Apparatus and method for programming an amplifier

• US 5,652,544 A
• Filed: 11/16/1995
• Issued: 07/29/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Crest Audio Incorporated (Peavey Electronics Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Crest Audio Incorporated (Peavey Electronics Corporation)
• Inventors: Fink, Dennis
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullins, James B.
• Application Number:
  US08/558,344
• Time in Patent Office: 621 Days
• Field of Search: 330/2, 330/65, 330/66, 330/129, 330/279, 330/305, 381/87, 381/88, 381/105, 381/120, 381/121
• US Class Current: 330/65
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/00 Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers

Abstract

An apparatus and method for programming an amplifier includes an amplifier and a portable programmer that is removably connectable to the amplifier. The portable programmer includes a microprocessor, a keypad, and a display screen. The amplifier includes a programming input port, a signal processing circuit, a power amplifier and a control circuit. When the portable programmer is connected to the amplifier, information relating to parameter of various signal processing circuit elements can be read and modified through the programmer. The information input via the keypad and displayed on the display screen is transmitted from the programmer via the microprocessor to the signal processing control circuit to change signal processing functions and/or signal process function parameters of at least one of the signal processing circuit elements. As a result, processing of a signal transmitted through the amplifier is changed so that a sound produced by the signal can be modified. The signal processing circuit elements remain programmed when the programmer is removed and/or power is disconnected.

Claims

1. An amplifier comprising:

an input port for receiving an input signal;

a signal processing circuit comprising a digital signal processor capable of receiving at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter, wherein the signal processing circuit receives the input signal from the input port and modifies the input signal;

a power amplifier for amplifying the modified input signal received from the signal processing circuit and outputting an amplified signal to an output device;

an external programmer; and

a programming signal input port for receiving at least one programming signal from the external programmer, the external programmer being removably connectable to the programming signal input port for modifying at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter defined in said signal processing circuit.

2. The amplifier of claim 1, further comprising a control circuit for receiving the programming signal and converting the programming signal to a control signal to be sent to the signal processing circuit for modifying at least one of the signal processing function and the signal processing function parameter defined in said signal processing circuit.

3. The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the signal processing circuit comprises a storage device for storing at least one of the signal processing function and the signal processing function parameter produced by the control circuit.

4. The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the control circuit comprises a programmable microprocessor.

5. The amplifier of claim 1, further comprising a storage device for storing said at least one programming signal.

6. The amplifier of claim 1, further comprising an amplifier housing, the signal processing circuit and power amplifier being located in said amplifier housing.

7. The amplifier of claim 1, further comprising a control panel, wherein said programming signal input port is provided on the control panel.

8. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the signal processing circuit further comprises a plurality of electronic components and a non-volatile storage means for storing a set performance characteristics.

9. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the external programmer comprises:

an input/output port for sending and receiving control information;

a data input device for allowing input of programming information to the programmer; and

a controller for receiving the input programming information, generating programming signals from the input programming information and transmitting the programming signals through the input/output port to the amplifier for modifying at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter of the amplifier.

10. The amplifier of claim 9, wherein the external programmer further comprises a display screen for displaying input programming information and information read by the controller.

11. The amplifier of claim 9, wherein the external programmer further comprises a storage device for storing the input programming information and previously selected control signals.

12. The amplifier of claim 9, wherein the data input device comprises a keypad having a plurality of keys.

13. The amplifier of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor for receiving programming information from at least one of the input device and a control circuit of the amplifier.

14. The amplifier of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises a connector for removably connecting the programmer to the amplifier.

15. The amplifier programmer of claim 9, wherein said programmer a standard computer.

16. The amplifier programmer of claim 9, wherein said programmer stores in groups said at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter according to the time of day during which said amplifier is to operate.

17. The amplifier programmer of claim 9, wherein said programmer stores in groups said at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter according to the type of event for which said amplifier is to operate.

18. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said amplifier executes operation according to said at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter after said external programmer is disconnected from said amplifier.

19. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said external programmer is a standard computer.

20. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter for a crossover function.

21. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores a combination of at least two signal processing functions.

22. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter which automatically vary the operation of said amplifier according to the time of day.

23. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter for a volume control function.

24. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter for an equalizing function.

25. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter for a compression function.

26. The amplifier of claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor receives and stores at least one of a signal processing function and a signal processing function parameter for a level threshold function.