# Patent

## Title
Methods and circuits to reduce pop noise in an audio device

## Abstract

A class D amplifier receives and amplifies a differential analog signal which is then differentially integrated. Two pulse width modulators generate pulse signals corresponding to the differentially integrated analog signal and two power units generate output pulse signals. The outputs the power units are coupled to input terminals of integrators via a resistor feedback network. An analog output unit converts the pulse signals to an output analog signal. The differential integration circuitry implements a soft transition between mute/un-mute. In mute, the integrator output is fixed. During the soft transition, the PWM outputs change slowly from a fixed 50% duty cycle to a final value to ensure that no pop noise is present in the output as a result of mode change.

## Background
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application claims priority from Chinese Application for Patent No. 201310422290.4 filed Sep. 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated circuit, more particularly, to methods and circuits to reduce pop noise in an audio device.
BACKGROUND
As class AB amplifiers have good audio performance, they are widely used in audio devices. But the power consumption of class AB amplifiers is so large that they may not be used in portable devices which are powered by batteries.
Class D amplifiers are another type amplifier which have good audio performance and consume less power. In operation, class D amplifiers convert an analog signal to a digital signal (e.g. pulses) and then convert the digital signal back into an amplified analog signal. In the process of the signal conversion, many kinds of disturbances may affect the output signal of class D amplifiers, and this may make it uncomfortable for the listener.
In operating time of class D amplifiers, audible pop noises are always presented by transient events. If a big sound signal starts/finishes suddenly or audio devices having the class D amplifiers stop/start suddenly, pop noises generated in these events are easily to be heard by the listener.
Because of steps of fabrication process, both offset of input stages of the class D amplifiers and mismatching of resistors in feedback loop may contribute to offset in output. Without any suppression, this offset (especially when this offset is bigger than 20 mV) is easy to cause audible pop noise at the transient events that the output stage starts to switch on or switch off. If a large audio signal starts from a silent environment or a large audio signal stops suddenly, the listener may feel uncomfortable. This event is also one kind of pop noise.
SUMMARY
Thus, there is a need for a class D amplifier which can reduce pop noise caused by offset or a sudden start or finish of a large audio signal.
In one aspect, a driver circuit comprises an analog signal input unit, an analog signal input unit, configured to receive and amplify a differential analog signal and output an amplified analog signal in a differential pattern; at least two integrators coupled to output terminals of the analog signal input unit respectively, configured to integrate the amplified analog signal; at least two pulse width modulators coupled to an output terminal of a corresponding one of the integrators respectively, configured to generate pulse signals with corresponding pulse width based on an integrated analog signal from the corresponding integrator; wherein each integrator comprises a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal via a capacitor is configured to receive the amplified analog signal, and the positive input terminal is configured to receive a first reference signal; a regulator coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier is configured to limit output at the output terminal of the first amplifier to the first reference signal; a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator, configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal is at a mute state, the control module is configured to disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to have the first reference signal as the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier, when the mode switch signal is at an un-mute state, the control module is configured to gradually change the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier from the first reference signal to an analog signal amplified by the first amplifier.
In an embodiment, the regulator is a second amplifier having a positive input terminal coupled to the first reference signal, a negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier, and an output terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier.
In an embodiment, the first amplifier comprises a first load stage, and a first current source coupled to the control module to provide the first amplifier with a first working current; the second amplifier comprises a second load stage, and a second current source coupled to the control module to provide the first amplifier with a second working current.
