Date: 03/06/2010

Audi adopts NXP's FlexRay devices for its new luxury saloon Audi A8

NXP's FlexRay, CAN, LIN and SBC transceiver IC chips are used by luxury carmaker Audi for in-vehicle networking of its luxury model A8. It is said to enable applications such as advanced driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control and active chassis stability system. This technology can connect numerous electronic devices in a car using a wiring harness that consists of few lightweight copper cables thus reducing vehicle weight. NXP's other devices are also used by Audi for car entertainment and access and immobilization solutions inside Audi A8.

Jens Koetz, development manager of energy systems and car Networking at Audi says, "The A8 embodies Audi's proverbial "Vorsprung durch Technik" (Leading by Technology) with its light aluminium body, powerful and highly efficient engines, and new safety features. By implementing NXP's FlexRay transceivers, the Audi enabled advanced new driver assistance systems in the A8. With NXP's state-of-the-art automotive networking technology and Audi's engineering excellence, we are committed to safety, efficiency, and performance of our vehicles."

"With NXP's High Performance Mixed Signal technology we are dedicated in making cars safer, lighter and smarter," said Jeroen Keunen, General Manager of product line Integrated IVN & FlexRay of NXP Semiconductors. "Being a trusted technology enabler for Audi, NXP is an industry partner in IVN, car entertainment and car access and immobilizer. Audi's adoption of our FlexRay transceivers not only highlights NXP's innovative power, but also brings to light the rapid increase in the implementation of FlexRay in-vehicle networking technology among car OEMs globally."

Here are some of the NXP technologies Audi chose for the latest A8:

For In-vehicle networking
--FlexRay
--CAN/LIN transceivers
--System Basis Chip (SBC) transceivers

For Car entertainment
--AM/FM tuner and digital reception (DSP)
--Audio amplifier
--Voltage regulator

For Car access and immobilization
--Immobilizer system with AES crypto algorithm and LIN interface
--Remote keyless entry including transponder with extended service memory