“A2B” simplifies communications and reduces costs

This article introduces the new transceiver "A2B" released by Analog Devices.

A2B is an abbreviation for "Automotive Audio Bus", and as the name suggests, this new system was developed with the aim of reducing the weight (lower fuel consumption) and lowering the cost of audio harnesses for in-vehicle infotainment systems, which are becoming increasingly electrified. Technology. In addition to Ford Motor Company of the United States, multiple manufacturers in Japan, the United States, and Europe are planning to adopt the bus in their mass-produced vehicles, and it is expected that it will become the standard communication bus in the car audio industry in the near future.

This time, we will introduce the three major features of "A2B" and the benefits that can be expected in electronic and industrial equipment.

1. 50Mbps communication, I2C/I2S signal transmission with low latency of 50μsec

2. Achieving data communication up to 40m with inexpensive UTP

3. Simple design system

Click here for a demo video that gives an image of the actual operation

1. 50Mbps communication, I2C/I2S signal transmission with low latency of 50μsec

A major feature of A2B is that in addition to being able to communicate at a data rate of 50 Mbps with a simple cable, there is no need for software stack intervention on the slave side, so even when connected in a daisy chain, there is only a 50 μsec delay between nodes. is given.

Among various existing communication standards, I2C is positioned as shown in the figure below, but using A2B extends the usability of I2C and plays a complementary role to Ethernet.

2. Achieving data communication up to 40m with inexpensive UTP

The only cable required for communication is a pair of UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair). No special cables are required, so you can expect to reduce wiring between boards, simplify the system, and lower costs.

 

The maximum communication distance between nodes is 15m, and by connecting nodes, a maximum system communication distance of 40m is possible. The devices are separated by master/slave, and the maximum number of connections is 10 channels.

 

3. Simple design system

A2B does not require a software stack or storage memory for each node, and does not impose a processing burden on the connected processor, so it is possible to extend I2C and I2S communication while simplifying the design as much as possible.

The physical layer is noise-resistant LVDS (small-amplitude differential signal), and in addition to signals, it can supply clocks and +5V/300mA DC voltage, so it is possible to supply bus power to sensors and microphones.

Device configuration can also be worked visually using the SigmaStudio ^® graphical software tool.

If you have any questions about A2B cable/connector selection or design, please feel free to contact us.

Boards for performance and EMC evaluation are also available.

Analog Devices offers multiple evaluation boards for speedy performance evaluation.

There are four basic types of A2B evaluation boards as shown below.

In addition, Macnica replaces the A2B connector with one made by Rosenberger and also has a board specialized for EMC verification, so please feel free to contact us using the inquiry button at the bottom of the page.

Order number	EVAL-AD2428W D 1BZ	EVAL-AD2428W B 1BZ	EVAL-AD2428W C 1BZ	EVAL-AD2428W G 1BZ
Master/Slave	Master	Slave only	Slave only	Slave only
power supply	Locally powered	PPS: Phantom Powered Slave	PPS: Phantom Powered Slave	LPS: Phantom Powered Slave
Audio in/out	3.5mm mini jack and Optical-SPDIF	3.5mm mini jack	-none-	3.5mm mini jack
PDM mic	2-ch	2-ch	4-ch	-none-
Photo-image

A2B evaluation board comparison table

If you compare the actual size, it will be as follows.

Key Features of the A2B Master Device "AD2428"

Application example

・Meeting system

・Call center

・Large equipment

Inquiry / Quotation

If you have any questions about the products introduced in this article, or if you would like more information, please feel free to contact us using the form below.

Also, related to this article, we held a seminar in the past titled "What are A2B technologies that can reduce costs at the system level, such as noise cancellation?" If you would like to request materials for the seminar held, please contact us with the following in your inquiry: "What is A2B technology that can reduce costs at the system level, such as noise cancellation? I would like materials for the seminar."