Abstract:
An audio amplifier configuration for a personal computer system optimizes performance in both the single-ended mode and the bridged mode. In a single-ended mode, as when the computer system user receives audio through headphones plugged into an external jack, a jack sense line is activated that switches into operation a power supply that is optimized for single-ended audio operation. In the bridged mode, as when the computer user receives audio from the system&#39;s internal speaker, operation is such that the audio amplifier is supplied by a power source optimized for operation in a bridged mode. In general, single-ended operation dictates that the audio amplifier power supply exhibit substantial noise immunity characteristics; whereas bridged-mode operation requires that the power supply be capable of supplying more demanding peak voltage and current excursions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The disclosure relates to personal computer systems generally and, more particularly, to an audio amplifier arrangement that selectively switches between voltage supplies, the selection depending on the computer user&#39;s election to avail himself of a particular one of two or more available speaker systems that may include, for example, either the personal computer&#39;s internal speakers or externally connected headphones. 
   Computer systems in general, and personal computer (PC) systems in particular, have attained widespread use in providing computer power to many segments of modern society. A conventional PC system can usually be defined as a desktop, floor standing, or portable microcomputer that includes a system unit having a system processor and associated volatile and non-volatile memory, display monitor, a keyboard, one or more diskette drives, a fixed disk storage device and an optional printer. One of the distinguishing characteristics of these systems is the use of a system board to electrically interconnect these components. PC systems may be considered information handling systems that are designed primarily to provide independent computing power either to a single user or to a relatively small group of users, as in the case of personal computers that serve as computer server systems. Accordingly, such systems are intended to be inexpensively priced for purchase by individuals or small businesses. A PC system may also include one of a plurality of peripheral or I/O devices that are coupled to the system processor and that perform specialized functions. Examples of I/O devices include modems, sound and video devices or specialized communication devices. Mass storage devices, such as hard disks, CD-ROM drives and magneto-optical drives, are also considered to be peripheral devices. Computers producing multi-media effects, i.e., sound coupled with visual images, are in increased demand as computers become used for artistic endeavors, for entertainment, and for education. In addition, the use of sound makes game playing more realistic and helps reinforce knowledge and make educational programs more enjoyable to use. Digital effects and music can also be created on the computer and played through attached speakers without the need for additional musical instruments or components. 
   Of course, as the audio aspect of a personal computer&#39;s operation acquire increasing significance, the design and operation of the computer&#39;s audio system, which may be taken to include, at least, audio storage and playback components, audio amplifiers, and audio outputs (speakers), attracts concommitantly greater attention. As with other aspects of the computer design, design of the audio system is confronted with the often competing considerations of performance and expense. In addition, the PC audio amplifier must exhibit both quality and flexibility of performance. 
   Specifically, audio amplifiers, such as those used in a majority of portable computer platforms, are configured to drive both the high-power internal speakers in bridged-mode operation, as well as the low-power, noise-sensitive, headphone/line output paths in single-ended mode. In the bridged mode (also sometimes referred to as “balanced” mode), an audio speaker is typically coupled across two differential outputs of an audio amplifier. The bridged, or balanced, configuration has a number of advantages, salient ones of which are the maximization of available voltage swing across the speaker and the rejection of common-mode signals, such as noise or DC offsets. In the single-ended configuration, the audio amplifier provides a single output, and the speaker is (usually AC) coupled between the amplifier output and a reference potential, usually ground (GND). Because, as suggested above, PC systems accommodate both internal speakers and headphones, the audio system designer is required to elect to support both the modes equally, or to allocate a performance preference to either the bridged mode or the single-ended mode. Inasmuch as the audio amplifier operating requirements applicable to use of internal speakers are dissimilar to those applicable to the use of headphones, the design challenges are not trivial. For example whereas internal speakers may be expected to present to the amplifier an impedance of a few ohms, a headphone jack may present an impedance of several ohms up to thousands of ohms. Therefore the amplifier must be designed to supply greater current levels to internal speakers then to headphones. The current demanded from the audio amplifier power supply varies proportionally to the output power required from the amplifier. Simultaneous support of both modes, while maintaining noise immunity and optimal audio performance, necessarily is attended by increased system cost and complexity. Alternatively, if either mode is afforded preference over the other, then compromises must be encountered. A preference for the single-ended mode will result in excessive power losses in the bridged mode; conversely, a preference for the bridge mode will result in exacerbated power supply noise in the single-ended mode. 
