Systems and methods for controlling audio volume in the processor of a high definition audio codec

A method for controlling audio volume in a High Definition Audio (HDA) codec incorporating a programmable processor, the method comprising:

• receiving one or more digital audio signals;
• receiving one or more audio volume control verbs and associated audio volume levels;
• and
• generating one or more pulse width modulated (PWM) output signals based on the received digital audio signals and the audio volume levels;
• and
• adjusting deadtimes associated with at least one of the one or more PWM output signals based on the audio volume levels.

A High Definition Audio (HDA) system comprising:

• an HDA controller;
• an HDA bus coupled to the HDA controller;
• and
• an HDA codec coupled to the HDA bus, wherein the codec includes a programmable processor within the codec that is configured to function as a Class-D pulse width modulated (PMW) controller and to thereby generate PWM output signals, wherein the programmable processor is further configured to adjust the PWM output signals responsive to HDA audio volume control verbs received by the codec via the HDA bus;
• wherein the programmable processor of the HDA codec is configured to adjust deadtimes associated with the PWM output signals in dependence on audio volume levels specified by the audio volume control verbs received by the codec via the HDA bus.