Speaker Amplifier Circuit for In-Situ Peak Impedance Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker failure notification devices require a dedicated physical quantity measuring device to apply an alternating-current voltage and measure impedance, resulting in a large circuit for impedance measurement.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a modulation circuit, amplifier circuits, and a peak frequency detection circuit that modulates signals for sound reproduction and generates test signals to detect the peak frequency of the sound reproduction device's impedance in a separate operation mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated physical quantity measuring device is used to apply alternating-current voltage and measure impedance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance measurement precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the impedance measurement function with the existing amplifier circuit by utilizing its output terminals and internal components. The amplifier's output terminals are used to apply test signals to the speaker, and the same terminals are used to measure impedance, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measuring devices and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier circuit is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function of amplifying audio signals and its secondary function of measuring speaker impedance. The circuit switches between normal amplification mode and impedance measurement mode, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for additional dedicated components

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

2Reliability

If the amplifier circuit operates in normal amplification mode, then sound reproduction quality is improved, but the ability to measure impedance accurately deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction qualityVSAvoidimpedance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier circuit dynamically switches between two operational states: normal amplification mode for high-quality sound reproduction and impedance measurement mode for accurate impedance detection. This dynamic switching allows the circuit to optimize its performance for the current task, ensuring that sound reproduction quality is maintained during audio playback while enabling accurate impedance measurement when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic action by alternating between normal amplification operation and impedance measurement operation. During normal audio playback, the amplifier operates in amplification mode, and at predetermined intervals or when triggered, it switches to measurement mode to detect speaker impedance, thereby achieving both high-quality sound reproduction and periodic impedance monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate detection of the frequency range including the peak impedance frequency of the sound reproduction device, allowing for effective failure detection and reduced circuit size for peak frequency detection.

Implementation Method 1

a modulation circuit configured to modulate a signal based on a sound source signal to output a first modulated signal and a second modulated signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

a first amplifier circuit configured to output a first amplified signal obtained by amplifying the first modulated signal to the first output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Implementation Method 3

a peak frequency detection circuit configured to measure a potential difference between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and detect a frequency range including a peak frequency that is the frequency of the test signal at which an impedance of the sound reproduction device peaks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance measurement: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP4346233B1Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4346233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4346233B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4346233B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a semiconductor device. In a first operation mode, a first modulated signal is input to a plurality of inverter circuits provided in a first amplifier circuit, and a second modulated signal is input to a plurality of inverter circuits provided in a second amplifier circuit. In a second operation mode, a test signal generation circuit modulates a test signal to generate a third modulated signal and a fourth modulated signal. The third modulated signal is input to some of the plurality of inverter circuits provided in the first amplifier circuit, and outputs of other inverter circuits have high impedances. The fourth modulated signal is input to some of the plurality of inverter circuits provided in the second amplifier circuit, and outputs of other inverter circuits have high impedances. A peak frequency detection circuit detects a frequency range including a frequency of the test signal at which an impedance of a sound reproduction device peaks.