Serial-Bus Active Loudspeaker Layout for Reduced Vehicle Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive audio systems face challenges with high weight, space requirements, and cost due to extensive wiring needed to connect multiple loudspeakers, which is exacerbated by the need for complex wiring harnesses and custom amplifier designs.
Innovation Solution
An audio reproduction system utilizing a serial bus for transmitting audio and control data, along with low and high electric power, and incorporating low-power and high-power active speaker arrangements that receive data and power via a two-wire bus, reducing the need for multiple wires and allowing for centralized computing and simplified amplifier designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If multiple separate audio components (head unit, multi-channel amplifier, loudspeakers) are connected using traditional wiring, then audio quality and system functionality are maintained, but weight, space requirements, and cost increase due to extensive insulated copper wire requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate audio components (head unit, amplifier, loudspeakers) into an integrated system where a single-channel amplifier is merged with loudspeaker assemblies. This integration eliminates the need for extensive multi-channel wiring while maintaining audio functionality, directly reducing wiring weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial bus system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits audio signals, control data, and electrical power through a single communication infrastructure. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate wiring for audio, control, and power, significantly reducing overall wiring requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single-channel amplifier is used with distributed loudspeaker assemblies containing amplifiers and transducers, then wiring requirements are reduced, but power distribution challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The serial bus is designed to simultaneously transmit audio signals, control data, and electrical power. This multi-functional capability allows the system to overcome power distribution challenges by using the same communication infrastructure for both low-voltage control and higher-power amplifier operation, eliminating the need for separate power wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs different voltage levels on the serial bus to accommodate different power requirements. Low-voltage operation is used for control and data transmission, while higher voltage is used for power delivery to distributed amplifiers. This parameter variation allows a single bus to handle both low-power and high-power functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio reproduction system includes a serial bus configured to transmit audio data and control data using serial data communication, and to transmit low electric power; a zone computer connected to the serial bus and configured to provide audio data and control data to the serial bus; a low-power supply connected to the serial bus to supply the low electric power to the serial bus, the low electric power having a maximum value below a threshold; and a high-power supply configured to supply high electric power, the high electric power having a maximum value above the threshold. The system further includes a low-power active loudspeaker arrangement connected to the serial bus and configured to receive the audio data, control data and low electric power over the serial bus, the low-power active loudspeaker arrangement comprising a first bus interface, a low-power loudspeaker and a low-power amplifier, the low-power amplifier being supplied with the low electric power and driving the low-power loudspeaker; and a high-power active loudspeaker arrangement connected to the serial bus and the second power supply, and configured to receive audio data and control data over the serial bus and to receive high electric power from the second power supply, the high-power active loudspeaker arrangement comprising a second bus interface, a high-power loudspeaker and a high-power amplifier, the high-power amplifier being supplied with the high electric power separately from the serial bus and driving the high-power loudspeaker.