   In the high-power bridged mode, the power supply is required to deliver large amounts of peak power to the audio amplifier. Therefore, to prevent unwanted power loss in this high peak current configuration, the supply path is optimized to eliminate, or at least minimize, series impedances. AC noise from the power supply is a less significant concern in the bridged mode because noise voltage appearing at the output of the power supply will be common to both the positive and inverting output stages and will, therefore, effectively cancel. 
   In the low-power single-ended mode, the ability to effectively handle large peak currents is no longer a concern, and focus is directed to power supply noise immunity. Unlike the bridged mode, in the single-ended mode, noise that propagates to the output stage via the power supply path will not be canceled and will appear as a differential voltage at the output. In addition, typical low-power, single-ended configurations, such as headphones and external speakers, represent situations in which output noise is more perceptible to the end user, and is therefore more objectionable. 
   System designers have exploited various methods of providing power supply noise immunity in high-current configurations. In one approach, the audio system power supply is optimized for peak current-handling capability. Only passive noise immunity, usually in the form of bulk or small bypass capacitance filtering of the rectified voltage derived from the AC power line, is provided. This approach is typified by the circuit configuration depicted in  FIG. 1 , which represents a single channel of a typical stereo implementation. 
   As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , the audio system of a PC may be generally represented as including an audio amplifier  10  coupled through an input capacitor C 1  to an input signal. (The source of the input signal to audio amplifier  10  is not considered an aspect of the invention herein.) A typical implementation of a bridge-type audio amplifier  10  includes both an inverting amplifier  11  and a noninverting amplifier  12 . The input signal, which may be provided by a preamplifier (not shown), is coupled both to input  121  of noninverting amplifier and to input  111  of the inverting amplifier. Output  122  of the noninverting amplifier is coupled to one end of speaker  20 , and output  121  of inverting amplifier  11  is coupled to the opposite end of speaker  20 . In this manner, speaker  20  is provided a balanced signal from amplifier  10 , and the amplifier is said to operate in a balanced, or bridged, mode. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , amplifier output  112  may be coupled to speaker  20  through a switch SW 1  that is driven by a jack-sense indicator  50 . In general, jack-sense indicator  50  operates to detect the insertion of headphones, or an equivalent ancillary speaker system, into jack  40 . Many implementations of jack-sense indicator  50  are available to those acquainted with the art. For example, jack-sense indicator  50  may simply operate to detect the impedance to GND present at jack  40 . If headphones are not connected, then the detected impedance is high, and may be taken to approach infinity. If headphones are connected, then the impedance at jack  40  will be below some nominal predetermined threshold, say 100 Kohms. Jack-sense indicator  50  then responds by providing a logic-level signal at its output. In an exemplary embodiment, jack-sense indicator may provide a logic-level ONE when headphones are connected, and logic-level ZERO otherwise. Alternatively, jack-sense indicator  50  may be integrated into one device with audio jack  40 . An example of such a device is commercially available from Foxconn International, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif. In this approach, jack-sense indicator  50  is simply mechanical switch that is driven by headphones that are inserted into jack  40 . The switch may be wired so that it connects to GND when no headphones are inserted, and connects through a pull-up resistor to a DC voltage (logic-level ONE) when headphones are connected. 
