Digital amplifier and output device

A digital amplifier that minimizes and restricts an analog signal system and uses a feedback signal and a dither signal is achieved. A pulse width modulator that adjusts a pulse width of a digital signal, a switching circuit that amplifies an output signal from the pulse width modulator, and a feedback signal generation unit that generates a feedback signal based on an output signal from the switching circuit are included, the pulse width modulator adjusts the pulse width of the digital signal with reference to the feedback signal, and the feedback signal generation unit includes a first amplifier that outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit and one of a reference voltage and a dither signal is amplified and a second amplifier that amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the feedback signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a digital amplifier whose input signal is a digital signal and an output device using the digital amplifier.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a digital audio reproduction system includes a DA converter (quantizer) and a digital signal system and an analog signal system are mixed.

For example, PTL 1 describes a digital amplifier that adds an output of a switching circuit and an output of an LC filter, which receives the output of the switching circuit, and inputs a result of the addition to an LPF in a feedback loop.

Moreover, PTL 2 describes a digital switching amplifier that attenuates respective 1-bit signals subjected to delta sigma modulation and adds adjustment voltages so that a DC voltage level difference between negative feedback signals which return to a delta sigma modulation circuit becomes zero.

Moreover, PTL 3 describes a digital switching amplifier including a voltage reduction unit that generates a feedback signal in a feedback loop, which is used for feedback of a switching signal to a digital sigma modulation unit, by voltage reduction in the switching signal through resistance division.

Moreover, PTL 4 describes a signal correction device that adjusts a pulse width on the basis of a feedback signal based on an output signal from a switching circuit that amplifies an output signal from a pulse width adjustment circuit.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

As described above, in techniques described in PTLs 1 to 4, the digital signal system and the analog signal system are mixed. On the other hand, the digital audio reproduction system with only the digital signal system is able to reproduce sound more faithful to the original sound, but is difficult to use a feedback signal or a dither signal and is thus limited in performance of noise characteristics or the like.

The disclosure is made in view of the aforementioned problem and an object thereof is to provide a technique that achieves a digital amplifier that minimizes and restricts an analog signal system and uses a feedback signal and a dither signal.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, a digital amplifier according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a pulse width adjustment circuit that adjusts a pulse width of a digital signal; a switching circuit that amplifies an output signal from the pulse width adjustment circuit; and a feedback signal generation unit that generates a feedback signal based on an output signal from the switching circuit, in which the pulse width adjustment circuit adjusts the pulse width of the digital signal with reference to the feedback signal, and the feedback signal generation unit includes a first amplifier that outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit and one of a reference voltage and a dither signal is amplified, and a second amplifier that amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the feedback signal.

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, an output device according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a first digital amplifier that amplifies a first digital signal; and a second digital amplifier that amplifies a second digital signal having a phase opposite to a phase of the first digital signal, in which the first digital amplifier includes a first pulse width adjustment circuit that adjusts a pulse width of the first digital signal, a first switching circuit that amplifies an output signal from the first pulse width adjustment circuit, and a first feedback signal generation unit that generates a first feedback signal based on an output signal from the first switching circuit, the first pulse width adjustment circuit adjusts the pulse width of the first digital signal with reference to the first feedback signal, and the first feedback signal generation unit includes a first amplifier that outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the first switching circuit and one of a reference voltage and a dither signal is amplified, and a second amplifier that amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the first feedback signal, and the second digital amplifier includes a second pulse width adjustment circuit that adjusts a pulse width of the second digital signal, a second switching circuit that amplifies an output signal from the second pulse width adjustment circuit, and a second feedback signal generation unit that generates a second feedback signal based on an output signal from the second switching circuit, the second pulse width adjustment circuit adjusts the pulse width of the second digital signal with reference to the second feedback signal, and the second feedback signal generation unit includes a third amplifier that outputs a third amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the second switching circuit and one of the reference voltage and the dither signal is amplified, and a fourth amplifier that amplifies a difference between the third amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the second feedback signal.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to an aspect of the disclosure, it is possible to achieve a digital amplifier that minimizes and restricts an analog signal system and uses a feedback signal and a dither signal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the disclosure will be described below in detail.

FIG. 1is a conceptual view of a digital audio reproduction system1000including an output device100according to the embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the digital audio reproduction system1000includes the output device100, a speaker200, a personal computer (PC)300, and a digital stream converter400that are described below.

