Audi Drives Forward In-car Entertainment with NXP HD Radio Technology

(Product News, 30 Nov 2009)

NXP Semiconductors announced that Audi of America will offer HD Radio, powered by NXP’s leading SAF3560 single chip solution, as standard on a range of 2011 Audi models. With the new NXP technology-based Harman Becker HD Radio, drivers and passengers of Audi models available from late 2010 will be able to experience digital broadcast with unprecedented high-quality sound.
The radio technology will provide Audi customers with access to more than 1,800 AM/FM stations and 900 multicast channels currently on the FM dial for a great audio experience. In addition to a broader choice of radio stations and dramatically improved audio quality, passengers will be able to access enhanced features including an FM station list and detailed song and artist information.
The SAF3560 provides Audi with a single flexible solution that enables a simple upgrade path from NXP's AM/FM analog radio technology, while supporting the latest HD radio features. NXP Semiconductors and iBiquity Digital Corporation launched the SAF3560 in August 2008 as the first multi-standard radio integrated circuit (IC) dedicated to digital in- car reception to reduce development costs and complexity for car manufacturers.