Systems and methods for switching and mixing signals in a multi-channel amplifier

摘要

Systems and methods for scaling the number of output channels that can be provided in an audio amplification system. In one embodiment, a digital pulse width modulation (PWM) amplification system includes multiple four-channel PWM controller chips that are interconnected to enable synchronization and transfer of digital audio data from one chip to another. Input audio signals received by each of the channels are processed by sample rate converters to generate internal audio signals that have a predetermined sample rate and format. Each of the channels is synchronized so that the internal audio signal of each channel can be processed and output by any of the other channels. The PWM controller chips are connected by a high-speed interconnect that enables the transfer of data between them. Each input audio signal can be mapped to any of the outputs and can be mixed with other input signals.