Two-Wire Digital Audio Network for Daisy-Chained Remote Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle audio systems are becoming increasingly complex due to the need for multiple microphones and amplifiers, resulting in unwieldy wiring requirements and substantial space and weight consumption, as well as the need for expensive and complex audio data and control communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional digital audio data and control communications system using a host end with a transceiver, digital signal processor, and low-voltage power supply, connected to remote nodes via a shielded two-wire communication network, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of digital audio and control signals, with each remote node powered through the network and capable of transmitting control signals, reducing wiring complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-wire connections are used between microphones/amplifiers and audio processing unit, then reliable audio data transmission is achieved, but wiring complexity and space requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wiring functions (audio data transmission, control signals, and power supply) into a single communication network. The host end and remote nodes exchange audio data, control signals, and power through one integrated network, eliminating the need for separate wires for each function and substantially reducing wiring complexity while maintaining reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits audio data bidirectionally, carries control signals from remote nodes to the host, and delivers power to remote nodes. This multi-functional network replaces traditional separate dedicated wires for each function
2Reliability
If separate power supplies are provided at each remote node, then operational reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from individual remote nodes and consolidates it at the host end. Instead of each remote node having its own power supply, the host end provides power through the communication network to all remote nodes, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable power delivery through the integrated network
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-wire connections are used for each microphone to audio processing unit, then sufficient control and data capability is achieved, but vehicle interior space and weight are substantially consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wire functions into a single communication network that carries audio data, control signals, and power simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total wire count from three separate wires per microphone to one integrated network, substantially reducing the weight of wiring in the vehicle while maintaining full control and data capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for accomplishing bi-directional digital audio data and control communications. There is a host end that includes a host transceiver, a host digital signal processor that outputs a master clock signal and audio data, and a source of low- voltage power for the host components. There are a number of remote nodes connected together serially. Each remote node includes a transceiver and a low-voltage power supply that provides power to the other remote node components. A shielded two-wire communication network connects the host node to one of the remote nodes, and connects each remote node to either one or two other remote nodes in a daisy- chain configuration. The host end is enabled to transmit and receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals. The remote nodes are each enabled to receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals, and are each enabled to transmit over the communication network digital control signals. The source of low- voltage power at the host end is coupled to the communication network. The remote power supplies each have an input coupled to the communication network to derive the power for the remote nodes from the power coupled to the network by the host end.