Cadence and QNX Announce New Tensilica HiFi Audio/Voice DSP Application for In-Car Active Noise Control

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 23, 2014—Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS), a leader in global electronic design innovation, and QNX Software Systems, a subsidiary of BlackBerry and a world leader in software platforms for in-car electronics, today announced that QNX has ported its QNX^® Acoustics for Active Noise Control (ANC) software to the Cadence^® Tensilica^® HiFi Audio/Voice digital signal processing (DSP) core. The Tensilica HiFi Audio/Voice DSP from Cadence is available immediately.

QNX Acoustics for ANC is a high-performance software solution for reducing unwanted engine noise inside passenger vehicles. Compact and efficient, it can run on a DSP core in the vehicle's infotainment system or audio amplifier, eliminating the dedicated hardware of conventional ANC solutions. QNX Acoustics for ANC provides up to 20dB noise power reduction, depending on the transducer and vehicle seating configuration, and can be used with any of Cadence’s HiFi Audio/Voice DSP IP cores.

“Modern fuel-saving techniques, such as deactivating cylinders when engine load is light, can cause irritating ‘boom’ noise that distracts the driver. QNX Acoustics for ANC generates targeted anti-noise over the car’s audio system to cancel out this boom for a more enjoyable ride,” stated Peter McCarthy, director of global alliances, QNX Software Systems. “By combining QNX Acoustics for ANC with the widely deployed Cadence Tensilica HiFi Audio/Voice DSP core, system designers can reduce engine noise while also eliminating the costs associated with designing and prototyping a custom hardware controller module.”

“Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 head-unit suppliers can now incorporate QNX Acoustics for ANC with HiFi DSP-based SoCs, providing a quieter and more relaxed driving experience,” said Larry Przywara, Cadence’s group director of audio/voice intellectual property (IP) marketing. “The Tensilica HiFi Audio/Voice DSP core is an ideal match for QNX Software Systems’ ANC software, and we look forward to supporting our joint customers with a high-performance solution.”

About Cadence

Cadence enables global electronic design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today’s integrated circuits and electronics. Customers use Cadence software, hardware, IP, and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors, consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer systems. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales offices, design centers, and research facilities around the world to serve the global electronics industry. More information about the company, its products, and services is available here.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems Limited, a subsidiary of BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY; TSX:BB), is a leading vendor of operating systems, automotive software, development tools, and professional services for connected embedded systems. Global leaders such as Audi, Cisco, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens depend on QNX technology for vehicle infotainment units, network routers, medical devices, industrial automation systems, security and defense systems, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada; its products are distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com, follow @QNX_News on Twitter, and visit www.facebook.com/QNXSoftwareSystems. For updates on the company's automotive work, follow @QNX_Auto and visit qnxauto.blogspot.com.