A feedback control system for real-time formant estimation. I. Static and dynamic analysis for sinusoidal input signals

A scheme suitable for the real-time estimation of formant frequencies is presented. Formant tracking is based on a feedback technique which uses both the amplitude and phase characteristics of two stagger-tuned bandpass filters to give an improved dynamic behavior. The implementation of the system requires a small number of components, and is practical for low-power applications. An analysis of the static and dynamic behavior is given for sinusoidal input signals. The transient response is independent of the amplitude level of the input signal. The system is designed for second formant detection in a cochlear prosthesis system.