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."