and the first microphone unit being configured to output the digital audio signal to the controller unit.