PWM Amplifier Ramp Synchronization Without Separate PLLs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PWM amplifiers require separate ramp generators to maintain constant audio signal gain, leading to phase and frequency offsets that necessitate additional circuitry, such as master and slave PLLs, increasing space consumption in integrated circuits.

Innovation Solution

A PWM amplifier design that includes a digital-to-analog converter, synchronization logic circuit, and a single ramp generator capable of switching between high and low voltage supplies, using slope and reference switch signals to generate ramp signals with varying slopes, eliminating the need for separate ramp generators and reducing circuit complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate ramp generators are used to maintain constant audio signal gain when switching between high and low voltage supplies, then the audio signal gain remains constant, but phase and frequency offsets occur requiring additional master and slave PLL circuitry which increases circuit space consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal gain stabilityVSAvoidcircuit space consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ramp generators into a single ramp generator that can dynamically switch between different voltage supplies (high voltage supply and low voltage supply). This single ramp generator produces a single ramp signal that is used by both Y-bridge drivers, eliminating the need for separate ramp generators and the associated master and slave PLL circuitry for synchronization, thereby reducing circuit space consumption while maintaining constant audio signal gain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single ramp generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates the ramp signal for PWM modulation and simultaneously provides the clock signal for both Y-bridge drivers. By making the ramp generator universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate clock generation circuits and PLLs, reducing overall circuit complexity and space requirements while ensuring synchronized operation of both drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single ramp generator is used to reduce circuit space, then circuit complexity is reduced, but maintaining constant audio signal gain when switching between voltage supplies becomes challenging due to potential phase and frequency offsets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidaudio signal gain stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the clock signal generation function into the single ramp generator. The ramp generator produces both the ramp signal and the clock signal used by both Y-bridge drivers. Since both drivers derive their clock signals from the same source (the single ramp generator), phase and frequency offsets are eliminated, ensuring constant audio signal gain even when switching between high and low voltage supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a loop filter that receives feedback from the output signals of both Y-bridge drivers. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and adjust the ramp signal characteristics to maintain constant audio signal gain when switching between voltage supplies, compensating for any variations without requiring separate PLL circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11177785B1Pulse width modulated amplifier
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US11177785B1 patent drawing
  • US11177785B1 patent drawing
  • US11177785B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pulse width modulated (PWM) amplifier includes a synchronization logic circuit having a first input configured to receive a bridge control signal and having a second input configured to receive a clock signal. The synchronization logic circuit is configured to provide a slope switch signal and a reference switch signal. The PWM amplifier includes a ramp generator having a first input configured to receive a first voltage supply and having a second input configured to receive a second voltage supply and having a third input configured to receive the reference switch signal and having a fourth input configured to receive the slope switch signal. The ramp generator is configured to provide a ramp signal having a first slope responsive to the slope switch signal in a first state and having a second slope responsive to the slope switch signal in a second state and to provide the clock signal.