Master-Slave MMIC Audio Control for Scalable Low-Cost Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio equipment for Low-End and Mid-End applications often employs overengineered components like DSPs and microcontrollers, increasing complexity and cost, while lacking scalable and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A stepped control system with a dedicated integrated circuit utilizing a master MMIC to process audio inputs, eliminating the need for DSPs and microcontrollers, and allowing for easy scalability by adding slave MMICs to meet channel requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSP and microcontroller are used for audio processing, then audio processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (DSP, microcontroller, converters) into a single integrated MMIC that performs all audio processing functions. The MMIC integrates digital signal processing, user interface control, and analog/digital conversion capabilities into one unified circuit, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The MMIC is designed as a universal integrated circuit that performs multiple functions: it processes audio signals from various sources (analog and digital inputs), handles user interface commands, performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions, and controls the amplification stage. This multi-functional approach replaces several specialized components with a single versatile unit.
2Reliability
If DSP and microcontroller are used for audio processing, then audio processing capability is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (DSP, microcontroller, converters) into a single integrated MMIC that performs all audio processing functions. The MMIC integrates digital signal processing, user interface control, and analog/digital conversion capabilities into one unified circuit, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The MMIC is designed as a universal integrated circuit that performs multiple functions: it processes audio signals from various sources (analog and digital inputs), handles user interface commands, performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions, and controls the amplification stage. This multi-functional approach replaces several specialized components with a single versatile unit.
3Device complexity
If MMIC is used for audio processing, then device complexity is reduced, but audio processing capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (DSP, microcontroller, converters) into a single integrated MMIC that performs all audio processing functions. The MMIC integrates digital signal processing, user interface control, and analog/digital conversion capabilities into one unified circuit, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic systems (separate DSP chip, microcontroller, ADC, DAC) with an integrated electronic solution (MMIC). The MMIC uses integrated circuit technology to perform functions that previously required multiple discrete electronic components, simplifying the physical system while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention mainly relates to a stepped control system with dedicated integrated circuit to be applied in multimedia, processors, sound mixers or multimedia audio amplifiers comprising: a receiver circuit for analog and digital audio inputs; an audio processor circuit to perform the treatment of audio sources, the processor circuit comprising: a master MMIC acting as a digital and analog audio player and configured to receive at least one audio processing command from a user; and where the master MMIC receives the analog inputs from the analog audio input receiver circuit. Optionally, slave MMICs can be used in connection with the master MMIC for applications requiring additional channels (more than two). The slave MMICs receive analog and digital signals from the master MMIC, enabling digital audio traffic between the MMICs.