One chip combines radio, AI audio, and sound processing, replacing multiple components and enabling software updates in car infotainment systems.
NXP Semiconductors has introduced the SAF9800, an automotive audio and radio processor that combines analog radio (AM/FM), AI/ML-enabled audio processing, and audio functions into a single chip. The processor is designed to simplify infotainment system architectures, reduce component count, and allow automakers to scale features across different vehicle platforms through software.
The chip integrates analog radio reception and audio processing, replacing multiple radio and audio components with a single device. This reduces system complexity and supports software-defined vehicle architectures, allowing manufacturers to configure, upgrade, and differentiate radio and audio features through software instead of hardware changes.
The SAF9800 includes a HiFi 5 audio DSP with integrated neural-network processing and NXP’s hardware-based biquad accelerators. According to the company, it delivers more than 10 times the audio processing performance of previous generations. The added processing power supports real-time noise reduction, voice and sound classification, adaptive in-cabin listening, and audio sensing using machine learning instead of signal-processing techniques.
The processor also supports AI-based acoustic source separation, which isolates sounds such as voice commands, mechanical faults, and emergency sirens from cabin noise. NXP says machine learning improves audio extraction in vehicle environments where conventional filtering techniques are less effective.
The processor is also designed to address changing automotive radio requirements. Broadcast radio policies, including proposed U.S. legislation supporting in-vehicle AM radio, and signal interference from electric vehicles have increased demand for radio solutions. The chip includes NXP’s EVAM-lite AM denoising technology to reduce interference affecting AM radio reception in electric vehicles.
“The industry is moving away from fragmented, hardware-driven infotainment systems toward more integrated, software-defined architectures. With SAF9800, we are combining the long-lifecycle building blocks of infotainment—such as broadcast radio and digital audio—with new AI/ML-powered audio capabilities that enhance the in-car experience, enable in-cabin audio sensing, and support functional audio use-cases. By delivering these capabilities in a flexible, single-chip solution that meets stringent global RF and audio requirements, we help automakers simplify development and scale their platforms to meet evolving market needs,” said John van den Braak, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Infotainment and Audio Systems Product Line, NXP Semiconductors.
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