In an embodiment, the first current source comprises a first PMOS transistor having a gate coupled to the control module; the second current source comprises a second PMOS transistor having a gate coupled to the control module; wherein the current values of the first and second current source are determined by the control module.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the integrator comprises a first amplifier having a first positive input terminal, a first negative input terminal and a first output terminal, wherein the first negative input terminal is configured to receive the amplified analog signal and is coupled to the first output terminal via a capacitor, the first positive input terminal is configured to receive the first reference signal; a regulator coupled to the first output terminal is configured to limit output at the first output terminal to the first reference signal; a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator, configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on the mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal is at a mute state, the control module is configured to disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to have the first reference signal as the output at the first output terminal, when the mode switch signal is at an un-mute state, the control module is configured to gradually change the output at the first output terminal from the first reference signal to the input signal amplified by the first amplifier.
In an embodiment, the control module is a third amplifier and comprises: a mode switch signal input stage comprising a differential pair, is configured to receive the mode switch signal; a first output stage having a third PMOS transistor, both gate and drain of the third PMOS transistor are coupled to the gate of the first PMOS transistor; a second output stage having a fourth PMOS transistor, both gate and drain of the fourth PMOS transistor are coupled to the gate of the second PMOS transistor.
In an embodiment, the control module further comprises a fifth PMOS transistor, gate of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the gate of the third PMOS transistor, and the drain of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the transistor; and a sixth PMOS transistor, the gate of the transistor M6 is coupled to the gate of the fourth PMOS transistor, and the drain of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the third PMOS transistor.
In an embodiment, the class D amplifier further comprises: at least one mode switch signal generator coupled to the integrator, configured to convert a step Enable signal into the mode switch signal with a gradually change ratio. Therefore, the mode switch signal may be a smoothly varied signal, which contributes to reduce the pop noise.
In an embodiment, the first current source comprises a transistor having a gate coupled to the control module; the second current source comprises a transistor having a gate coupled to the control module; wherein the current values of the first and second current source are determined by the control module output.
In an embodiment, the control module is a third amplifier and comprises a mode switch signal input stage comprising a differential pair comprising a transistor, configured to receive the mode switch signal; a first output stage having a transistor, both the gate and drain of the transistor are coupled to the gate of the transistor; a second output stage having a transistor, both the gate and drain of the transistor are coupled to the gate of the transistor.
In some embodiments, the class D amplifier further comprises at least two power units coupled to output terminals of a corresponding one of the pulse width modulators respectively, and configured to raise power of the pulse signals, wherein output terminals of the power units are coupled to the input terminals of the integrator via a resistor feedback net, wherein the resistor feedback net comprises at least one resistor.
In some embodiments, the class D amplifier further comprises an output unit coupled to the output terminals of the power units respectively, configured to convert the pulse signals to analog signals.
In some embodiments, each pulse width modulator comprises: a comparator having a positive input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the integrator, a negative input terminal coupled to a triangle signal, and an output terminal configured to output the pulse signals, wherein intermediate level of the triangle signal is equal to the first voltage reference.
In some embodiments, each power unit comprises: a logic unit coupled to the output terminal of the comparator; a power amplifier coupled to output of the logic unit, configured to raise the pulse signals power; wherein the logic unit is configured to shift voltage level of the pulse signals output by the pulse width modulators to be able to drive the power amplifier.
