Components New Audio and Radio Processor from NXP Simplifies Infotainment Architectures

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SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

Semiconductor manufacturer NXP has developed the SAF9800, a new audio and radio processor that simplifies infotainment architectures. The single-chip solution combines analog radio reception with AI/ML-based audio processing and is designed for the requirements of future vehicle platforms.

Thanks to the new approach of the SAF9800, functions that previously required several separate radio and audio components can now be combined into a single scalable module. For intelligent audio processing, the module also relies on AI-powered technologies for acoustic source separation. This involves analyzing data from various microphones inside the vehicle to isolate important acoustic signals, such as voice commands, mechanical warning signals, or sirens from emergency vehicles, from distracting background noise. Traditional filtering methods often reach their limits in acoustically complex environments like the vehicle interior. Machine learning is the key here to dynamically and in real-time extract relevant audio signals.

Data-driven Algorithms instead of Static Signal Processing

The SAF9800 combines a HiFi-5 audio DSP with integrated neural network processing capabilities and NXP's hardware-based biquad accelerator. This provides the solution with more than ten times the audio processing performance compared to previous generations. It enables advanced audio functions such as real-time noise cancellation, classification of speech and other sounds, and a smarter in-vehicle audio experience. The foundation for this is data-driven algorithms instead of traditional static signal processing.

For Software-Defined Architectures

The solution was developed for software-defined architectures and enables a flexible, software-based expansion of functionality. This allows radio and audio functions to be configured, updated, and customized without needing to change the hardware.

Automakers are facing changed conditions: regulatory developments, shifting consumer expectations, and technical challenges related to in-vehicle radio reception are increasingly shaping the market. For instance, a proposed law in the US aims to secure the long-term reception of broadcast programs in vehicles, including AM radio. At the same time, the increasing electrification introduces new challenges from signal interference and intensifies the discussion about the role and use of analog radio in new vehicles.

With the SAF9800, NXP integrates radio and audio processing into a single scalable single-chip solution, complemented by comprehensive support offerings. The reduced system complexity and simplified integration provide automakers with the flexibility to adapt their platforms to new global requirements. Additionally, the SAF9800 product family features the new AM noise reduction technology EVAM-lite, which reduces signal interference in the AM frequency band, particularly caused by electric vehicles.