   The binary output of jack-sense indicator  50  is coupled to SW 1  and determines the condition (open, closed) of SW 1 . The amplifier design arbitrarily assumes that headphones are not connected, so that amplifier output  112  is normally connected (that is, SW 1  is normally closed) to speaker  20  through speaker connection  22 . With SW 1  closed, amplifier output  112  is connected to speaker  20 . However, when headphones are connected to headphone/line out jack  40 , jack-sense indicator causes SW 1  to be driven open, and a signal path between amplifier  10  and speaker  20  is interrupted. Specifically, the connection between amplifier output  112  and speaker  20  is broken by SW 1 . Nevertheless, the connection from amplifier  10  to jack  40  is maintained from output  122  of noninverting amplifier  12  through a coupling capacitor C 2 . In this configuration, amplifier  10  is said to operate in the single-ended mode. 
   The operation of amplifier  10  is enabled by a voltage supply system  30 . Voltage supply system  30  is shown to include a DC voltage source, V DD , that is derived from the AC power line (not shown). Voltage source V DD  may, in fact, be generated simply by rectification of the AC power line, and by filtering the rectified voltage with a line filter capacitor. (It should be recognized, however, that the invention is not predicated on the manner in which V DD  is generated.) Voltage source V DD  is coupled to a voltage supply node  13  associated with amplifier  10  and is coupled from node  13  to both amplifier  11  and amplifier  12 . In addition, voltage supply system  30  is shown also to include an undesired figurative noise source, V N , that operates additively with respect to V DD . For the pedagogical purposes of this Description, V N  is intended to represent noise signals that may derive from any one or more of a number of ambient sources, or may represent the manifestation of a number of phenomena. For example, V N  may represent unfiltered random noise that is present on the AC line. Additionally, V N  may represent unfiltered ripple at 60 Hz, or some harmonic thereof, that results from rectification of the AC line. Further, V N  may represent a contaminant signal of external origin, such as noise generated by the PC hard disk system. The point, however, is that V N  represents a spurious, and undesired, signal that is ultimately coupled to voltage supply node  13 . 
   It is readily appreciated, therefore, that the arrangement of  FIG. 1  results in increased susceptibility to (especially low-frequency) power supply noise in the single-ended mode. Consequently, noise present at the amplifier voltage supply node  13 , including but not limited to noise generated by the hard drive or power supply hum, will be coupled to, and therefore readily perceptible on, the headphone and line output paths. 
   An available response to the above-described problem may be had by the inclusion of a voltage regulator in series with the power amplifier supply path. Although this approach does provide some rejection of the random noise, V N , present on the V DD  line, it is accompanied by a significant increase in system size and cost. In addition, the voltage regulator will necessarily limit output power in the bridged mode as a result of the attendant series voltage drop and likely current limitations. 
   Accordingly, what is desired is an audio configuration for a PC that tends to optimize performance in both the bridged mode as well as in the single-ended mode. In bridged mode, the power supply should satisfy high peak-power requirements. In the single-ended mode, the power supply should afford substantial noise immunity. The resulting design preferably provides the desired performance without serious penalties in area of system cost and complexity. In addition, the solution should be amenable to implementation through convential integrated circuit design techniques. 
   SUMMARY 
   The above and other objects, advantages and features are achieved in one aspect of the disclosure by an audio system for use with a personal computer. The audio system comprises a first voltage supply; a second voltage supply; an audio amplifier; a connector for connecting a first speaker to the audio amplifier; and a jack for coupling a second speaker to the audio amplifier. A jack sense line is coupled to the jack, the jack sense line assumes a firs condition when a speaker is connected to the jack and assumes a second condition when a speaker is not connected to the jack. A switch is coupled to the first voltage supply, to the second voltage supply, and to the audio amplifier. The switch operates in response to the first condition of the jack sense line to couple the first voltage supply to the audio amplifier and operates in response to the second condition of the jack sense line to couple the second voltage supply to the audio amplifier. 
