Modular software definable pre-amplifier

Modular and software definable pre-amplifier apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which includes modem means, allowing Internet access so the user to download upgrade firmware or software for implementing new audio protocols and or configuring the programmable logic hardware and or signal processing algorithms allowing the programmable logic and processing elements in the apparatus to be reconfigured to implement the new algorithms and or hardware configurations, the new firmware and software being stored in non-volatile memory under the control of the host processor and controller circuitry, the Internet access also allows the user to download audio information, such as MP3 data, which can then be processed and optionally stored by the apparatus before being output to other apparatus, such as a power amplifier and or headset.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which has the facilities to allow removable memory means, such as a PC TYPE 1/2/3 card or memory stick© to be inserted into the apparatus and removed from the apparatus, previously stored data being read from the removable memory means and processed by the apparatus before being output, alternatively processed music data and or digitised audio signals, formatted in the selected format, can be stored in non-volatile memory in the removable memory card allowing the user to play the recorded data on another apparatus which has the facilities to access the data stored on the removable memory card means.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the software and or firmware definable devices are full custom VLSI devices and or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) which implement any combination of programmable logic, fixed standard cell logic, mixed signal circuitry and processor cores.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the input circuitry and or output circuitry is based on programmable logic devices, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), allowing the interfaces to be reconfigured to implement the desired interface protocol or format.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the apparatus can be configured for simultaneous use by more than one user where signal data from one or more signal sources can be processed and output to one or more output circuits.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which an external modem means is employed to access the Internet.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which uses feedback signals from remote microphone means to allow the signal processing means to adapt in real time the sound of the played music to the desired acoustical settings.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which incorporates Analogue to Digital converter (ADC) means to allow analogue input signals to be first converted to digital signals so they can be processed in the digital domain, the sampling frequency of the Analogue to Digital Converter(s) (ADCs) being sufficient to accurately represent the signal in the digital domain.

Apparatus as claimed in any proceeding claim in which the input signal to the apparatus from source means and or the output signals from the apparatus to signal sink means is by wireless communication means.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processing blocks are programmed and or configured to implement reverberation and echo effects.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processing blocks are programmed and or configured to emulate the acoustic characteristics of a valve amplifier and alter the output signals so they sound as if they were produced by a valve amplifier.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a personal computer (PC) can be connected to allow control of the apparatus, reconfigure the apparatus, diagnose the apparatus and or download or upload music data, which can be processed or stored in internal memory form future use.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the remote control means can be used to control the peripheral signal source apparatus, such as a compact disc player via the pre-amplifier apparatus.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which digital switching means are employed to route and transfer data from different sub-blocks, card modules and or devices in the apparatus.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which digital data for transfer via switching means is encapsulated as a variable length data packet or same length cell.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which incorporates an integrated read and optionally write-able compact disc transport and associated control circuitry to allow stored digitised audio data to be read and or written to a compact disc (CD) media.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which incorporates an integrated read and optionally write-able Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) transport and associated control circuitry to allow stored digitised audio data to be read and or written to a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) media.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where peripheral units are situated remotely from the pre-amplifier apparatus in which control and data messages are transferred by wireless means allowing movement of the said remote peripheral units to different locations within the user's house without the need to re-wire the apparatus.

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the apparatus can be programmed to record data using “non-volatile” memory means at a predefined time from a peripheral device so it can be retrieved, processed and listened to at a later time.

A modular, software definable pre-amplifier apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the accompanying drawings.