The PC300outputs reproduction data of a reproduction file as a coded serial digital signal.

The digital stream converter400outputs, to the output device100, a direct stream digital (DSD) signal that is obtained by converting the coded serial digital signal acquired from the PC300into a digital signal by a DSD conversion method.

The output device100amplifies the acquired digital signal and outputs the amplified signal to the speaker200.

The speaker200outputs sound on the basis of the signal output from the output device100.

In this manner, in the digital audio reproduction system1000, the reproduction data of the reproduction file reproduced in the PC300is able to be output from the speaker200.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the output device100according to the embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the output device100includes differential receivers10and12, a digital sampler14, a dither generation circuit (dither signal generation circuit)16, a digital amplifier1, and a filter circuit42.

Digital signals of input signals are input to the differential receiver10by two signal lines, and the differential receiver10outputs a digital signal in accordance with a difference between the two signal lines.

Clock signals are input to the differential receiver12by two signal lines and the differential receiver12outputs a clock signal in accordance with a difference between the two signal lines.

The digital signal output from the differential receiver10and the clock signal output from the differential receiver12are input to the digital sampler14and the digital sampler14performs digital sampling according to the digital signal and the clock signal.

The dither generation circuit16outputs a dither signal for suppressing noise of the signal output from the digital amplifier1. The dither generation circuit16outputs a triangular wave or white noise. Moreover, a frequency of the dither signal output from the dither generation circuit16is a frequency other than an integer multiple of a sampling frequency of the digital signal input from the digital amplifier1.

The digital signal output from the digital sampler14is input to the digital amplifier1as an input signal. The digital amplifier1outputs, to the filter circuit42, a digital signal obtained by amplifying the input digital signal.

The digital amplifier1includes a pulse width modulator (pulse width adjustment circuit)18, a switching circuit module20, a dead time generator26, a variable voltage source28, an attenuator30, a current monitor circuit32, and a feedback signal generation unit40.

The pulse width modulator18adjusts a pulse width of the digital signal output from the digital sampler14and outputs the adjusted digital signal to the switching circuit module20.

The switching circuit module20includes a gate driving circuit22and a switching circuit24. The switching circuit module20amplifies, in accordance with a power supply voltage output from the variable voltage source28, a voltage of the digital signal output from the pulse width modulator18and outputs the amplified digital signal.

The dead time generator26generates dead time for adjusting timing at which the switching circuit24is driven.

The variable voltage source28is a voltage source for providing a power supply voltage, used for the switching circuit module20to amplify the voltage, and a reference voltage described later. The output voltage of the switching circuit module20is adjusted by adjusting the variable voltage source28.

The attenuator30is an attenuator that adjusts the reference voltage.

The current monitor circuit32is a protection circuit and monitors current flowing into the switching circuit24.

The feedback signal generation unit40generates a feedback signal on the basis of the output signal from the switching circuit module20, the dither signal, and the reference voltage and outputs the feedback signal to the pulse width modulator18. The feedback signal generation unit40includes an attenuator34, a first-stage amplifier36, and a second-stage amplifier38, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The feedback signal generation unit40feeds back, to the pulse width modulator18by two-stage error amplifiers, three signals of the output signal from the switching circuit module20, the power supply voltage from the variable voltage source28, and the dither signal output from the dither generation circuit16. In other words, the feedback signal generation unit40feeds back a pulse width adjustment signal to the pulse width modulator18in accordance with three parameters of the output signal, the power supply voltage, and the dither signal. The pulse width modulator18adjusts a pulse width of the digital signal with reference to the feedback signal.

The attenuator34outputs an output signal obtained by attenuating the output from the switching circuit module20.

The first-stage amplifier36outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the attenuator34and the reference voltage from the variable voltage source28is amplified. The feedback by the first-stage amplifier36makes it possible to suppress distortion of the output signal from the switching circuit module20, which is caused by a load variation in the power supply voltage output from the variable voltage source28. Further, the first-stage amplifier36is able to suppress a direct current component of the output signal and thus contributes to noise reduction. In addition, since the output of the first-stage amplifier36improves responsiveness to the voltage variation, damping characteristics of the output signal increase. The first-stage amplifier36contributes to reduction of analog noise caused by the variation in the power supply voltage and digital noise caused by generation of the dead time, which are generated in a circuit of the digital amplifier1.

