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Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to introduce the automotive industry’s first all-digital Road Noise Cancellation (RANC) system, leveraging ADI’s Automotive Audio Bus (A2B®) technology. The collaboration, announced this week, aims to reduce cabin noise by up to 75% while cutting wiring complexity and improving fuel efficiency. Hyundai plans to integrate the system across its fleet, marking a significant leap in in-car acoustic innovation.
The Breakthrough Technology
Hyundai’s RANC system uses real-time analysis to identify and counteract road noise through inverted sound waves. Unlike traditional analog systems, ADI’s A2B technology enables low-latency digital processing, addressing resonant tire noise and road rumble with unprecedented precision.
How A2B Enhances Performance
ADI’s A2B reduces cabling weight by 75%, slashing costs and boosting fuel efficiency. The single twisted-pair wire design replaces bulky analog harnesses, simplifying installation while maintaining high-speed audio and data transmission. “A2B’s low latency was critical to achieving RANC’s real-time performance,” noted Dr. Kang-Duck Ih, Hyundai Research Fellow.
Industry Impact and Adoption
The partnership underscores a broader shift toward digital noise cancellation in automotive design. Analysts project the global active noise control market to reach $4.3 billion by 2027, up from $2.1 billion in 2022 (CAGR: 15.4%).
Cost and Efficiency Gains
Patrick Morgan, ADI’s VP of Automotive Electrification, highlighted the system’s dual benefits: “By cutting wiring complexity, we’ve lowered production costs and improved sustainability—key priorities for automakers.” The tech also aligns with stricter EU noise regulations, set to tighten by 2025.
Historical Context
Road noise cancellation isn’t new—Bose introduced analog systems in 1989—but digital solutions like RANC represent a generational leap. Early systems added up to 20 kg of wiring; A2B trims this to under 5 kg per vehicle.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s rollout of ADI-powered RANC could set a new standard for cabin quietness, with rivals likely to follow. As EVs eliminate engine noise, demand for advanced acoustic tech will surge. The collaboration signals a broader industry pivot toward integrated digital solutions.