System and methods for aligning capture and playback clocks in a wireless digital audio distribution system
A wireless digital audio distribution system includes a transmitter that performs parallel acquisition of audio data from plural audio data channels. The acquired data is stored to a first buffer during intervals defined by a first clock unit. A radio transmitter provides for the packetization of the parallel collected data and the inclusion of a timing marker in a predetermined packet of data transmitted during an interval. A receiver unit delivers audio output data corresponding to one of the audio data channels. The receiver unit includes a radio receiver for receiving packetized data and storing second parallel collected data to said second buffer. A demultiplexer is coupled to the second buffer to select the audio output data corresponding to the selected one of the plural audio data channels, whereby the audio output data is available for the selective reproduction of the chosen audio data channel.
1 . A wireless digital audio distribution system comprising:
a) a transmitter unit providing for the parallel acquisition of audio data from a plurality of audio data channels, said transmitter unit including a first buffer providing for the storage of data collected over a predetermined interval, a multiplexer providing for the parallel collection of data from a plurality of data channels, said multiplexer providing first parallel collected data to said first buffer, a first clock unit providing a clock signal defining said predetermined interval, and a radio transmitter providing for the packetization of said parallel collected data, said radio transmitter including a timing marker in a predetermined packet of data transmitted during said predetermined interval; and
b) a receiver unit providing for the delivery of audio output data corresponding to a predetermined one of said plurality of audio data channels, said receiver unit including a radio receiver for receiving said predetermined packet of data, a second buffer coupled to said radio receiver, said radio receiver providing second parallel collected data to said second buffer, a demultiplexer coupled to said second buffer to select said audio output data corresponding to said predetermined one of said plurality of audio data channels from said second parallel collected data, whereby said audio output data is provided for the selective reproduction of the audio content corresponding to said predetermined one of said plurality of audio data channels.
2 . The wireless digital audio distribution system of claim 1 wherein said radio receiver includes a timer unit responsive to receipt of said timing marker and wherein said timer unit controls the sequential transfer of said audio output data from said second buffer through said demuiltiplexer.
3 . The wireless digital audio distribution system of claim 2 wherein receipt of said timing marker synchronizes an audio data output interval within which said demultiplexer transfers said audio output data with said predetermined interval.
4 . The wireless digital audio distribution system of claim 3 wherein said radio transmitter provides for the redundant retransmission of said predetermined packet of data during said predetermined interval.
5 . The wireless digital audio distribution system of claim 4 wherein said radio receiver receives multiple copies of said predetermined packet and wherein said radio receiver selects a predetermine one said multiple copies for use in providing said second parallel collected data to said second buffer.
6 . The wireless digital audio distribution system of claim 5 further comprising:
a) a first error correction unit coupled to said radio transmitter, said first error correction unit providing for the inclusion of error correction data in said predetermine packet of data; and
b) a second error correction unit coupled to said radio receiver, said second error correction unit enabling selection of said predetermined one said multiple copies.