The second-stage amplifier38amplifies a difference between the dither signal from the dither generation circuit16and the first amplified signal and outputs the amplified difference as a feedback signal to the pulse width modulator18. The second-stage amplifier38contributes to reduction of noise which is caused by a quantization error of the digital signal due to the dither signal. In a case where the dither generation circuit16outputs a signal of a triangular wave with a certain inclination, the second-stage amplifier38is able to collapse frequency distribution of noise that does not have periodicity like white noise and diffuse noise components. Here, the frequency of the triangular wave output from the dither generation circuit16is desired to avoid an integer multiple of a sampling frequency in order to prevent beat interference.

As described above, by inputting a dither signal to an amplifier in a feedback loop, noise is able to be suppressed. The input of the dither signal is effective for reduction of noise caused by a quantization error of a digital signal.

In a case where the noise caused by the quantization error has a frequency component in an audible band, the noise results in a source of disturbing noise. The input of the dither signal enables to weaken periodicity of the noise. For example, an input of a signal of a triangular wave outside the audible band is effective for suppression of noise having a random frequency component. Moreover, when a signal that monotonously changes is input to random noise, a frequency of the noise is able to be collapsed, thus making it possible to disperse the noise. On the other hand, an input of white noise having various frequency components is effective for suppression of pink noise having a certain periodicity. Since the white noise is able to collapse the periodicity of the pink noise, influence of the noise is able to be suppressed.

(Selection of Feedback Target Frequency)

At least one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38is able to function as a filter. In addition, in view of Example 2 described later, frequency characteristics of at least one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38functioning as a filter are changed to suppress only specific noise.

With reference toFIG. 3, an advantageous effect when the first-stage amplifier36and/or the second-stage amplifier38function as filters will be described.

In a case of pink noise having a noise component near a low frequency, at least one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38functions as a low pass filter, so that feedback is able to be applied only to a low-frequency region.FIG. 3(a)illustrates an example of a filter when feedback is set to the low-frequency region. In a case where there is noise having periodicity in a low-frequency band, the first-stage amplifier36does not function as a filter, but the second-stage amplifier38functions as a low pass filter. This makes it possible to set feedback only to a region having a relatively low frequency and remove a noise component with a low frequency. Note that, it is sufficient that at least one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier functions as the low pass filter, and it is also possible that the first-stage amplifier36functions as the low pass filter and the second-stage amplifier38does not function as a filter. Further, both of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38may function as low pass filters.

FIG. 3(b)illustrates an example of a filter when feedback is set to a high-frequency region. In a case where there is noise having periodicity in a high-frequency band, the first-stage amplifier36does not function as a filter, but the second-stage amplifier38functions as the high pass filter. This makes it possible to set feedback only to a region having a relatively high frequency and remove a noise component with a low frequency. Note that, it is sufficient that at least one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38functions as the high pass filter, and it is also possible that the first-stage amplifier36functions as the high pass filter and the second-stage amplifier38does not function as a filter. Further, both of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38may function as high pass filters.

FIG. 3(c)illustrates an example of a filter when feedback is set to a region in a specific frequency. In a case where there is noise having periodicity in a specific frequency band, the first-stage amplifier36functions as the low pass filter and the second-stage amplifier38functions as the high pass filter. This makes it possible to set feedback only to the region having the specific frequency as a band pass filter and enables removal of a specific noise component. Note that, it is sufficient that one of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38functions as the low pass filter and the other functions as the high pass filter, and it is also possible that the first-stage amplifier36functions as the high pass filter and the second-stage amplifier38functions as the low pass filter.

In this manner, when an amplifier functions as a filter, it is possible to increase a degree of freedom in feedback.

In addition, gains of the first-stage amplifier36and the second-stage amplifier38are able to be changed.

Note that, though the reference voltage is input to the first-stage amplifier36and the dither signal is input to the second-stage amplifier38inFIG. 2, the configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the dither signal may be input to the first-stage amplifier36and the reference voltage may be input to the second-stage amplifier38. In this case, the first-stage amplifier36outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit24and the dither signal is amplified, and the second-stage amplifier38amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as a feedback signal what is, the first-stage amplifier36may output a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit module20and one of the reference voltage and the dither signal is amplified. Further, the second-stage amplifier38may amplify a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and output the amplified difference as a feedback signal.

