Multipath Digital Microphone Gain Switching for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital microphones face challenges in achieving high dynamic range while maintaining low power consumption and compact size, especially in applications requiring wide dynamic range and immunity to noise, such as mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multipath digital microphone systems that employ automatic gain control (AGC) and multipath digital signal processing chains, allowing for efficient gain adjustment and switching between signal paths to minimize audible artifacts and optimize power and die area usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional solutions such as high DR ADC or automatic gain control amplifier are employed to improve dynamic range, then dynamic range is improved, but power consumption and die area increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dynamic range handling into multiple signal paths with different gain stages. Instead of using a single high-DR ADC that consumes excessive power, the system segments the signal processing into multiple paths that can handle different signal levels, thereby achieving high dynamic range with lower power consumption per path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automatic gain control (AGC) that dynamically adjusts the gain of amplifiers based on the input signal level. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize power consumption by adapting the amplification stage to the current signal requirements, rather than maintaining fixed high-gain stages that consume excessive power regardless of signal level.
2Measurement precision
If conventional solutions such as high DR ADC or automatic gain control amplifier are employed to improve dynamic range, then dynamic range is improved, but die area increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into multiple paths with different gain configurations. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for specific signal levels, reducing the need for a single large high-DR ADC and associated circuitry, thereby reducing overall die area while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multipath system where multiple signal paths serve different functions (handling different signal levels and dynamic range requirements). This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high dynamic range without requiring each individual component to be oversized, thus optimizing die area utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gain switching is performed in multipath digital microphone systems, then power efficiency and die area are optimized, but audible artifacts may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic gain control (AGC) that uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the input signal level and dynamically adjust the gain of amplifiers accordingly. This feedback-based control allows for smooth gain transitions that minimize audible artifacts while maintaining power efficiency, as the system continuously adapts to signal conditions rather than using abrupt gain switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary multipath digital microphones described herein can comprise exemplary embodiments of automatic gain control and multipath digital audio signal digital signal processing chains, which allow low power and die size to be achieved as described herein, while still providing a high DR digital microphone systems. Further non-limiting embodiments can facilitate switching between multipath digital audio signal digital signal processing chains while minimizing audible artifacts associated with either the change in the gain automatic gain control amplifiers switching between multipath digital audio signal digital signal processing chains.