AKM and Dirac collaborate to enhance in-car audio with integrated DSP solutions

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) and Dirac announced a partnership to integrate Dirac’s AudioIQ software-defined smart acoustics solutions into AKM’s automotive audio digital signal processors (DSPs), including the AK7709 model. The collaboration aims to reduce tuning time and improve sound quality in vehicle interiors by embedding Dirac’s algorithms into AKM’s DSPs, targeting automotive amplifier systems.

The integration enables automated tuning to address complex cabin acoustics and speaker placements, supporting applications like AKM’s Dynamic Sound Control, which adjusts music balance based on road and driving conditions, and Karaoke Mode, which uses low-latency echo cancellation and howling suppression for in-cabin entertainment. Dirac’s AudioIQ platform combines measurement-based tuning with signal processing to ensure consistent sound across all seats, minimizing manual calibration and supporting various system complexities to reduce time-to-market.
AKM has shipped over 200 million audio DSPs in the past 20 years, primarily for vehicle infotainment and audio solutions. A 2023 AKM survey highlighted increased passenger focus on in-cabin experiences as driverless vehicles gain traction, driving ...