In another aspect, a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal is configured to receive the amplified analog signal and is coupled to the output terminal via a capacitor, the positive input terminal is configured to receive a first reference signal; a regulator coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier is configured to limit output at the output terminal of the first amplifier to the first reference signal; a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator, configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal is at a mute state, the control module is configured to disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to have the first reference signal as the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier, when the mode switch signal is at an un-mute state, the control module is configured to gradually change the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier from the first reference signal to an analog signal amplified by the first amplifier.
In an embodiment, the regulator is a second amplifier having a positive input terminal coupled to the first reference signal, a negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier, and an output terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier; the control module is a third amplifier, and is configured to receive the mode switch signal to change working currents of the regulator and the first amplifier based on the mode switch signal.
In another aspect, an audio device adopting the class D amplifier, wherein the class D amplifier comprises at least two integrators, wherein each integrator comprises a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal via a capacitor is configured to receive the amplified analog signal, and the positive input terminal is configured to receive a first reference signal; a regulator coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier is configured to limit output at the output terminal of the first amplifier to the first reference signal; a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator, configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal is at a mute state, the control module is configured to disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to have the first reference signal as the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier, when the mode switch signal is at an un-mute state, the control module is configured to gradually change the output at the output terminal of the first amplifier from the first reference signal to an analog signal amplified by the first amplifier.
In another aspect, a method of reducing pop noise in an audio device, comprising: receiving, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, a differential analog input signal; amplifying, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the differential analog signal and outputting an amplified analog signal in a differential pattern; responsive to a mode switch signal, integrating, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the amplified analog signal in un-mute mode, and limiting, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the analog input signal to a fixed voltage signal in mute mode; generating, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, pulse-width-modulated signals responsive to the integrated signals; and converting, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the pulse-width-modulated signals into analog signals.
In an embodiment, gradually integrating, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the amplified analog signal from the fixed voltage signal to the integrated signal when the mode switch signal switches from mute to un-mute mode; or gradually limiting, by the class D amplifier of the audio device, the analog signal from the integrated signal to the fixed voltage signal when the mode switch signal switches from un-mute to mute mode.
Compared with the conventional circuits, the class D amplifier can significantly reduce the pop noise as below: (1) caused by the offset of both feedback resistors and pre-amplifier; and (2) caused by a sudden start or finish of a big audio signal.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, features of the present invention. Additional features of the invention may be described, hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 represents an architecture of a BTL (bridge tied-load) class D Amplifier;
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a BTL output class D amplifier in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 4A shows a detailed schematic of a signal generator used to control the integrator;
FIG. 4B shows a detailed schematic of the integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 4C shows working currents diagram of integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 5A shows a circuit of the class D amplifier in accordance with another embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 5B shows an output diagram of the Class D amplifier in accordance with the embodiment of the present application in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 shows the audio signal diagram under another scenario;
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an audio device.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although the following describes example methods and circuits, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. Accordingly, while the following describes example methods and circuits, persons of ordinary skill in the art may readily appreciate that the examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods and circuits.
