Modular software definable pre-amplifier
First Claim
1. Modular and software definable pre-amplifier apparatus (used to perform audio signal conditioning before being output to power amplification and or headset means) comprising:
- (a) one or a plurality of software and or firmware definable logic blocks, these logic blocks being based on Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be configured in real time and or non real time to implement in hardware different signal processing functions required for different digital signal processing algorithms and or audio processing protocols, such as Dolby noise reduction, AC3, MPEG2, MP3, MPEG4, Home Theatre, various types of digital filters, thus allowing the apparatus to be used in different audio system configurations, the programmable logic optionally providing hardware acceleration of complex and software intensive functions, the configuration of the software definable logic blocks being performed by either firmware stored in local memory associated with the programmable logic devices and or by the host processor transferring the configuration data to the programmable logic devices directly or indirectly to local memory associated with the programmable logic devices or via a JTAG port of the programmable logic device, the choice of configuration firmware program depending on the user selected parameters, these parameters being entered into the apparatus via either an integrated keypad and front panel controls and or via remote control means, or personal computer means, the input information being displayed on display means, such as an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the software definable logic blocks optionally incorporating digital signal processor (DSP) devices and associated memory devices, the configuration and allocation of the software programs used by each digital signal processor device being performed in real time and or non real time by the host processor or configuration routines stored in non-volatile memory associated with the digital signal processors, the allocation of the specific software program being determined by user inputs;
(b) a host processor and associated program memory means for controlling, monitoring and configuring the apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Pre-amplifier apparatus, for use for example in a home hi-fi system, comprises a plurality of software and or firmware definable logic blocks used to configure the apparatus to implement the desired audio processing functions and audio protocols for use in different audio systems. The apparatus is also modular allowing expansion through the use of mezzanine and or PC cards, which contain, amongst other things, signal processing logic and programmable logic. All signal processing is performed in the digital domain so any analogue input signals are first converted to digital signals using analogue to digital converter means. Remote audio feedback to the apparatus allows the apparatus to adapt in real time to the desired acoustic settings.
The apparatus optionally contains modem means to allow access to the Internet for downloading software upgrades and music data such as MP3.
To reduce the need for expensive and cumbersome cables, communication with peripherals can be via wireless means such as Bluetooth.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. Modular and software definable pre-amplifier apparatus (used to perform audio signal conditioning before being output to power amplification and or headset means) comprising:
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(a) one or a plurality of software and or firmware definable logic blocks, these logic blocks being based on Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be configured in real time and or non real time to implement in hardware different signal processing functions required for different digital signal processing algorithms and or audio processing protocols, such as Dolby noise reduction, AC3, MPEG2, MP3, MPEG4, Home Theatre, various types of digital filters, thus allowing the apparatus to be used in different audio system configurations, the programmable logic optionally providing hardware acceleration of complex and software intensive functions, the configuration of the software definable logic blocks being performed by either firmware stored in local memory associated with the programmable logic devices and or by the host processor transferring the configuration data to the programmable logic devices directly or indirectly to local memory associated with the programmable logic devices or via a JTAG port of the programmable logic device, the choice of configuration firmware program depending on the user selected parameters, these parameters being entered into the apparatus via either an integrated keypad and front panel controls and or via remote control means, or personal computer means, the input information being displayed on display means, such as an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the software definable logic blocks optionally incorporating digital signal processor (DSP) devices and associated memory devices, the configuration and allocation of the software programs used by each digital signal processor device being performed in real time and or non real time by the host processor or configuration routines stored in non-volatile memory associated with the digital signal processors, the allocation of the specific software program being determined by user inputs;
(b) a host processor and associated program memory means for controlling, monitoring and configuring the apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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- 12. Apparatus as claimed in any proceeding claim in which the input signal to the apparatus from source means and or the output signals from the apparatus to signal sink means is by wireless communication means.
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30. A modular, software definable pre-amplifier apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the accompanying drawings.
Specification