The filter circuit42is constituted by an inductor and a capacitor and extracts a desired frequency component.

When the digital amplifier1is connected to the filter circuit42, the digital amplifier1is able to amplify an audio signal that is input and output the resultant as a digital signal used for driving the speaker200.

Embodiment 2 of the disclosure will be described below. Note that, for convenience of description, a member having the same function as that of the member described in the aforementioned embodiment will be given the same reference sign and description thereof will be omitted.

A case where an output device is achieved by performing BTL connection with use of two digital amplifiers will be described with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a block diagram of an output device100ain which the digital amplifiers1according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure are connected by BTL.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the output device100aincludes the differential receivers10and12, the digital sampler14, the dither generation circuit16, a digital amplifier (first digital amplifier)1athat amplifies a first digital signal, a filter circuit42a, a digital amplifier (second digital amplifier)1bthat amplifies a second digital signal having a phase opposite to that of the first digital signal, and a filter circuit42b.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, in the output device100a, an output of the digital sampler14and an output of the dither generation circuit16are input to the respective digital amplifier1aand digital amplifier1b. The filter circuit42ais connected to the digital amplifier1aon an output side. The filter circuit42bis connected to the digital amplifier1bon the output side. The speaker200(load) is connected to the filter circuit42aand the filter circuit42bon the output side. The output device100ais able to cause the speaker200to output sound by amplifying an audio signal that is an input digital signal.

The digital sampler14uses a flip flop and outputs a first digital signal (Q) and a second digital signal (signal having a phase opposite to that of Q). The first digital signal (Q) is output to the digital amplifier1aand the second digital signal (signal having the phase opposite to that of Q) is output to the digital amplifier1b. For example, the digital sampler14is able to output a positive-phase signal to the digital amplifier1aand output, to the digital amplifier1b, a signal having a phase opposite to that of the signal output to the digital amplifier1a. With such a configuration, DC components of the output signals of the digital amplifier1aand the digital amplifier1bare able to be canceled out.

The dither generation circuit16outputs signals in phase to the digital amplifier1aand the digital amplifier1b. With such a configuration, dither signals of the digital amplifier1aand the digital amplifier1bare also able to be canceled out by output.

In this manner, in the output device100aaccording to the present embodiment, the digital amplifier1aand the digital amplifier1bare connected by BTL. Thus, the output device100ais able to achieve a digital amplifier whose output voltage is doubled.

(Full Digital Amplifier using DSD Signal as Sound Source)

In a case where a full digital amplifier that amplifies a DSD signal as a digital signal is designed, there is a problem that digital noise that is not included in an original DSD signal sound source is generated. For the digital noise, by applying a DC voltage for the purpose of suppressing an offset voltage of an output, a DC, dither signal is input to operate feedback. As a result of the operation, the input of the DC dither signal contributes to suppression of an offset voltage of an output and noise of an output signal is suppressed.

In the present example, though the DC dither signal is input as the dither signal, by inputting a signal of a triangular wave or white noise, it is expected to improve output characteristics of the digital amplifier.

(Filter Function of Amplifier)

Moreover, as a result of analyzing digital noise that is not included in an original DSD signal sound source, it is found that the digital noise has a low frequency of 30 Hz or less. In accordance with the low frequency, when a high pass filter of 30 Hz is applied to a sound output, not only digital noise but also an output signal is affected, so that the high pass filter is not suitable.

On the other hand, in the case where digital noise has a low frequency of 30 Hz or less, a low pass filter having a cutoff frequency of 30 Hz is applied to an amplifier. In this case, feedback is able to be set to only an offset voltage having a component of 30 Hz or less, which causes noise, and noise is able to be removed without affecting an output signal.

A digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 1 of the disclosure includes: a pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) that adjusts a pulse width of a digital signal; a switching circuit24that amplifies an output signal from the pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18); and a feedback signal generation unit40that generates a feedback signal based on an output signal from the switching circuit24, in which the pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) adjusts the pulse width of the digital signal with reference to the feedback signal, and the feedback signal generation unit40includes a first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) that outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit24and one of a reference voltage and a dither signal is amplified, and a second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) that amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the feedback signal.