FIG. 1 represents an architecture of a BTL class D Amplifier, including an audio signal input unit 11, integrate units 12 and 13, pulse width modulate (PWM) units 14 and 15, power units 16 and 17, resistor feedback nets 18 and 19, and an audio signal output unit 20. All audio signal input unit 11, integrate units 12 and 13, and pulse width modulate (PWM) units 14 and 15 work in power line VDD (3.3V), all power unit 16 and 17 and the output unit 20 work in high voltage power line VCC (5V to 36V).
Input unit 11 is coupled to integrate units 12 and 13 respectively, and is configured to receive an analog audio signal. Generally, input unit 11 transmits the analog audio signal to integrate units 12 and 13 in a differential pattern. After being integrated in integrate units 12 and 13, the audio signal may be received by PWM units 14 and 15 which compare the integrated audio signal with a triangle signal Vtri to generate pulse signals with different pulse width which are used to drive the power units 16 and 17. So, the work status of power units 16 and 17 is determined by the pulse signals. The power unit 16 and 17 are coupled to integrate units 12 and 13 respectively via resistor feedback nets 18 and 19, so the class D amplifier works in a closed loop, which may improve the performance of the class D amplifier such as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) and stability. The class D amplifier also includes an output unit 20 which may convert the pulse signals into an analog output signal, and output it to a speaker.
In operation, there are two working modes of the class D amplifier, such as mute and un-mute modes. The output unit 20 may not output any audio signal in mute mode, because the duty cycle of the pulse signals generated by PWM units 14 and 15 are set to be 50%. In the un-mute mode, PWM units 14 and 15 may output two pulse signals with different pulse width to the power unit 16 and 17 which may increase the pulse signals power. After the power is raised, output unit 20 receives the powered pulse signals, and outputs an audio signal.
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a BTL output class D amplifier in FIG. 1. The BTL output class D amplifier has two branches which are the same as each other. A fully differential pre-amplifier 101, which includes four gain setting resistors 1011 to 1014 and two DC blocking capacitors 1015 and 1016, is employed as the input unit 11 in FIG. 2. Integrators 102 and 103 are coupled to pre-amplifier 101 respectively, and are configured to integrate the pre-amplified analog audio signal output by pre-amplifier 101. Comparators 104 and 105 coupled to the integrators 102 and 103 respectively are configured to receive the integrated audio signal. Power supply of fully differential pre-amplifier, integrators and comparators is a low level voltage VDD (e.g. 2.7V ̃5V). Compared to VDD, power unit 16, which includes logic unit 1061 and power amplifier 1062, comprises power DMOS transistors and works at a higher level voltage VCC (e.g. 5V ̃36V). Output unit 20 includes LC low-pass filters 201 and 202 both of which are coupled to a speaker 203. LC low-pass filters 201 and 202 are configured to convert received pulse signals into analog signals.
In operation, fully differential pre-amplifier 101 receives an analog audio signal and transmits the differential analog signals amplified by the pre-amplifier 101 to integrators 102 and 103. Then, integrators 102 and 103 integrate the amplified differential analog signals, and transmit integrated analog signals to comparators 104 and 105 which compare the integrated analog signal with a common triangle signal Vtri to modulate the integrated analog signals to pulse signals with different pulse width. Logic units 1601 and 1071 are used to shift the output voltage of comparators 104 and 105, therefore power amplifiers 1062 and 1072 are able to be driven by modulated pulse signals. When low-pass filters 201 and 202 receive pulse signals generated by power amplifiers 1062 and 1072, they may convert the received pulse signals into analog signals which can drive speaker 203.
Also, output terminals of power amplifiers 1062 and 1072 are coupled to integrators 102 and 103 via resistor feedback nets 108 and 109 respectively, which makes the class D amplifier work in a closed loop. In FIG. 2, R2 is n times the resistance of resistor R3.
To fix the PWM outputs of two branches in a BTL at 50% duty cycle in mute modes, two voltage references (VR1 and VCMFB) are generated internally. VR1 is equal to half of VDD, and is employed as a voltage reference for integrators 102 and 103. The triangle signal is also biased by VR1, which means intermediate level of the triangle signal is determined by VR1. In this embodiment, the intermediate level of the triangle signal is equal to VR1. VCMFB is a voltage reference for pre-amplifier 101. When there is no analog signal input into pre-amplifier 101, the PWM output is Biased at VCC/2, which is the requirement for DC balance.
According to the Kirchhoff's law, the average output of power amplifiers VOUT is given by:




