Audio Precision enables Automotive Audio Bus test

Dec. 15, 2017

2 min read

Beaverton, OR. Audio Precision today announced support, in collaboration with Mentor, a Siemens business, for multichannel audio performance testing of A²B systems and components. A²B (Automotive Audio Bus) is the digital audio bus technology developed by Analog Devices Inc. to deliver high-quality audio over an unshielded, twisted-pair wire. By distributing audio and control data together with clock and power over a single wire, A²B significantly reduces the weight of existing cable harnesses (by upwards of 75% in key applications), resulting in improved vehicle fuel efficiency.

From simulation and bench testing in early-stage development, to validation and production testing, having a closed-loop system to measure audio and dynamic signal performance over an A²B network is an integral part of incorporating the bus technology into next-generation automotive systems. By combining the capabilities of Audio Precision’s APx500 audio analyzers and software, and Mentor’s A²B Analyzer System and software, developers can easily create a complete, closed-loop multichannel A2B audio test system.

Within this test system, the Mentor analyzer platform provides straightforward A²B network configuration and simulation, as well as flexible routing, and high-fidelity audio. The APx audio analyzer delivers comprehensive, multichannel audio measurement analysis and offers a wide range of interface options, including analog, Bluetooth, digital serial (TDM), and PDM. Working as a complete system, these tools eliminate the effort required to develop, and support, in-house, custom test solutions.

“Audio technology—whether for hands-free calling, active noise cancelling, or passenger entertainment—is an integral part of the automobile’s continued evolution as a technology platform,” stated Dave Schmoldt, Audio Precision CEO. “We’re thrilled to support automotive developers as they seek to evaluate, and incorporate, A²B into the design of their vehicles, sub-systems, and components.”

Mentor is a long-established automotive systems supplier, engaged with nearly every leading OEM and Tier 1 supplier, and providing design tools and embedded software in the areas of connectivity, electrification, autonomous drive, and vehicle architecture. For additional information regarding the Mentor Automotive A2B Analyzer System, visit https://www.mentor.com/embedded-software/xse-automotive/a2b/.

Audio Precision (AP) is the recognized standard in audio test. Since 1984, AP has offered high-performance audio analyzer instruments and applications to help engineers worldwide design and manufacture consumer, professional, and industrial audio products. For more information, visit http://www.ap.com/.

See related article “Audio Precision collaborates with Mentor Automotive.”