   In another aspect, a personal computer system comprises an audio system, which audio system in turn comprises a voltage supply subsystem having a first output and a second output and a power amplifier subsystem having a first stage with a noninverting output and a second stage with an inverting output. A first speaker is coupled between the inverting output and the noninverting output, and a jack is provided for a second speaker. A mode switch is coupled to the voltage supply subsystem and to the power amplifier subsystem. A jack sense line is coupled between the jack and the mode switch to cause the audio system to operate in a single-ended mode when the second speaker is coupled to the jack and in a bridged mode when the second speaker is not coupled to the jack. In one embodiment, the second speaker may, in fact, be a pair of headphones. 
   The disclosure may also be perceived in an apparatus that comprises a personal computer chassis having a connector for speakers and a jack for headphones. An audio amplifier system including an audio amplifier is enclosed within the computer chassis. A jack sense indicator is coupled between the jack and the audio amplifier system and is operable to provide a first indication when headphones are connected to the jack and a second indication when headphones are not connected in the jack. The apparatus also includes dual-mode voltage supply comprising a first voltage source and a second voltage source. A switch is coupled to the dual-mode voltage supply and to the jack sense indicator for coupling the first voltage source to the audio amplifier when headphones are connected to the jack and for coupling the second voltage source to the audio amplifier when headphones are not connected to the jack. 
   The disclosure may be exploited as a method of providing power to an audio amplifier in a personal computer system. The method comprises providing a voltage supply system that includes a first voltage source and a second voltage source; detecting whether secondary speakers are connected to the personal computer; and coupling the first voltage source to the audio amplifier when secondary speakers are connected to the personal computer and coupling the second voltage source to the audio amplifier when secondary speakers are not connected to the personal computer. 
   In yet another aspect, a computer system comprises a dual-mode audio amplifier arrangement that selectively operates in either a single-ended mode or in a balanced mode. The audio amplifier arrangement comprises an audio amplifier having a first output terminal, a second output terminal and a voltage supply terminal. The single-ended mode, an audio output signal appears between the first output terminal and GND, and in the balanced mode, an audio output signal appears between the first output terminal and the second output terminal. The computer system also comprises a first voltage supply, a second voltage supply, and a mechanism for selectively coupling the first voltage supply to the voltage supply terminal in the single-ended mode and coupling the second voltage supply to the voltage supply terminal in the balanced mode. 
   In another manifestation of the disclosure, an audio amplifier system in a personal computer system comprises a first amplifier stage and a second amplifier stage, with each of the amplifier stages having, respectively, an input, an output, and a voltage supply connection. The amplifier system also comprises a first speaker connection and a second speaker connection, with a jack (for headphones or similar optional ancillary listening devices) coupled to the first speaker connection. A first voltage supply and a second voltage supply are coupled to a voltage supply node. The first voltage supply is designed to be coupled to, and derived from, an AC line. A first switch element is coupled to the jack-sense indicator and has a pole coupled to the output of the second amplifier stage and has a contact coupled to the second speaker connection. A second switch element has a pole connected to the voltage supply connection of the first amplifier stage, a first contact coupled to the voltage supply node, and a second contact coupled to the second voltage supply. The jack-sense indicator is coupled to the first switch element and to the second switch element and operates to determine the respective conditions of the switch elements in response to a determination whether speakers are connected to the jack. In a specific implementation of the embodiment summarized above, if the jack-sense indicator determines that speaker(s) are not connected to the jack, then the jack-sense indicator causes the pole of the first switch element to be connected to its contact so that the output of the second amplifier stage is coupled to the second speaker connection and causes the pole of the second switch element is connected to its first contact so that the first voltage supply is disconnected from the voltage supply connection of the first amplifier stage. Conversely, if the jack-sense indicator determines that speaker(s) are connected to the jack, then the jack-sense indicator causes the pole of the first switch element to be disconnected from its contact so that the output of the second amplifier stage is not coupled to the second speaker connection and causes the pole of the second switch element to be connected to its second contact so that the first voltage supply is not coupled to the voltage supply connection of the first amplifier stage and second voltage supply is connected to the voltage supply connection of the first amplifier stage. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present disclosure may be better understood, and it&#39;s numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a circuit diagram of a conventional amplifier system that operates in both the bridged and single-ended modes. The voltage supply depicted therein is one that has been more nearly optimized for the high-power output required in the bridged mode; and 
       FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram depicting an embodiment in which the voltage supply portion of the amplifier system is configured to enable more nearly optimal performance in both the bridged and the single-ended modes. 
