Multi-Speaker Audio Control With Single-Amplifier Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
When an electronic device outputs audio signals through speakers, excessive voltage can lead to increased speaker temperatures, potentially deforming components and reducing audio quality, and existing systems often require multiple amplifiers for each speaker, increasing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a single amplifier connected to multiple speakers uses separate output control methods to identify and manage the temperature of each speaker, adjusting voltage accordingly to prevent overheating, and employs a band-pass filter to manage frequency bands for each speaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers are used for each speaker, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into different bands (low-frequency band for first speaker, high-frequency band for second speaker) and assigns each speaker to handle specific frequency ranges. This allows a single amplifier to effectively control multiple speakers by providing frequency-separated output signals, thereby reducing the need for multiple amplifiers while maintaining precise temperature control for each speaker through frequency-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency separation mechanism as an intermediary between the amplifier and multiple speakers. The amplifier outputs signals that are separated by frequency bands, with low-frequency signals directed to the first speaker and high-frequency signals to the second speaker. This intermediary frequency separation approach enables one amplifier to control multiple speakers effectively without requiring direct separate amplification channels for each speaker.
2Power
If voltage supplied to speaker is increased, then audio output power is improved, but speaker temperature increases causing component deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the output signal to control speaker temperature. By separating signals into different frequency bands and assigning them to appropriate speakers, the system optimizes power delivery while preventing excessive temperature rise. The frequency-based separation allows each speaker to operate within its optimal frequency range, thereby maintaining audio output power without causing harmful temperature increases that would lead to component deformation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers are used for each speaker, then temperature management accuracy is improved, but mounting space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple amplifiers into a single amplifier by implementing frequency-based signal separation. The single amplifier handles multiple speakers by providing frequency-separated output signals, where low-frequency signals are directed to the first speaker and high-frequency signals to the second speaker. This merging approach maintains accurate temperature management for each speaker while significantly reducing the mounting space required compared to using separate amplifiers for each speaker.
4Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers are used for each speaker, then output control precision is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in a single amplifier by enabling it to control multiple speakers through frequency-based signal separation. The amplifier universally handles both low-frequency and high-frequency signals, directing appropriate frequency bands to respective speakers. This universal approach maintains precise output control for each speaker while reducing current consumption compared to using multiple separate amplifiers, as a single amplifier is more energy-efficient than multiple amplifiers performing the same overall function.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a first speaker configured to output a first audio signal corresponding to a first frequency band, a second speaker configured to output a second audio signal corresponding to a second frequency band at least partly different from the first frequency band, at least one amplifier configured to provide a first output signal for controlling output of the first speaker and a second output signal for controlling output of the second speaker, and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, operatively connected to the at least one amplifier. At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to determine the first output signal, at least partly based on a first output control method; output the first audio signal, at least partly based on the first output signal, using the first speaker connected to the at least one amplifier; determine the second output signal, at least partly based on a second output control method; and output the second audio signal, at least partly based on the second output signal, using the second speaker connected to the at least one amplifier.