R&D Stories: Getting Started with Automotive Audio Bus (Part 4)

In this article, Brewster LaMacchia concludes his series on Automotive Audio Bus (A2B) applications (not just for automotive). After an introduction to the properties of this locally networked audio transport, a look at A2B system design, and A2B data transport and interface, in Part 4, the author looks at systems and tools that are available to speed prototyping and evaluation. This article was originally published in audioXpress, January 2021.

Following the cancellation of the scheduled in-person convention and activities, the Audio Engineering Society is promoting a series of online activities in order to bring its AES Fall Online 2021 Convention to a worldwide audience. Starting Monday, October 11, with live-streamed and on-demand events continuing through the month of October, all the events are included in one registration.

audioXpress continues Brewster LaMacchia's article series on Automotive Audio Bus (A2B) technology from Analog Devices. The first two parts of this article examined the overall A2B system operation and how its features can enable new types of digital audio applications. Now, the author takes a deeper look at A2B data transport and how to interface between peripherals and the A2B bus using Analog Device's AD242x series of parts. This article was originally published in audioXpress, December 2020.

The second article in a four-part series about Analog Devices' A2B or Automotive Audio Bus explores the technical underpinnings of the A2B bus design. Brewster LaMacchia examines how certain optimizations for automotive applications must be accounted for when targeting broader audio applications. He also includes a look at analog phantom power and how A2B provides that feature in a digital system. This article was originally published in audioXpress, November 2020.

This is the first article in a four-part series about Analog Devices' A2B or Automotive Audio Bus, a digital audio bus technology originally developed for automotive requirements that is finding interesting design possibilities in other audio applications. This first article discusses the main features of A2B, and its use with I2S and PDM interfaces, before exploring the technical underpinnings of the A2B bus design and creating systems with the development tools available. This article was originally published in audioXpress, October 2020.

Ending the year with great content, as we do 12 times per year, audioXpress December 2020 is now available in print and online. In this edition, we pay tribute to Jeff Bagby, explore the QuantAsylum QA401 audio analyzer combined with the new QA451 programmable load, and explain the process of measuring wireless audio products using multi-tone testing. Plus, Brewster LaMacchia expands on A2B designs, Gary Galo details how to improve low-output moving-coil cartridges with his Jensen-based step-up transformer, and Mike Harkins reviews the versatile Puffin Phono DSP by Parks Audio. And much more, now available!

This audioXpress November 2020 edition explores the latest trends in digital signal processing (DSP) and how it applies to all audio applications, now increasing in power thanks to cutting-edge artificial intelligence running on devices. In this issue, you will also learn how to "Test and Optimize Strategies for Conference Terminal Equipment," "What to Measure for Quality Control of Audio Devices," and more about Automotive Audio Bus A2B. Stuart Yaniger reviews the latest Earthworks M23R Measurement Microphone, and you can read articles about acoustics, audio electronics and the best in DIY audio from our monthly columnists.

The October 2020 edition of audioXpress is now available online and in print. This is one of the most feature-rich issues we have ever published, with a residential installation Market Update, a new article series about Analog Devices A2B, two articles about communications, including an article by Manfred Lutzky (Fraunhofer IIS) on codecs, plus a great review of the GeerFab Audio D.BOB Digital Breakout Box by Gary Galo. Plus three DIY-oriented articles and our regular expert columns on acoustics, tubes, and audio electronics.