     The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates identical items unless otherwise noted. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   For a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure, including a mode for carrying out the disclosure, reference is made to the following Detailed Description, including the appended Claims, in connection with the above-described Drawings. The Description is intended to be illustrative of the disclosure and is not to be construed in a manner that circumscribes the scope of protection properly attributed to the disclosure. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , depicted therein is one channel of a two-channel (i.e., stereo) audio amplifier arrangement for a PC that enables more nearly optimal operation in both the high-power bridged mode as well as in the low-power, single-ended mode. 
   In a manner similar to that of  FIG. 1 , the audio amplifier system of  FIG. 2  includes an audio amplifier  10  coupled through an input capacitor C 1  to an input signal. Audio amplifier  10  includes both an inverting amplifier  11  and a noninverting amplifier  12 . The input signal is coupled in parallel to both input  121  of noninverting amplifier  12  and to input  111  of inverting amplifier  11 . Output  122  of noninverting amplifier  12  is coupled to a first speaker output connection  21 . Output  112  of inverting amplifier  11  is coupled through a switch SW 1  to a second speaker output connection  22 . SW 1  includes a pole SW 11  and a contact SW 12 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the output of amplifier  11  is coupled to connection  22 , and therefore to speaker  20 , only when SW 1  is closed. For reasons that will be made apparent below, SW 1  is shown in  FIG. 2  to be open. As indicated above, SW 1  is driven by a jack-sense indicator  50  that operates to detect the insertion of headphones, or an equivalent (optional) listening device, into jack  40 . When jack-sense indicator  50  determines that headphones are connected to jack  40 , jack-sense indicator  50  will cause SW 1  to be driven open, and the signal path between amplifier  11  and speaker  20  is interrupted. Specifically, the connection between amplifier output  112  and speaker  20  is broken by SW 1  in response to the operation of jack-sense indictor  50 . Nevertheless, the connection from amplifier  10  to jack  40  is maintained in tact from output  122  of noninverting amplifier  12  through capacitor C 2 . 
   To the extent so far indicated, operation of audio amplifier system of  FIG. 2  is substantially identical to the related art embodied in  FIG. 1 . That is, amplifier  10  includes two outputs,  122  and  112 , that are normally connected in the bridged mode through respective connections  21  and  22  to a speaker  20 . In addition, noninverting output  122  is coupled through connection  21  and output coupling capacitor C 3  to headphone/line out jack  40 . The connection to output jack  40  is substantially permanent and permits single-ended operation of amplifier  10 . However, when headphones are deployed in jack  40 , bridged mode operation of amplifier  10  is terminated, or disabled, through the opening of SW 1  and consequent disconnection of output  112  from connection  22 . 
   A significant operational enhancement is achieved in the audio amplifier system of  FIG. 2 , however, largely by the inclusion of additional capabilities in voltage supply system  30 . As before, voltage supply system  30  is shown to include a voltage source V DD  that is derived from the AC power line. V DD  is coupled to a voltage supply node  13 , and is contaminated with an undesired noise voltage V N . However, the embodiment of  FIG. 2  includes an additional switch SW 2  that is coupled to, and driven by, jack-sense indicator  50  and includes a second voltage supply  60 . The arrangement depicted in  FIG. 2  enables voltage supply system  30  to operate as a dual-mode voltage supply in response to the operation mode of the audio amplifier. 
   SW 2  has a pole terminal SW 21  that is connected to voltage supply connection  123  of noninverting amplifier  12 . A first contact SW 22  of SW 2  is coupled to voltage supply node  13  and to V DD . A second contact SW 23  of SW 2  is coupled to an output of a low-current voltage regulator  60 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , regulator  60  is coupled to voltage supply node  13  and is derived from V DD . 
