Microphonic Noise Compensation in VCO-Coupled Audio Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices for first responders suffer from microphonic noise, which is caused by vibrations at the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) due to speaker output, leading to a howling sound that obscures critical audio information.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for microphonic noise compensation, featuring a microphonic detection engine and a microphonic compensation engine integrated into the audio path between the RF mixer and the speaker, which detect and compensate for microphonic noise before processing by the audio processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If speaker volume is increased to improve audio output clarity, then audio output quality is improved, but microphonic noise increases due to VCO vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microphonic detection engine continuously monitors processed audio for microphonic noise characteristics. When microphonic noise is detected, the system adjusts the speaker output or applies noise cancellation algorithms to reduce the harmful vibrations at the VCO, thereby maintaining audio clarity while suppressing microphonic noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the audio processor and speaker that includes the microphonic detection engine. This intermediary analyzes the audio signal and detects microphonic noise before it fully develops, allowing the system to intervene and prevent the feedback loop from amplifying the noise
2Object-generated harmful factors
If physical sound baffling and shields are added to reduce microphonic noise, then microphonic noise is reduced, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sound baffling and shielding with an electronic/digital solution. The microphonic detection engine and compensation algorithms process audio signals electronically to detect and reduce microphonic noise, eliminating the need for additional physical components that would increase device weight
3Object-generated harmful factors
If permanent software filtering is added to reduce microphonic noise, then microphonic noise is reduced, but audio quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial filtering by only processing audio signals that contain microphonic noise characteristics. The microphonic detection engine identifies when microphonic noise is present and applies compensation only in those instances, rather than continuously filtering all audio signals, thereby preserving audio quality while reducing microphonic noise when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for microphonic noise compensation is provided. The device comprises: a speaker; a receiver; an audio processor configured to: process audio received via the receiver; and output processed audio to the speaker; a microphonic detection engine; and a microphonic compensation engine. The microphonic detection engine configured to: search for microphonic noise in the processed audio according to one or more predetermined microphonic parameters; and when the microphonic noise is detected: output a microphonic indicator to the microphonic compensation engine to cause the microphonic compensation engine to compensate for the microphonic noise in the audio. The microphonic compensation engine configured to: receive the microphonic indicator; and responsively compensate for the microphonic noise in the audio received via the receiver, prior to processing of the audio by the audio processor.