With the launch of the SAF9xxx family, NXP Semiconductors significantly advanced automotive audio processing technology and added AI audio capabilities to automotive infotainment systems. With AI-based audio becoming more and more in demand for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), a new digital signal processing (DSP) solution for audio has been developed.
With the use of specialized neural-network engines and Cadence’s most recent generation of high-performance Tensilica HiFi 5 DSPs, the SAF9xxx automotive audio processing facilitates the effective implementation of next-generation, high-quality, self-learning speech and audio applications.
A software-defined radio option with up to five integrated tuners is also included with the SAF9xxx family automotive audio processing. This option in Automotive infotainment covers all major global broadcast radio use cases, such as DAB, HD-Radio, DRM, CDR, and AM/FM, and makes the device a true one-chip solution that supports audio and radio applications with ease of scalability.
Automotive infotainment systems’ audio performance is a key differentiator that gives automakers new methods to differentiate their mid-range and high-end models. A whole new range of functions are available thanks to the SAF9xxx’s machine learning and neural network integration capabilities.
By recognizing the vocal pitches and accents of the passengers, for instance, this may be used to identify and separate the driver from them. Machine learning algorithms have the ability to identify emergency vehicle sirens and utilize that knowledge to give drivers audiovisual alerts on the whereabouts and motion of an emergency vehicle.
John van den Braak, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Audio Systems at NXP, explains: “The NXP SAF9xxx DSP is a ready-made infotainment solution. Designed with AI/ML processing capability in mind, it provides more functionality, better performance, and more features to support the demanding audio and radio requirements of both current and future software-defined vehicles enhancing Automotive infotainment. And its scalable architecture makes it simpler and more affordable for OEMs to deploy in their vehicle design.”
The low-latency audio applications that the SAF9xxx series is geared for provide real-time active cancellations of tire, wind, engine, and road noise. Large, quick-access onboard memory and an extensive array of digital and analog I/Os that enable demanding audio features go hand in hand with gigahertz-DSP performance.
Fast and direct connections to the car network are supported via gigabit-ethernet. A vast ecosystem of audio IP partners is prepared to launch new audio innovations on SAF9xxx, offering a wide variety of audio software and algorithms.
SAF9xxx availability and enablement The SAF9xxx family is set to debut at the Audio Engineering Society 5th International Conference on Automotive Audio on June 26-28, 2024.
Further Info on the SAF9xxx family can be found on NXP’s website, including the software-defined radio option: CLICK HERE and the audio DSP solution: CLICK HERE
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