Digital signal processors are creating a personalised and immersive driving experience
As we enter an era of software-defined vehicles, engineers are exploring ideas of how to create an individualised experience for drivers.
The transformation from hardware-defined vehicles to software-defined ones was addressed at Automotive Europe 2024, with manufacturer NXP Semiconductors’ senior vice president of automotive systems and marketing Sebastian Clamagirand emphasising personalisation and dynamicity of vehicle software as two of the necessary key factors.
These factors can be achieved by embracing customisable features and fresh technology.
NXP Semiconductors appears to be doing just that. The Dutch manufacturer has introduced Cadence Tensilica HiFi 5 Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) that offer advanced audio capabilities to software-defined vehicles.
Taking real-world auditory noises and mathematically manipulating them, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) HiFi 5 DSP applications provide rich and immersive audio, fulfilling the growing need for sophisticated audio processing in mid-tier and high-end vehicles.
“Next-generation automotive infotainment demands a step-function upgrade that can only be effectively delivered by AI/ML-based algorithms,” said John van den Braak, the senior vice president and general manager for audio systems at NXP. “We are excited to have integrated two Tensilica HiFi 5 DSPs with attached neural network engines to meet the demands of efficiently running such future data-driven algorithms.
The DSPs will be integrated into the manufacturer’s SAF9xxx series. “The numerous sets of HiFi 5 DSP-optimized software packages available from Cadence’s large ecosystem of partners helps us address the rapidly shrinking automotive development cycles,” said van den Braak.
The DSPs will combine AI and ML processing with traditional digital signal processing while maintaining high performance levels and allowing multiple applications to run at the same time. They will feature a low power profile and thus are well-suited to automotive head units that lack the space for large heat sinks.
“Harnessing the performance of two AI/ML-capable, high-performing HiFi 5 DSP cores in the SAF9xxx enables NXP’s customers to offer AI-rich algorithms to deliver innovative safety and infotainment features and enthral even the most demanding consumer of tomorrow with vastly more immersive in-cabin experiences,” said Larry Przywara, the senior product marketing group director in the Compute Solutions Group at Cadence.
The DSPs an be used in safety-critical cases thanks to its functional safety certification.
“The Cadence Tensilica HiFi DSP family enjoys wide adoption and established leadership in the automotive infotainment market,” said Przywara. “We are pleased that our close collaboration with NXP over the years has brought high-quality audio to millions of vehicles today in well-recognized brands.”
