Course details
Audio Electronics
BPC-AUD FEKT BPC-AUD Acad. year 2025/2026 Summer semester 5 credits
Students become familiar with fundamentals of analog and digital low-frequency and audio signal, then with functionality and design of the pre-amplifiers, correction amplifiers, power amplifiers and filters. The course continues by explanation of sampling, quantization and coding in the area of audio with principles of the audio compression. Emphasis is put on explanation of principles of source coding, error corrections and methods for suppression of the signal degradation with record and playback. Students acquire knowledge of the methods for record and playback in the systems without and with reduction of the bit rate of the audio.
Guarantor
Language of instruction
Completion
Time span
- 26 hrs lectures
- 26 hrs laboratories
Department
Learning objectives
Lectures are aimed at presenting the methods and technical means for processing, transmission and archive of the sound and audio signals in the area of digital low-frequency technique and audio electronics.
The graduate is able to:
- explain principles of analog and digital low-frequency and audio signal transmission
- describe sources and sinks of low-frequency and audio signal
- design appropriate pre-amplifier, correction amplifier, power amplifier of audio filter
- explain principles of sampling, quantization and coding of the sound and audio signals
- explain principles of bit rate compression of the digital sound and audio signals
- characterize system for the record and playback without and with audio compression
- measure parameters of analog and digital audio system or amplifier
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students registering for the course should be able to explain the basic principles of analog and digital signal processing and function of the basic semiconductor units and amplifiers of the signal. Generally, the knowledge of the Bachelor's degree level is required. Work in the laboratory is subject to a valid qualification of "instructed person", which students must obtain before starting classes. Information on this qualification can be found in the Dean's Directive Acquainting Students with Safety Regulations.
Study literature
- TALBOT-SMITH, M. Audio Engineer's Reference Book, Second Edition. Focal press, 1999. ISBN 978-0240516851.
Fundamental literature
- POHLMAN, K. C. Principles of Digital Audio (Sixth Edition). McGraw-Hill, 2010. ISBN 978-0071663465.
- METZLER, B. Audio Measurement Handbook. Audio Presision, Inc., 1993. Audio Precision document number 0058.0003 r1.
Study supports
E-learning BUT, course BPC-AUD: https://moodle.vut.cz/course/view.php?id=268602
Web BUT, course BPC-AUD: https://www.vut.cz/studenti/predmety/detail/268602
Syllabus of lectures
1. Low-frequency signals, transmission and recording, processing and reproduction of audio.
2. Principles of electroacoustics and electroacoustic transducers - microphones and loudspeakers.
3. Classes and properties of amplifiers for low-frequency electronics (A, AB, B, D, T).
4. Preamplifiers for audio, input switching, physiological volume control.
5. Correction amplifiers and multi-band filters, depth and height correction, equalizers.
6. Final and power amplifiers, digital amplifiers with PWM modulation and ZV.
7. Digital processing of low-frequency signals, A/D with D/A converters, DSP.
8. Digital recording without data flow reduction (PCM, CD-Audio, SACD, DVD-Audio).
9. Digital recording with data flow reduction (MiniDisc, MPEG, Dolby Digital, DTS).
10. The principle of audio signal compression (MP3, ACC, WMA, OGG, ATRAC and others).
11. Standards for DAB/DMB digital radio broadcasting.
Syllabus of laboratory exercises
1. Input audio amplifier with adjustable sensitivity and RIAA correction.
2. Depth and height correction amplifier with physiological correction.
3. Digital power amplifier in class T with PWM.
4. Stereophonic active crossover for satellites and subwoofer with adjustable frequency.
5. The principle of a digital power amplifier in class D and PWM modulation.
6. Digital multi-band equalizer and limiter for audio signal controlled by PC.
7. A/D and D/A conversion of a low-frequency signal with optional conversion parameters.
8. Measuring the D/A converter of a CD player with an Audio Precision audio analyzer.
Progress assessment
During the semester, students can obtain up to 30 points for their active work in laboratory. The final exam is awarded by up to 70 points.
The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course annually.
Course inclusion in study plans
- Programme BIT, 2nd year of study, Elective
- Programme BIT (in English), 2nd year of study, Elective