Multichip Audio DRE Processing for Low-Power ANC Earbuds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing systems that enhance dynamic range (DRE) are limited by power consumption and space constraints, particularly when implementing adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) algorithms, as they often require analog signal processing and transmission, which is inefficient and challenging to integrate into small devices like earbuds or headphones.
Innovation Solution
A multichip audio processing configuration where dynamic range enhancement and ANC data are processed and communicated digitally between multiple integrated circuits, reducing the need for analog communication and power consumption, and allowing for more sophisticated error correction and noise cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog signal processing and transmission are used for DRE and ANC, then signal processing capability is achieved, but power consumption increases and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing with digital signal processing. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts analog audio signals to digital signals, which are then processed digitally by the processor. This substitution of analog mechanical/electrical systems with digital systems reduces power consumption while maintaining signal processing capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
2Reliability
If analog signal processing and transmission are used for DRE and ANC, then signal processing capability is achieved, but device size increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing components with digital signal processing components. The processor digitally processes audio signals instead of using analog circuits, and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) convert digital signals to analog outputs. This digital substitution reduces the physical space required for signal processing components, resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal processing capability and reducing device volume.
3Loss of energy
If digital processing is used between multiple ICs, then power consumption is reduced and error correction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing system into multiple integrated circuits (ICs), each handling specific functions. One IC contains the ADC and digital processing components, while another IC contains the DAC and analog output components. This segmentation allows digital processing to be distributed across separate chips, reducing power consumption in each individual component while managing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multichip circuit for processing audio signals having dynamic range enhancement information over two or more integrated circuits may include a host integrated circuit and a client integrated circuit. The host integrated circuit may be configured to determine a dynamic range enhancement gain for a digital audio input signal, process the digital audio input signal in accordance with the dynamic range enhancement gain, and transmit audio data based on the processed digital audio input signal. The client integrated circuit may be coupled to the host integrated circuit and may be configured to receive the audio data and wherein the client integrated circuit is provided with the dynamic range enhancement gain and the client integrated circuit is configured to process the audio data with the dynamic range enhancement gain.