Date: 2nd Aug 2011
Audi cars use National's FPD serdes chips
to stream secured HD content in the vehicle
Audi is employing National Semiconductor's analog integrated
circuits (ICs) and subsystems for Modular Infotainment Device
technology for Audi's new cars. National analog ICs are
used to channel the content-protected high-definition (HD)
video throughout the vehicle, creating a movie theater-like
experience for passengers.
National says its FPD-Link solution for car infotainment
is already in use across the Audi vehicle lineup - the fruits
of this agreement will first be seen with start of production
of the 2012 Audi A3 model, expanding in subsequent years
to include additional Audi vehicles and models.
Audi has selected the National FPD-Link III Ser/Des automotive
infotainment chipset. It allows uncompressed HD video from
the Audi MMI's central processing unit to be distributed
to the high-resolution displays spread throughout the front
and rear of the vehicle. By enabling a truly protected digital
signal, the content (for instance, a Blu-ray movie or three-dimensional
map data) may not be hacked or infiltrated, claims National.
National says its FPD-Link III Ser/Des chipset leverages
the company's expertise in high-speed analog and mixed-signal
technology, transporting HD digital video, audio, clocking
and encrypted key exchange for content protection over a
single twisted pair cable. FPD-Link III technology is one
of a selected few to be accepted by the Digital Content
Protection (DCP, LLC), the licensing body for High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection (HDCP) as an approved HDCP technology,
according to National.
"Speed and integrity of electronic signals are paramount
for automotive infotainment applications, and our high-performance
analog innovations make us an ideal partner for Audi. We
look forward to working together to apply technology and
innovation to enhance its next-generation vehicles,"
said Robert Hinke, Vice President and General Manager, Europe
for National Semiconductor.
Dr. Peter Steiner, Head of Infotainment at Audi, added:
"Through this partnership we will continue to engineer
cost-optimized solutions with the goal of offering Premium
HD digital video across the Audi vehicle range. National's
system integration expertise and flexibility in supporting
interface solutions compatible with the industry-leading
graphics processors of the Audi MMI are both invaluable
in achieving this goal."
|