Transformation of the Acoustic Amplifier into a Modular Structure

The modular concept of device construction is most often based on the results of economic analyses. It allows lowering both manufacturing and design costs. It also improves their operating characteristics, in particular their repairability. It also happens that the modular structure of a consumer product is used to strengthen its market position. The authors of the article faced such a situation. The management of a company producing audiophile equipment decided to offer its potential customers an acoustic amplifier in which the user would be able to replace the preamplifiers himself, depending on the requirements related to the input signal. This type of modularity is known as "component swapping." Before commencing the development of the structure, detailed analyses of the benefits and potential risks related to the individual stages of the product's life cycle were carried out: design, production and operation. On this basis, the "Divaldi" company, the manufacturer of the equipment, developed assumptions regarding the designed amplifier. In particular, it was considered that the modular system would be built by modifying the existing, successful design of the INT-02 amplifier. The modification will enable easy replacement of the two preamplifier sections. Users will have a choice of classic preamplifiers: line and phono, as well as modules integrated with an analogue-to-digital converter and a module with a Bluetooth receiver. A low-volume production was assumed from previously manufactured and stored components: the base and typical preamplifier sections. As for the exploitation stage, the possibility of self-replacement of modules by the user has been adopted. Based on these assumptions, the concept of an amplifier with two identical pockets was proposed, enabling the simultaneous installation and use of two preamplifier sect ions. Detailed requirements for interfaces between the modules and the base unit were formulated: mechanical and electrical. A review of the available types of signal connectors led to the selection of the PCIe connector as the one that best meets the technical and economic criteria. From the mechanical side, it was proposed to use sliding guides, guaranteeing proper positioning of the modules in the pockets of the base. After selecting and approving the solutions, constructions of the mechanical components of the system were developed, creating a new standard: frame, module pockets and preamplifier module. The successful implementation of the amplifier's modularity became the basis for formulating proposals for further modifications of the design to meet the growing requirements of users who expect more and more possibilities to adapt the structure and interfaces of devices to their own needs. Keywords: modularity, acoustic amplifier, customization