NEC introduces SoC for Car Audio Systems

NEC Electronics today announced the sampling of a new system-on-a-chip (SoC) for car audio systems, the µPD35502. The new µPD35502 SoC increases the processing of music data to realize playback of multiple songs, multiple sources, and multiple destinations, allowing the flexibility to play different songs in the front and rear seat. To speed system development, a complete software package, including compressed audio decoding software (codecs) for standards such as MP3, WMA and AAC, as well as other necessary system software, will be offered in production-ready form. This device also has the further advantage of enabling field upgrades of key system characteristics, such as adding new human machine interface (HMI) features, new versions of existing audio codecs, and adding completely new codecs as they become popular in the market.

The device includes built-in USB and SD card interfaces to enable playback of music data via portable music players, USB memory devices and SD cards. Also included are several channels of I2S serial communication for inter-chip transfer of music data. An option for supporting Bluetooth® wireless technology makes it easy to build systems with hands-free calling and wireless music-transfer functionality. Multi-source decoding will enable the development of systems where drivers, and front and rear seat passengers can each enjoy different music at the same time.

“The goal for this device is to provide advanced hardware and matching software to support a rich automotive infotainment and connectivity experience,” said Hiroaki Kaneko, general manager of the Automotive Systems Division, NEC Electronics Corporation.
A complete software package can eliminate time and resources for developing car audio systems, and the ability for field upgrades means that the system will satisfy the end user’s ever-changing and ever-expanding expectations,” said Jim Trent, vice president and general manager of the Multipurpose Microcontroller and Automotive Group, NEC Electronics America, Inc.