A widely used in-vehicle network standard expands capabilities, hinting at more complex audio systems without adding significant architectural overhead.
Analog Devices has announced the production release of its A²B 2.0 (Automotive Audio Bus) technology, marking the next phase of its in-vehicle audio connectivity platform. Built on over a decade of adoption across more than 35 automotive manufacturers, the updated solution is designed to support modern vehicle network requirements while maintaining the deterministic performance and architectural simplicity of earlier versions.
The technology has been widely used in automotive applications requiring predictable low latency, such as road-noise cancellation and in-car communication systems. Its daisy-chain architecture, consisting of a single main node and multiple sub-nodes, reduces wiring complexity and associated costs while minimizing software overhead. This approach has enabled faster development cycles and efficient system integration for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
The transition to software-defined vehicles is placing new demands on in-cabin systems, where features are increasingly delivered and updated through software. This shift requires connectivity solutions that can integrate with broader vehicle networks while supporting higher data throughput and maintaining synchronization across systems.
A²B 2.0 addresses these requirements with a fourfold increase in bandwidth, reaching up to 98.3 Mbps in full duplex mode. It supports up to 119 upstream and 119 downstream audio channels, enabling more complex and scalable audio system designs. The platform also introduces Ethernet data tunneling through the Open Alliance SPI interface, allowing integration with modern in-vehicle network architectures.
Despite these enhancements, the system retains its low and deterministic latency, with figures as low as 62 microseconds. Compatibility with existing A²B 1.0 cabling and connectors provides a straightforward upgrade path, while increased functional integration helps reduce external components and overall system costs.
“Audio is central to how drivers perceive refinement, safety, and responsiveness inside the vehicle, especially as cabins become more software-defined,” says Yasmine King, Corporate Vice President, Head of Automotive Business Unit, low latency and Ethernet tunneling without adding architectural complexity.”
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