A2B Audio Testing

Closed-loop, multichannel audio performance testing of A2B components and systems

The Automotive Audio Bus® (A2B®) is an emergent technology developed and patented by Analog Devices, Inc., and already being adopted by a number of key automotive manufacturers. A2B provides the ability to transport up to 32 channels of 24-bit, 48 kHz sample rate audio up to 15 meters between network nodes. Audio, clock, control data and power are all carried on a single run of unshielded, low cost twisted-pair wire. The twisted-pair wiring reduces infotainment wiring harness weight by as much as 75%, lowering manufacturing costs and improving fuel efficiency. Applications for A2B technology include multichannel audio for entertainment, hands free voice communication, acoustic noise control (ANC) and in-vehicle communication systems. For further information, please see:

Test Setup Examples

Testing Audio Performance of A2B Devices

From simulation and bench testing in early-stage development, to validation and production testing, having a closed-loop system to measure audio and dynamic signal performance over an A2B network is an integral part of incorporating the bus technology into next-generation automotive systems. By combining the capabilities of Audio Precision’s APx500 audio analyzers and software, and Mentor’s A²B Analyzer System, software and ASIO driver, developers can easily create a complete, closed-loop multichannel A²B audio test system.

Within this test system, the Mentor analyzer platform provides straightforward A²B network configuration and simulation, as well as flexible routing, and high-fidelity audio. The APx audio analyzer delivers comprehensive, multichannel audio measurement analysis and offers a wide range of interface options, including analog, Bluetooth®, digital serial (TDM) and PDM. Working as a complete system, these tools eliminate the effort required to develop, and support, in-house, custom test solutions.

Supported A²B Analyzer Solutions

Mentor Automotive A2B Analyzer
Mentor is a long-established automotive systems supplier, engaged with nearly every leading OEM and Tier 1 supplier, and providing design tools and embedded software in the areas of connectivity, electrification, autonomous drive and vehicle architecture. ASIO connectivity ties the two analyzer systems together, enabling a true closed-loop test system.

Related Resources

Analog Devices A2B Analyzer
Using an Audio Precision analyzer and the Analog Devices A2B Bus Analyzer, you can configure an A2B network for testing an automotive head unit, power amplifier nodes, powered speaker nodes, MEMS microphone nodes and other A2B audio implementations, including evaluation boards from Analog Devices. Unlike systems utilizing ASIO drivers, the ADI A²B Bus Analyzer connects through standard Windows Audio or Digital Optical interfaces. With APx500 v10, native Windows Audio (WASAPI) support is now built directly into the software, enabling direct audio streaming.

Related Resource

Automotive Audio Bus and A2B are registered trademarks of Analog Devices, Inc. Mentor Graphics is a registered trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation.