![]() ![]() You have two choices when selecting the best audio amplifier for your HD audio systems: Class-AB or Class-D. Another key component of the audio block is the audio amplifier. This block may include an audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert the digital audio signal from the processor to analog, and to provide additional audio processing in the digital domain to further enrich the customer experience in higher-end systems. #AUDIO BLOCKS DRIVERS#Because the signal coming from the connectivity block and processor have both low-voltage and low-current capabilities, an audio amplifier provides the signal with the necessary higher voltage and current capabilities to drive the drivers in the speaker system. The audio block contains all of the electronics necessary to drive the speakers in the system. But today’s high-fidelity audio systems place additional demands on the processor in the signal chain, as high-fidelity sound-quality requirements grow to provide sampling rates in the range of 48kHz to 192kHz on a 24-bit music signal stream. In the past, a CD-quality sampling frequency may have been sufficient. #AUDIO BLOCKS SOFTWARE#The processor executes various audio processing functions like decoding and signal equalization while also processing the Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth communications software stacks. Its increased bandwidth capacity and system throughput make it more suitable for HD audio applications. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, includes greater network capacity, robust signaling and an extended radio-frequency range over alternative short-range wireless technologies. New Bluetooth audio-coding technologies promise to increase the bandwidth to support HD audio. But their limited bandwidth poses a potential bottleneck given the higher bandwidths that lossless hi-res audio streams require. #AUDIO BLOCKS PORTABLE#Standard Bluetooth modules today offer complete solutions for portable audio systems, as they support wireless and wired-in audio natively. The connectivity block provides wireless communication to the system using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® from a computer, smartphone, tablet or wireless-enabled product. Assuming a system-powered application (not battery-operated) and depending on the output power, the power supply not only needs to deliver the voltage and current required to match the system’s power requirements it also needs to provide a clean and stable power rail to prevent any power noise from entering the audio system and degrading the audio quality. The power-management block provides the right power levels to the Wi-Fi® speaker circuitry. ![]() Figure 1 shows the basic blocks inside an HD system. Because each link in an audio signal chain is important, it is only as strong as its weakest link each and every link must be capable of meeting all design target specifications, such as performance, cost, time to market and ease of use. Of course, not every audio file or medium is recorded in HD audio either.Īs with every high-performance design, taking a systemwide approach to the entire audio signal chain ensures a robust and high-performance solution. Simply picking an off-the-shelf music player will not deliver the promise of hi-res audio, which requires dedicated hardware to really enjoy its richness and subtleties. According to these audio equipment companies, there are technical merits that make it worth moving toward higher sampling frequencies, such as minimizing unwanted side effects due to the steep filters employed during digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion. The reproduction of audio frequencies greater than 20kHz, including ultra-high-frequency harmonics, gives the subtle components of a sound (especially acoustic instruments) their character. #AUDIO BLOCKS PROFESSIONAL#In the past, a 44.1kHz CD-quality sampling frequency may have been sufficient for much of the market, but today (and for the foreseeable future), high-fidelity sound will only continue to increase in popularity.Īccording to professional and consumer audio equipment companies, a higher sampling frequency captures and reproduces a much wider frequency range. Audio system designers, responding to customer demand for top audio quality, are looking into high-resolution (hi-res) or high-definition (HD) audio as more and more mid-tier system buyers demand the type of HD audio performance that was previously available only in high-end systems. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |