02 March 2007

Freescale SoC Engine In Ford Sync

Freescale Semiconductor’s i.MX31 multimedia applications processor, which integrates an ARM116 processor core alongside a Java accelerator, is the engine behind Ford’s recently announced Sync in-car communications and entertainment system.

Based on Microsoft Auto software, the Sync system is designed to provide consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring nearly any mobile phone or digital media player into their vehicle and operate it using voice commands or the vehicle's steering wheel or radio controls.

The 400 MHz version of the i.MX31 processor, with its highly efficient memory system, is designed to provide ample processing power to run the Microsoft operating system, handle audio signal processing for hands free phone operation, and perform all of the voice recognition functionality in the Sync system. Additionally, USB connectivity on the i.MX31 chip enables high-speed data transfer between the Sync system and a mobile phone or portable media device.

“Freescale's i.MX31 processor is designed for multimedia in the home, hand and car, driving a seamless experience for mobile consumers who want to take their media on the road,” said Berardino Baratta, general manager of the Multimedia Applications Division, Freescale. “The Ford Sync in-car communications and entertainment system changes the landscape in automotive infotainment with its hands-free voice recognition capability, familiar Microsoft interface and operational simplicity. Ford, Microsoft and Freescale are enabling consumers to have access to all of their mobile devices and content in a user-friendly environment.”

Sync is a fully integrated, customizable communications and media system that is designed to allow car occupants to operate both Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and nearly all portable media players with simple voice commands or hand controls on the steering wheel. Developed by Microsoft and Ford, the Sync in-car communications and entertainment system offers an advanced level of communications and entertainment convenience. The Sync system lets users control and personalize their electronic devices in their vehicle.