  
    
      
        
          V
          OUT
        
        =
        
          
            
              N
              ·
              VR
            
            ⁢
            
              
            
            ⁢
            
              1
              ·
              
                [
                
                  1
                  +
                  
                    
                      n
                      +
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          -
          
            N
            ·
            VCMFB
          
        
      
    
    
      
        (
        1
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        n
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            3
          
        
      
    
    
      
        (
        2
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        N
        =
        
          Rfb
          Rin
        
      
    
    
      
        (
        3
        )
      
    
  




Rfb 108 may be a resistor net which comprises resistors R1 to R3, and can be expressed as below:

Rfb=(n+1)·R1+n·R3  (4)

In another embodiment, the number of resistors of the resistor net may be at least one. In order to set VOUT at VCC/2 with zero input signal, the internal voltage reference VR1 and VCMFB are designed to be:




  
    
      
        
          VR
          ⁢
          
            
          
          ⁢
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        =
        
          
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          ⁢
          VDD
        
      
    
    
      
        (
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        )
      
    
  
  
    
      
        VCMFB
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          -
          
            
              1
              
                2
                ⁢
                N
              
            
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            VCC
          
        
      
    
    
      
        (
        6
        )
      
    
  




FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application. The integrator 102 has three input terminals, including terminals VREF, Muteplay and Viin. The terminal VREF is configured to receive the voltage reference VR, the terminal Muteplay is used to receive a mode switch signal, and the terminal Viin is configured to receive the signal from pre-amplifier 101 or power amplifier 1062.
The integrator 102 comprises two operational amplifiers (opamp): Mute_op 1022 works in mute mode, and Play_op 1021 works in un-mute mode. Both the positive terminals of the two opamps are coupled to the terminal VREF to share a common voltage reference. The negative terminal Viin of Play_op 1021 is coupled to output terminal Viout_of integrator 102 via an integrating capacitor C1, and is configured to receive the analog signal output by pre-amplifier 101. The negative terminal of Mute_op 1022 is coupled to the output terminal Viout of integrator 102. The integrator 102 further comprises a Mode_switch unit 1023 which has a terminal Muteplay to receive a mode switch signal which can achieve a soft transition between mute and un-mute mode.
In operation, while the Muteplay terminal receives a mode switch signal that switches on Mute_op 1022 and switches off Play_op 1021, the Mode_switch unit 1023 may enable the Mute_op 1022 and disable the Play_op 1021. Then, the output at the terminal Viout is set to be equal to the signal at terminal VREF. In this embodiment, the integrator output is equal to VR1. When the voltage at the terminal Viout is limited to VR1, the closed loop of the Class D amplifier is cut off. Even if there is an audio signal from pre-amplifier 101 input into the integrator 102, the power amplifier 1602 and 1702 may maintain the output pulse signals have 50% duty cycle. So, the offset caused by pre-amplifier 101 and mismatching of resistors in feedback loop are cancelled, only offset of the buffer opamp (Mute_op 1022) may be transferred to the output of the class D amplifier, but it is too small, and no audible pop noise may be generated.
In the un-mute mode, the Play_op 1021 works and Mute_op 1022 is disabled, the integrator 102 outputs an integrated audio signal, and corrects the PWM output through the closed loop.
FIG. 4A shows a detailed schematic of a signal generator used to control the integrator, and FIG. 4B shows a detailed schematic of the integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application.
Essentially, the mode switch signal is a signal that is used to enable/disable a corresponding opamp. In the embodiment, the mode switch signal is converted from a pulse signal to a ramp signal which has a specified slope and is generated by an RC net showed in FIG. 4A.
The terminal Enable is coupled to terminal Muteplay via a resistor R4, and the terminal Muteplay is coupled to ground through a capacitor C4. When the terminal Enable receives a mode switch signal that is a pulse signal, the RC net can convert the pulse signal into a ramp signal with a slope determined by capacitance of capacitor C4.
In FIG. 4B, there are three opamps: Play_op 1021, Mute_op 1022 and Mode Switch unit 1023. In this embodiment, both Play_op 1021 and Mute-op 1022 are two-stage amplifiers which share a common load stage of the first stage including NMOS transistors M19 and M20. Also, Play_op 1021 and Mute-op 1022 may have independent load stages which may supply same or different impedances.
In Mode switch unit 1023, NMOS transistors M13 and M14 form a differential pair, gate of NMOS transistor M13 is coupled to terminal Muteplay to receive the Mode switch signal, and gate of NMOS transistor M14 is coupled to internal terminal VREF2 to receive a voltage reference VR2. Both the drain and gate of NMOS transistor M3 are coupled together to the gates of PMOS transistors M1 and M7. So, PMOS transistors M1, M3 and M7 form a linear current mirror. Similarly, PMOS transistors M2, M4 and M8 form another linear current mirror. PMOS transistor M3 is a current bias for the Play_op 1021, and PMOS transistor M4 is a current bias for the Mute_op 1022. Therefore, the gain of the Mode switch unit 1023 is small, but it may response the signal at terminal Muteplay so fast. When the terminal Muteplay receives a slow ramp signal, the currents in PMOS transistor M3 and M4 may be changed accordingly slow.
From the above, current IM1 can be obtained as below:




  
    
      
        
          I
          
            M
            ⁢
            
              
            
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                (
                
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        (
        7
        )
      
    
  




Likewise, current IM2 can be obtained as below:




  
    
      
        
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The Mode switch unit 1023 further comprises PMOS transistors M5 and M6. Gate of PMOS transistor M5 is coupled to the gate of PMOS transistor M3, and drain of PMOS transistor M5 is coupled to the gate of PMOS transistor M4. Similarly, gate of PMOS transistor M6 is coupled to the gate of PMOS transistor M4, and drain of PMOS transistor M6 is coupled to the gate of PMOS transistor M3.
While the input signal of terminal Muteplay is much greater than VR2, the PMOS transistor M4 is switched off, which means that the gate voltage of PMOS transistor M4 is less than the threshold voltage of PMOS transistor M4 and the current IM4 is equal to zero. In some situations, the current IM4 is hard to be switched off completely, the PMOS transistor M5 contributes to switch off the transistor M4 quickly and completely because PMOS transistors M4 and M5 form a positive feedback loop. When current IM5 is equal to zero, the current IM3 is equal to current Ib and the gate voltage of PMOS transistor M3 is a lower voltage, this may pull up the drain voltage of PMOS transistor M5 to VDD. Then, PMOS transistor M4 is completely switched off. Similarly, the PMOS transistor M3 may be completely switched off by PMOS transistor M6 when PMOS transistor M4 is switched on.
The Play_op 1021 is a two-stage opamp. The first stage comprises PMOS transistors M1, M10, M16, and NMOS transistors M19, M20. The second stage comprises PMOS transistor M7 and NMOS transistor M9. PMOS transistors M10, M16 form a differential pair, gate of PMOS transistor M10 is coupled to the terminal VREF to receive the voltage reference VR1, and gate of PMOS transistor M16 is coupled to terminal Viin to receive the analog signal output by pre-amplifier 101. Drain of PMOS transistor M7 is coupled to drain of NMOS transistor M9 to output the amplified signal.
Similarly, in Mute_op 1022, the PMOS transistors M11 and M12 form a differential pair. The gate of PMOS transistor M11 is coupled to the gate of PMOS transistor M10 to share a common voltage reference. Gate of PMOS transistor M12 is coupled to the output of Mute_op 1022 which is also the output of the integrator. The second stage comprises PMOS transistors M8 and NMOS transistor M9, and drain of PMOS transistor M8 is coupled to the drain of NMOS transistor M9.
The integrator further comprises compensating resistor R5 and compensating capacitor C5 to get better frequency response. Also, resistor R5 can be instead of a transistor that works in linear region.
When the input signal of terminal Muteplay is much greater than VR2, Play_op 1021 works, and Mute_op 1022 is disabled by the current bias. When the class D amplifier is in the un-mute mode, Play_op 1021 works as an error amplifier, the input signal and feedback signal are amplified, and the output of comparator is modulated. The duty cycle of the signals at PWM_N and PWM_P is varied according to the input signal.
When the input signal of terminal Muteplay is much less than VR2, Mute_op 1022 works, and Play_op 1021 is disabled by the current bias. The Mute_op 1022 works as a buffer to set the output of integrator 102 to voltage VR1 that the loop gain is approximately equal to 0 dB. So, when integrator 102 outputs a fixed voltage in the mute mode, the feedback loop of the class D amplifier is cut off, which means that the disturbances at output can not affect the input of the integrator 102 and the offset caused by pre-amplifier 101 and mismatching of resistors in feedback loop are reduced.
During the transition between Mute_op 1022 and Play_op 1021 (1.25V<Muteplay<2.8V), the two opamps work together. The audio signal and offsets delivered to the output increasing slowly from zero to the final value, which may avoid the pop noise. With the soft transition from mute to un-mute status, the offset caused by input stage, and mismatching of resistors in feedback loop may be transferred to the output softly, and no audible pop noise may be generated.
FIG. 4C shows working currents diagram of integrator in accordance with one embodiment of the present application. With the mode switch signal rises slowly, current IM1 and IM2 change smoothly.
Referring to FIG. 4C, the voltage signal at terminal Muteplay rises slowly, which means the mode switch signal has a gradually change ratio, then the both currents IM1 and IM2 have a slow change rate.
FIG. 5A shows a circuit of the class D amplifier in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, there is 1% mismatching in feedback resistor. FIG. 5B shows an output diagram of the Class D amplifier in accordance with the embodiment of the present application in FIG. 5A.
As illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, there is 1% mismatching in feedback resistor net: Rfb1=180 k ohm, and Rffb2=181.8 k ohm. The class D amplifier switches between mute and un-mute status with slow rate, and the offsets delivered to the output from zero to the normal value or from the normal value to zero softly when terminal Muteplay is charged or discharged slowly. The output diagram of the D amplifier is smooth (see curve Vdout), and after filtered in an A-weighted filter, the BTL output is very small (see curve Vdout-f), therefore no audible pop noise is generated at these transient events.
FIG. 6 shows the audio signal diagram under another scenario. The performance of the class D amplifier circuit is illustrated, and pop noise caused by sudden start and finish of the audio signal is reduced. Referring to FIG. 6, curve Vdout is an audio signal diagram which is smooth at the beginning or end of the audio signal. The audio signal is amplified to the output from zero to the normal value or from the normal value to zero softly when terminal Muteplay is charged or discharged slowly. The listener may not feel uncomfortable because of the sudden start or finish of a big audio signal.
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an audio device. The audio device 30 comprises an audio signal generator 301, a class D amplifier 302 of the invention, and an audio signal player 303. The audio signal generator 301 coupled to the input terminal of the class D amplifier 302, is configured to receive or generate an audio signal. When the class D amplifier 302 receives an audio signal, it may raise the power of the audio signal and output the power raised signal to the audio signal player 303. Then, audio signal player 303 can play the audio signal without pop noise. The audio device 30 can include MP3 player, mobile phone, voice box and any type of sound equipment.
It may be readily understood by those skilled in the art that circuits and methods may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present invention. It is also appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts other than the specific contexts used to illustrate embodiments. Therefore, although certain example methods, circuits and devices have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, circuits, and devices fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

## Claims

1. A circuit, comprising:
an analog signal input circuit configured to receive and amplify a differential analog signal and output an amplified differential analog signal;
at least two integrating circuits coupled to output terminals of the analog signal input unit and configured to integrate the amplified differential analog signal;
at least two pulse width modulating units coupled respectively to output terminals of the integrating units and configured to generate pulse signals with corresponding pulse width based on an integrated analog signal output from the corresponding integrating unit;
wherein each the integrating units comprises:
a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal of the integrating unit is coupled to the output terminal of the integrating unit via a capacitor, and the positive input terminal of the integrating unit is configured to receive a first reference signal;
a regulator configured to generate an output coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier and limit the output of the integrating unit to the first reference signal;
a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator and configured to control operation of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal switches from an un-mute state to a mute state, the control module is configured to gradually disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to gradually convert output of the integrating unit to the first reference signal, and when the mode switch signal switches from the mute state to the un-mute state, the control module is configured to gradually enable the first amplifier and disable the regulator to gradually convert the output of the integrating unit to the output of the first amplifier.

2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the regulator comprises a second amplifier having a positive input terminal coupled to the first reference signal, a negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier, and an output terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier.

3. The circuit of claim 2, wherein:
the first amplifier comprises a first load stage and a first current source coupled to the control module to provide the first amplifier with a first working current;
the second amplifier comprises a second load stage and a second current source coupled to the control module to provide the first amplifier with a second working current.

4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein:
the first current source comprises a first PMOS transistor having a gate coupled to the control module;
the second current source comprises a second PMOS transistor having a gate coupled to the control module;
wherein the current values of the first and second current source are determined by the control module.

5. The circuit of claim 4, wherein the control module comprises a third amplifier and comprises:
a mode switch signal input stage comprising a differential pair configured to receive the mode switch signal;
a first output stage having a third PMOS transistor, wherein both gate and drain of the third PMOS transistor are coupled to the gate of the first PMOS transistor;
a second output stage having a fourth PMOS transistor, wherein both gate and drain of the fourth PMOS transistor are coupled to the gate of the second PMOS transistor.

6. The circuit of claim 5, wherein the control module further comprises:
a fifth PMOS transistor, wherein the gate of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the gate of the third PMOS transistor and the drain of the fifth PMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the fourth PMOS transistor; and
a sixth PMOS transistor, wherein the gate of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to the gate of the fourth PMOS transistor, and the drain of the sixth PMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the third PMOS transistor.

7. The circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
at least one mode switch signal generator coupled to the integrating unit and configured to convert an enable signal into the mode switch signal with a gradually change ratio.

