Dirac has announced a collaboration with Analog Devices which combines the Swedish digital audio pioneer's new digital solution for entry-level audio systems with the American giant's automotive processors.
"For over 15 years Dirac has been a pioneer in the automotive audio space, working with numerous luxury and premium brands, including a deep partnership with Volvo, to design and integrate Dirac's digital solutions into their vehicle audio systems to create bespoke sound and perfect experiences," said Lars Carlsson, Head of Business Development, Automotive, at Dirac. "Now, through new innovations and product developments, we are actively expanding to cover the entire automotive industry, a process that will be greatly accelerated through our collaboration with ADI."
With Dirac's digital solution, ADI's automotive customers will be able to achieve optimised acoustic performance and an immersive sound experience more easily, quickly, cost-effectively and consistently through their entry-level audio systems, typically the basic systems supplied in cars, with up to 9 speakers.
Says Carlsson: "ADI is one of the most sought-after manufacturers in the semiconductor industry for the automotive market and through this collaboration we will be able to provide the entire industry with a complete solution.
Combining Dirac and Analog Devices technologies
Dirac's newest solution for entry-level systems is launched in March 2021; it is based on an all-in-one intelligent audio platform consisting of a measurement system, tuning tools, sound optimisation algorithms and hardware interface platform. The intelligent audio platform features a semi-automatic tuning system based on scientific measurements, which optimises performance and delivers distinctive sound in a highly efficient, consistent and predictable manner.
The platform also includes patented digital sound optimisation and spatialisation technologies, which vary depending on the level of the speaker system. For input systems, available technologies include measurement-based magnitude response correction, patented virtual bass and virtual centre, to address common acoustic challenges such as negative cockpit impact, unbalanced soundstage and lack of immersion.
"Our line of SHARC processors offer extremely low latency and determinism to meet the needs of a rapidly growing assortment of audio applications, including active noise cancellation and in-car communications. The SHARC portfolio is a perfect fit for entry-level and premium audio systems and, when combined with the Dirac solution, elevates automotive audio to new levels," said Andrew Lanfear, director of automotive audio processor product line at Analog Devices.
The recently released ADSP-2156x family of SHARC automotive processors is available in a range of clock speeds from 400 MHz to 1 GHz, offering performance scalability in a wide range of audio applications, including sound synthesis and noise cancellation. With up to 1.6 MB of on-chip SRAM, advanced FIR/IIR hardware accelerators and an innovative digital audio interface, the ADSP-2156x processors are designed specifically for real-time audio processing applications.
Dirac's entry-level solution will be made available for ADI hardware integration and will leverage Analog Devices' global network of automotive customers.
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