SAN JOSE, CA, Sep 16, 2026 – Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) built its new ADSP-SC84x/2184x automotive audio processor family around the SHARC-FX core, a DSP architecture developed with Cadence’s Tensilica IP group. The chip family follows ADI’s ADSP-SC59x/2159x line and shifts from a 28nm process node to 16nm.
The platform is dedicated for software-defined vehicle (SDV) designs. ADI lists higher operating frequencies, better energy efficiency and more on-chip integration. The chips also add an LPDDR4 memory interface, more on-chip L2 memory, a hardware security module (HSM) for cybersecurity, and two optional connectivity cores for communication, with mainline Linux support.
ADI’s ADSP line has supplied automotive infotainment and audio processors.
Those parts run:
- Automated driving alerts and Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS)
- Road noise and Engine Order Cancellation (RNC and EOC)
- Personal Sound Zones (PSZ) and 3D audio rendering
- Voice processing, AI assistance and hands-free communication
“As the complexity of automotive audio, acoustic and voice applications continues to grow, it became clear that we needed a DSP architecture capable of delivering significantly higher performance and on-chip AI capability while maintaining the deterministic real-time behavior our customers depend on,” said Andrew Lanfear, head of automotive audio & networking, ADI. “Given their leadership in DSP IP, working with Cadence was the natural choice for ADI. The ability to create custom instructions using Tensilica Instruction Extension (TIE) technology allows us to accelerate proprietary audio and voice algorithms while providing dedicated DSP resources for real-time voice offload and next-generation automotive workloads.”
“ADI’s selection of Cadence’s Tensilica DSP technology for the next generation of ADSP processors underscores its focus on high-performance automotive audio and AI,” said Amol Borkar, group director, product management, Tensilica DSPs, Cadence. “The advanced architecture in the SHARC-FX core is optimized for on-chip AI/ML and signal-processing workloads, enabling applications such as music genre identification, music source separation (MSS), and real-time vocal removal to run efficiently on the DSP, while the host CPU remains dedicated to vehicle-domain and operating system functions.”
“DSP Concepts has been a long-time trusted partner of both Cadence Tensilica DSPs and ADI, enabling rich audio applications on both platforms,” said Chin Beckmann, CEO of DSP Concepts. “Through the integration of their technologies in our Audio Weaver (AWE) framework, we were able to witness and validate the winning, best-in-class results of this amazing collaboration between these industry pioneers.”
SHARC-FX Architecture
The SHARC-FX core uses a custom DSP architecture built on the same technology platform behind Tensilica DSPs for audio, vision and radar. It handles a range of data types and adds a VLIW SIMD architecture, cache operations and an expanded instruction set for signal processing and AI workloads.
Audio and voice work in vehicles is shifting from fixed signal-processing algorithms to AI models. The instruction set runs those models next to conventional DSP tasks, which supports neural-network inference. ADI supplies NN kernel routines for AI/ML frameworks that include Google’s LiteRT, so models can run on the SHARC-FX core instead of the host CPU. ADI says that path uses less energy than running the same models on the host processor.
ADI expects the core’s headroom to open newer in-cabin work:
- Seat-specific in-cabin audio
- AI-based noise cancellation
- Intelligent voice assistants
- Generative AI audio
Tools and Support
ADI ships the platform with a development toolset: Cadence’s compiler and tools, ADI’s EZ-KIT evaluation system, CrossCore Embedded Studio, SigmaStudio+, and frameworks that include DSP Concepts’ Audio Weaver.
Source: Cadence
About Cadence
Cadence Design Systems is a U.S.-based technology firm that develops electronic design automation (EDA) tools, hardware, and IP for designing integrated circuits and electronic systems. Formed in 1988 through the merger of SDA Systems and ECAD, the company is headquartered in San Jose, CA. Cadence provides software and solutions for designing SoCs, PCBs, and complete electronic systems used in the semiconductor, automotive, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries. Its tools support both digital and analog design workflows. Cadence employs about 12,000 people globally.
About Analog Devices
Analog Devices designs and manufactures semiconductor chips for industrial and consumer electronics. Ray Stata and Matthew Lorber founded the company in 1965 in Cambridge, MA. It maintains its headquarters in Wilmington, MA. Its products include data converters, amplifiers, sensors, processors and power management chips. These components measure and process signals representing temperature, pressure, sound, light and motion. Customers include manufacturers of vehicles, factory equipment, communications systems, medical devices and consumer electronics. The company also supplies aerospace, energy and measurement equipment manufacturers. Engineers use its software, development boards and documentation to design and test circuits. Analog Devices operates manufacturing facilities and contracts with outside production, assembly and testing companies. It reported about 24,000 employees worldwide.