8. The circuit of claim 2, wherein:
the output stage of the first amplifier comprises a seventh PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, wherein a drain of the seventh PMOS transistor is coupled to drain of the first NMOS transistor;
the output stage of the second amplifier comprises an eighth PMOS transistor and the first NMOS transistor, wherein a drain of the eighth PMOS transistor is coupled to both the drain of the first NMOS transistor and the negative input terminal of the second amplifier.

9. The circuit of claim 1, further comprising: at least two power units coupled to output terminals of a corresponding one of the pulse width modulating units respectively, and configured to raise power of the pulse signals, wherein output terminals of the power units are coupled to the input terminals of the integrator via a resistor feedback net, wherein the resistor feedback net comprises at least one resistor.

10. The circuit of claim 9, further comprising an output unit coupled to the output terminals of the power units and configured to convert the pulse signals to analog signals.

11. The circuit of claim 10, wherein each the pulse width modulating units comprises:
a comparator comprising a positive input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the integrating unit, a negative input terminal coupled to a triangle signal, and an output terminal configured to output the pulse signals;
wherein intermediate level of the triangle signal is equal to the first voltage reference.

12. The circuit of claim 11, wherein each power unit comprises:
a logic unit coupled to the output terminal of the comparator;
a power amplifier coupled to output of the logic unit, configured to raise the pulse signals power;
wherein the logic unit is configured to shift voltage level of the pulse signals output by the pulse width modulating units to be able to drive the power amplifier.

13. A circuit, comprising:
a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal is configured to receive an analog signal and is coupled to the output terminal via a capacitor, the positive input terminal is configured to receive a first reference signal;
a regulator coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier and configured to limit output at the output terminal of the first amplifier to the first reference signal;
a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator and configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal switches from a first state to a second state, the control module is configured to gradually disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to gradually convert output of the integrating unit to the first reference signal, when the mode switch signal switches from the second state to the first state, the control module is configured to gradually enable the first amplifier and disable the regulator to gradually convert the output of the integrating unit to the output of the first amplifier.

14. The circuit of claim 13, wherein:
the regulator comprises a second amplifier having a positive input terminal coupled to the first reference signal, a negative input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier, and an output terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier;
the control module comprises a third amplifier configured to receive the mode switch signal to change working currents of the regulator and the first amplifier based on the mode switch signal.

15. An audio device including an amplifier comprising an integrator, wherein the integrator comprises:
a first amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the negative input terminal is coupled to the output terminal via a capacitor and is configured to receive an amplified analog signal, and the positive input terminal is configured to receive a first reference signal;
a regulator coupled to the output terminal of the first amplifier and configured to limit output at the output terminal of the first amplifier to the first reference signal;
a control module coupled to the first amplifier and the regulator and configured to control operations of the first amplifier and the regulator based on a mode switch signal, wherein when the mode switch signal switches from a first state to a second state, the control module is configured to gradually disable the first amplifier and enable the regulator to gradually convert output of the integrating unit to the first reference signal, when the mode switch signal switches from the second state to the first state, the control module is configured to gradually enable the first amplifier and disable the regulator to gradually convert the output of the integrating unit to the output of the first amplifier.

16. A method of reducing pop noise in an audio device, comprising:
receiving by the audio device a differential analog input signal;
amplifying by the audio device the differential analog signal and outputting an amplified differential analog signal;
responsive to a mode switch signal, integrating, by the audio device, the amplified differential analog signal in an un-mute mode to output an integrated signal, and limiting, by the audio device, the integrated signal to a fixed voltage signal in a mute mode;
generating by the audio device pulse-width-modulated signals responsive to the integrated signals; and
converting by the audio device the pulse-width-modulated signals into analog signals.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
gradually converting by the audio device the integrated signal from the fixed voltage signal to a signal obtained by integrating the amplified input signal when the mode switch signal switches from the mute mode to the un-mute mode; or
gradually limiting by the audio device the integrated signal to the fixed voltage signal when the mode switch signal switches from un-mute mode to mute mode.