   As to operation, in the absence of headphones (or the like) at jack  40 , SW 1  is closed and SW 2  is caused to be in a condition so that pole SW 21  is contacted to first terminal SW 22 . If Operation in the absence of headphones is arbitrarily assumed to be the “normal,” mode of operation, then SW 2  May be assumed to be “normally” closed and, SW 22  may be considered the “normally closed” terminal of SW 2 . In this mode, V DD  is coupled to node  13 . Voltage supply node  13  is coupled directly to voltage supply connection  113  of inverting amplifier  11  and is coupled through SW 2  to voltage supply connection  123  of noninverting amplifier  12 . However, when headphones are inserted in jack  40 , jack sense indicator  50  causes pole SW 21  of SW 2  to be contacted with second terminal SW 23 . In this mode, the output of regulator  60 , rather then VDD, is coupled through SW 2  to voltage supply connection  123  of noninverting amplifier  12 . Accordingly, in the single-ended mode of operation, the voltage supply to amplifier  12  is provided by regulator  60  rather than by V DD . This arrangement allows the design of regulator  60  to be more nearly optimized to correspond to the requirements of single-ended operation. For example, regulator  60  may be conveniently designed by skilled practitioners to provide enhanced noise-immune performance in the manner appropriate for single-ended operation into headphones or the like. In addition, because the power required to be delivered to jack  40  is generally modest, regulator  60  may be designed for low-current operation, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. 
   Accordingly, although while particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes, modifications and equivalents as are within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the audio amplifier  10  is described to assume the form of a noninverting amplifier  12  and an inverting amplifier  11 , but other amplifier arrangements are contemplated by the disclosure. What is significant is that the amplifier has a configuration that selectively enables either balanced or bridged-mode operation. As is well known, such operation may be achieved through various design approaches, including differential amplifier configurations, or through the use of center-tapped output transformers. In addition, although the single-ended output to jack  40  is described for convenience to be taken from the noninverting amplifier, the single-ended output could easily be taken from the inverting amplifier. In the ramification, SW 1  would then be deployed in the path between output  122  of amplifier  12  and speaker connection  21 . 
   Furthermore, with respect to switches SW 1  and SW 2 , for purposes of generality these switches are depicted as distinct switch elements. Those skilled in the art recognize that SW 1  and SW 2  may be implemented in the form of a single switch, with two poles. The switch, or switch elements, may be implemented in accordance with a number of techniques, including integrated or discrete semiconductor devices, mechanical switches, or microelectromechanical systems. The MAX 4298/MAX 4299 integrated circuit device from Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, Calif., is an example of a commercially available product that incorporates an on-chip audio amplifier stage, a linear voltage regulator and logic-driven switches. However, the semiconductor switches on the MAX4298/4299 are used merely to mute the audio amplifier, and there is no suggestion, or opportunity, to reconfigure the switches incorporated therein so as to optimize voltage supply performance in response to the operating mode of the audio amplifier. Also, it is apparent that the description of the invention assumes “normal” operation to exist when headphones or the like are not connected to jack  40 . Of course, this assumption represents merely a convention adopted to facilitate a description of the disclosure and, as such, is reversible, and SW 1  and SW 2  may be reconnected concommitantly. 
   In addition, it may be advantageous that the invention be implemented as an integrated circuit device, so that amplifiers  11  and  12 , switches SW 1  and SW 2 , and voltage regulator  60  be fabricated as a monolithic analog integrated circuit. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited in this manner, and the system designer is free to partition these functions to one or more semiconductor devices as seen fit. 
   Finally, the disclosure has been described largely as a technique that accommodates either internal speakers or headphones; however, the disclosed concept is clearly extensible to any technique for the selection of voltage supplies in response to a users desire to avoid himself of one of a set of optional peripheral devices.