Programmable Audio Routing Across Sample Rate Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio data processing systems in electronic devices face challenges with static, one-to-one routing of audio streams, which lengthens realization time and limits flexibility, especially in USB-based systems where firmware and software are not fully developed.
Innovation Solution
A system with programmable rate generators, transaction control registers, and output control registers allows flexible audio data routing and sample rate converter allocation, enabling on-the-fly configuration and minimizing processing overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static one-to-one routing is used for audio streams, then system simplicity is maintained, but realization time is lengthened and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing by replacing static one-to-one connections with a programmable transaction controller that can dynamically configure routing paths at runtime. The transaction controller receives routing configuration data and dynamically connects different audio processing components based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt to various audio configurations without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal routing architecture where a single transaction controller handles multiple routing scenarios and audio stream configurations. Instead of dedicated routing paths for each audio stream, one controller manages all routing decisions, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple functions and configurations, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If firmware and software are fully developed before manufacturing, then system reliability is improved, but time-to-market is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary manufacturing of the audio processing system with a programmable transaction controller that can be configured later. The hardware is manufactured and ready, but the routing configuration is determined at runtime based on the final firmware and software requirements. This allows the physical system to be produced before the software is complete, significantly reducing time-to-market while maintaining reliability through later configuration validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration requiring complete software development before manufacturing to a dynamic configuration where routing is determined at runtime. The programmable transaction controller allows the system to adapt its routing based on final software requirements, enabling earlier manufacturing without compromising the ability to ensure system reliability through proper configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample rate converters are used, then routing flexibility is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transaction controller that manages multiple sample rate converters dynamically. Instead of having dedicated control logic for each sample rate converter, one programmable controller handles all routing decisions and converter allocations. This reduces processing overhead by consolidating control functions while maintaining the flexibility to allocate sample rate converters to different audio streams as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic allocation of sample rate converters controlled by a programmable transaction controller. Rather than statically assigning converters to specific audio streams, the controller dynamically determines which converter handles which stream based on runtime requirements. This dynamic approach reduces processing overhead by optimizing resource utilization while maintaining flexibility in converter allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing audio data is disclosed. An example system includes a plurality of input sample rate converters and a plurality of output sample rate converters; an isochronous data interface configured to receive and/or output audio data; a plurality of programmable rate generators configured to trigger a sequence of audio data transfers between the plurality of input sample rate converters and/or the plurality of output sample rate converters and the isochronous data interface; a plurality of transaction control registers configured to control routing for each audio data transfer, the plurality of transaction control registers controlling which input sample rate converter of the plurality of input sample rate converters an audio data transfer is to be transferred from for received audio data; and a plurality of output control registers configured to control write enables of the plurality of output sample rate converters.