Audio processor shrinks time to market

The Accordo2 offers a fully integrated audio subsystem, including media decoding, audio routing, sound processing, and analogue audio inputs and outputs, as well as an independent secure CAN microcontroller subsystem. "Until now, car infotainment manufacturers had to use multiple devices to achieve the same result that a single Accordo2 device delivers today," said ST in a statement. In addition to minimising BOM cost, Accordo2 is said to facilitate faster product development as it comes with a complete turnkey software solution that includes middleware, media players, audio codecs and sound effect processing. Moreover, the various members of the family offer application scalability to design a basic car radio all the way up to connected car radio and display audio applications. "The Accordo2 family offers a platform for customers to develop their own unique products with the lowest BOM and in the shortest time," said ST's Antonio Radaelli. "The hardware and software integration that we have built into Accordo2 allows customers to 'cut and paste' our reference design and then modify it quickly to create their own branded products." Accordo2 devices include a 32bit ARM Cortex R4 core running at up to 600MHz, which handle all media management, connectivity and audio decoding functions. The flagship product (STA1095) incorporates an additional ARM Cortex M3 controller dedicated to real time CAN/vehicle interface processing, as well as a DSP that supports sound enhancing algorithms and echo noise cancellation for Bluetooth hands free phone calls.