Time-Division Multiplexing Audio Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-channel audio chips require a large number of digital-to-analog converters (DACs), leading to complex configurations and increased costs due to the increasing number of channels.
Innovation Solution
The audio processing system employs a multiplexer, a digital-to-analog converter, a de-multiplexer, and sample-and-hold circuits to process digital signals in a time-division manner, reducing the need for multiple DACs by using a single DAC and controlling the sampling time of sample-and-hold circuits with control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of DACs are used to achieve multi-channel audio outputs, then the audio quality and channel capability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies time-division multiplexing where a single DAC converts digital audio signals for multiple channels sequentially in time. The multiplexer switches between different channel digital signals at periodic intervals, allowing one DAC to serve multiple channels by processing each channel's signal in turn rather than simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of multiple DACs into a single DAC by combining it with a multiplexer and de-multiplexer. The multiplexer combines multiple digital signal inputs into one stream for the single DAC, and the de-multiplexer separates the DAC's output back into multiple channel signals, effectively replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate DAC units
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of DACs are used to achieve multi-channel audio outputs, then the audio quality and channel capability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single DAC is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different audio channels at different time intervals. Through the multiplexer's channel selection and the de-multiplexer's signal distribution, one DAC achieves what traditionally required multiple dedicated DACs, reducing component count and manufacturing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of DACs are used to achieve multi-channel audio outputs, then the audio quality and channel capability are improved, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using time-division multiplexing with periodic switching controlled by clock signals, the system allows a single DAC and associated circuitry to handle multiple channels sequentially. This temporal separation enables the same physical circuit components to be reused for different channels at different times, significantly reducing the total circuit area compared to parallel DAC configurations
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
This approach effectively reduces the cost and size of the multi-channel audio chip while maintaining good audio quality by minimizing audio distortion, which is imperceptible to humans.
Implementation Method 1
The multiplexer receives N digital signals (N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2) and outputs the N digital signals one by one in a time-division manner according to a first control signal
Implementation Method 2
The digital-to-analog converter receives the digital signals from the multiplexer and converts them into analog signals
Implementation Method 3
The de-multiplexer receives the analog signals output from the digital-to-analog converter, and separates the received analog signals into N channel analog signals for output according to a second control signal
Implementation Method 4
The N sample-and-hold circuits sample the N channel analog signals output from the de-multiplexer and hold them for a predetermined period of time, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An audio processing system for used in a multi-channel audio chip includes a multiplexer, a digital-to-analog converter, a de-multiplexer, a controller and N sample-and-hold circuits. The multiplexer receives N digital signals and outputs the digital signals one by one in a time-division manner. The digital-to-analog converter receives the digital signals from the multiplexer and converts them into corresponding N analog signals. The de-multiplexer outputs the analog signals one by one in a time-division manner. The controller generates control signals to control the selection of the multiplexer and the de-multiplexer. The sample-and-hold circuits hold the analog signals for a predetermined period of time and then outputs the signals, respectively.