According to the aforementioned configuration, a digital amplifier that minimizes and restricts an analog signal system and uses a feedback signal and a dither signal is able to be achieved.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 2 of the disclosure, the first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) may output a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the switching circuit24and the reference voltage is amplified, and the second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) may amplify a difference between the first amplified signal and the dither signal and output the amplified difference as the feedback signal, in the aspect 1.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to appropriately feedback an input digital signal and to appropriately remove noise in the output signal from the switching circuit. Moreover, when frequency characteristics of the first amplifier are in an audible frequency band (to 20 kHz) and frequency characteristics of the second amplifier to which the dither signal is input are in a band of the frequency (band wider than that of the audible frequency) though which the dither signal is able to sufficiently pass, it is expected to further reduce noise.

The digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect3of the disclosure may further include a dither signal generation circuit (dither generation circuit16) that generates the dither signal, in which the dither signal generation circuit (dither generation circuit16) may output a triangular wave or white noise, in the aspect 1 or 2.

According to the aforementioned configuration, signals that have different characteristics are able to be output in accordance with noise.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 4 of the disclosure, a frequency of the dither signal may be a frequency other than an integer multiple of a sampling frequency of the digital signal, in any of the aspects 1 to 3.

According to the aforementioned configuration, beat interference is able to be prevented.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 5 of the disclosure, at least one of the first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) and the second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) may function as a filter, in any of the aspects 1 to 4.

According to the aforementioned configuration, feedback is able to be set only to a region in a specific frequency.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 6 of the disclosure, the first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) and the second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) may function as low pass filters, in any of the aspects 1 to 5.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to set feedback only to a region having a relatively low frequency and remove a noise component with a low frequency.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 7 of the disclosure, the first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) and the second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) may function as high pass filters, in any of the aspects 1 to 5.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to set feedback only to a region having a relatively high frequency and remove a noise component with a low frequency.

In the digital amplifier1,1a,1baccording to an aspect 8 of the disclosure, one of the first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) and the second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) may function as a low pass filter and the other may function as a high pass filter, in any of the aspects 1 to 5.

According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to set feedback only to a region having a specific frequency and remove a specific noise component.

An output device100aaccording to an aspect 9 of the disclosure includes: a first digital amplifier (digital amplifier1a) that amplifies a first digital signal; and a second digital amplifier (digital amplifier1b) that amplifies a second digital signal having a phase opposite to a phase of the first digital signal, in which the first digital amplifier (digital amplifier1a) includes a first pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) that adjusts a pulse width of the first digital signal, a first switching circuit (switching circuit24) that amplifies an output signal from the first pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18), and a first feedback signal generation unit (feedback signal generation unit40) that generates a first feedback signal based on an output signal from the first switching circuit (switching circuit24), the first pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) adjusts the pulse width of the first digital signal with reference to the first feedback signal, and the first feedback signal generation unit (feedback signal generation unit40) includes a first amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) that outputs a first amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the first switching circuit (switching circuit24) and one of a reference voltage and a dither signal is amplified, and a second amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) that amplifies a difference between the first amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the first feedback signal, and the second digital amplifier (digital amplifier1b) includes a second pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) that adjusts a pulse width of the second digital signal, a second switching circuit (switching circuit24) that amplifies an output signal from the second pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18), and a second feedback signal generation unit (feedback signal generation unit40) that generates a second feedback signal based on an output signal from the second switching circuit (switching circuit24), the second pulse width adjustment circuit (pulse width modulator18) adjusts the pulse width of the second digital signal with reference to the second feedback signal, and the second feedback signal generation unit (feedback signal generation unit40) includes a third amplifier (first-stage amplifier36) that outputs a third amplified signal in which a difference between the output signal from the second switching circuit (switching circuit24) and one of the reference voltage and the dither signal is amplified, and a fourth amplifier (second-stage amplifier38) that amplifies a difference between the third amplified signal and the other of the dither signal and the reference voltage and outputs the amplified difference as the second feedback signal.

According to the aforementioned configuration, the output device100ais able to achieve a digital amplifier whose output voltage is doubled.

The disclosure is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and may be modified in various manners within the scope indicated in the claims and an embodiment achieved by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments is also encompassed in the technical scope of the disclosure. Further, by combining the technical means disclosed in each of the embodiments, a new technical feature may be formed.