Recently, AAC Technologies, a world-leading provider of smart device solutions, has reached a strategic partnership with Shanghai Xinling Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd. (上海芯聆半导体科技有限公司) (“Xinlin Semiconductor” for short), a provider of automotive-grade audio chips, and led the Pre-A round of financing of the latter. The funds raised will be used for the development and mass production of automotive-grade class-D power amplifier chips and the sustaining investment in R&D and teams.
With a promising market potential, class-D power amplifier chips can be widely used in mobile phones, earphones, speakers, computers, and automobiles. Compared with traditional class-A and class-B power amplifiers, class-D power amplifiers consume less energy and are more efficient and smarter for their advantages in high efficiency, less heat generation, and strong anti-interference performance for sound quality. In the field of automotive acoustics, class-D power amplifiers are the future trend of smart cockpits, and will soon be installed on more vehicles. Globally speaking, most class-D power amplifier chips with a high power (more than 50W) that drive car audio come from leading international manufacturers.
Founded in July 2021, XinLing Semiconductor is mainly engaged in the research, development, design, and sales of high-end hybrid signal chips. It has accumulated years of experience in the design, technology, packaging, authentication, and marketing of automotive-grade power amplifier chips, and researchers account for more than 80% of the staff. The multi-channel automotive-grade class-D chips of XinLing Semiconductor taped out in less than a year after its foundation. The adaptation and development for various power amplifiers installed in the front of cars is expected to be completed and an automotive-grade product line formed in 1 to 3 years.
AAC Technologies is now rapidly advancing the automotive acoustics business and has been given multiple designated projects, covering overall solutions, tunning, and innovative speakers, from traditional automobile manufacturers, emerging automobile manufacturers, and other medium- and high-end auto brands at home and abroad. This strategic partnership allows AAC Technologies to better develop the advantages of the automotive acoustic system by combining the leading audio chip technology of XinLing Semiconductor, provide clients worldwide with better overall solutions and vertical supply chain guarantees, and better satisfy the growing demands for smart cockpits.