Audi's car audio systems powered by NXP's HD radio chips

Audi has selected NXP's SAF3560 HD Radio ICs to power HD radio in its 2011 car models.
NXP Semiconductor has developed SAF3560 in partnership with digital HD radio expert iBiquity. The SAF3560 is a software programmable device making it easy for audio developers to allow their audio system to switch between standards. SAF3560 supports NXP's DRM, DAB, DAB+, T-DMB software programmable platforms

Audio system by Audi based on this chip allow its users to access more than 1,800 AM/FM stations and 900 multicast channels currently on the FM dial. This music system also displays FM station list, song and artist information.

"With an ever-increasing number of music lovers worldwide listening to digital radio each day, we wanted to extend the best in audio entertainment out of the home and into the car," said Dr. Riclef Schmidt-Clausen, radio / multimedia development manager, Audi. "We're excited to work with NXP to introduce HD radio technology as standard on a range of our vehicles, and to ensure our customers can enjoy an improved in-car audio entertainment experience while on the move."

"The automotive industry is becoming increasingly competitive in the area of audio entertainment. Consumers are also demanding technologies which promise the highest infotainment value at maximum convenience. NXP is committed to help auto makers stay innovative by offering intelligent solutions like the SAF3560, which offers excellent sound quality in car radio reception," said Peter Geiselhart, senior vice president and general manager, car entertainment solutions, NXP Semiconductors. "We're helping our customers dramatically improve music, audio, text and data features of digital HD Radio technology by offering solutions which are highly integrated, flexible and scalable."