20240056046. AUDIO AMPLIFIER WITH EMBEDDED BUCK CONTROLLER FOR CLASS-G APPLICATION simplified abstract (STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co., Ltd.)

AUDIO AMPLIFIER WITH EMBEDDED BUCK CONTROLLER FOR CLASS-G APPLICATION

Organization Name

STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

XiangSheng Li of Shenzhen (CN)

Ru Feng Du of Shenzhen (CN)

AUDIO AMPLIFIER WITH EMBEDDED BUCK CONTROLLER FOR CLASS-G APPLICATION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240056046 titled 'AUDIO AMPLIFIER WITH EMBEDDED BUCK CONTROLLER FOR CLASS-G APPLICATION

Abstract Explanation

The patent application describes an audio amplifier that includes a buck controller, a first audio bridge, and an audio amplitude detector.

• The buck controller is responsible for controlling the output voltage at a first supply terminal. The output voltage can be selected from a set of multiple output voltages. However, it takes some time for the output voltage to settle.
• The first audio bridge consists of a class-ab driver stage and a delay insertion circuit. The class-ab driver stage is connected to the first supply terminal, and the delay insertion circuit receives a processed digital stream and provides it to the class-ab driver stage after a delay time. The delay time is determined based on the settling time of the output voltage.
• The audio amplitude detector is used to detect the first peak amplitude in the first digital audio stream. The buck controller then selects the lowest output voltage from the set that is higher than the first peak amplitude plus a headroom voltage.

Patent/Innovation Explanation

• The audio amplifier includes a buck controller that allows for the selection and control of the output voltage from a set of options.
• The first audio bridge includes a class-ab driver stage and a delay insertion circuit, which helps in providing a processed digital stream to the driver stage after a delay time based on the settling time of the output voltage.
• The audio amplitude detector detects the first peak amplitude in the digital audio stream, and the buck controller adjusts the output voltage based on this peak amplitude.

Potential Applications

• Audio amplification systems for various devices such as speakers, headphones, and audio receivers.
• Professional audio equipment used in recording studios, concert venues, and broadcasting stations.
• Automotive audio systems for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Problems Solved

• Ensures that the output voltage of the audio amplifier is properly controlled and settled, reducing any potential distortion or noise in the audio signal.
• Allows for the selection of the optimal output voltage based on the detected peak amplitude, ensuring efficient power usage and preventing overdriving of the audio system.

Benefits of the Technology

• Improved audio quality with reduced distortion and noise.
• Efficient power usage by selecting the appropriate output voltage.
• Protection against overdriving the audio system, preventing damage to speakers or other audio components.

Original Abstract Submitted

an audio amplifier includes: a buck controller configured to control an output voltage at a first supply terminal, the output voltage selected from a set including a plurality of output voltages, where the output voltage takes a settling time to settle; a first audio bridge including: a class-ab driver stage coupled to the first supply terminal, and a delay insertion circuit configured to receive a processed digital stream and provide the processed digital stream to the class-ab driver stage a delay time after receiving the processed digital stream, where the delay time is based on the settling time; and an audio amplitude detector configured to detect a first peak amplitude in the first digital audio stream, where the buck controller is configured to select a lowest output voltage from the set that is higher than the first peak amplitude plus a headroom voltage.