NXP Semiconductors is responding to the trend of simplifying infotainment systems by releasing a vehicle processor that integrates analog radio reception and AI/ML-based audio processing into a single chip. Previously, radio and audio functions had to be implemented as separate components, but the SAF9800 combines them into a single chip to reduce system complexity and supports function configuration and upgrades through software, which is interpreted as a product targeting the demand of the automotive industry pushing for the transition to SDV.

NXP Semiconductors officially announced the SAF9800 automotive audio and radio processor on the 22nd.

This product integrates AM and FM analog radio reception and AI and ML-based audio processing into a single general-purpose chip, and supply began in May of this year.

Development support tools and software support tools for design acceleration are provided to the client company.

John van den Braak, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infotainment and Audio Systems at NXP Semiconductors, stated, “The automotive industry is transitioning from distributed, hardware-centric infotainment systems to integrated software-defined architectures. The SAF9800 combines long-lifecycle infotainment core elements, such as broadcast radio and digital audio, with AI and ML-based audio capabilities, enabling automakers to streamline development and scale platforms to meet changing market demands.”

NXP explained that the SAF9800 is equipped with a HiFi 5 audio DSP, neural network processing capabilities, and NXP's hardware-based biquad accelerator, providing more than 10 times the audio processing performance compared to the previous generation.

Through AI-based sound source separation technology, voice commands, mechanical malfunctions, and emergency sirens are separated from background noise, and real-time noise reduction, voice and sound classification, and the implementation of an adaptive listening environment are processed using data-driven algorithms.

It also addresses the issue of AM frequency band signal interference resulting from the expansion of electric vehicle adoption.

The SAF9800 is equipped with NXP’s AM noise cancellation technology, EVAM-lite, which suppresses electromagnetic interference generated in the electric vehicle powertrain.

In the United States, as legislation guaranteeing access to in-vehicle broadcast radio is currently being pursued, there is a growing demand for solutions capable of flexibly responding to changes in the AM radio regulatory environment.

NXP stated that the SAF9800 supports the expansion of functionality across global vehicle platforms by allowing radio and audio functions to be configured and upgraded via software without hardware changes.