optimsing in-car acoustic technology

OPTIMSING IN-CAR

ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGy

ASK Automotive Industries is a global leader in the manufacture of in-car loudspeaker systems, audio amplifiers, antennas and cables. The company has seen consistent growth thanks to its innovative products, built-in flexibility and strategic acquisitions. Almost every major car producer relies on ASK integrated products for optimal in-car acoustic performance. Philip Yorke reports.

The ASK Group is a multinational company with manufacturing facilities in Europe, the USA, Asia, South America and Africa. Today over 3000 people work for the group worldwide, many of which are dedicated to research and development. In 2017 the ASK Group recorded sales of more than €250 million.

The group was formed by the amalgamation of three medium sized companies in Italy that were already working in harmony as business partners. In the 1990s, thanks to the vision of its founders Mr Totini and Mr Paterlimnui, the companies decided to increase their collaboration and unify their combined strengths, thereby forming one single, strong group: ASK Automotive.

Early in 2008, the directors of the group recognised the strategic importance of setting up a department focused solely on advanced research, mainly targeted at the development of ANC (Active Noise Control) and AVC (Active Vibration Control systems). This was in addition to the development of non-conventional loud-speakers and audio systems designed to be able to operate in extreme conditions and in hostile global environments.

Increasing global footprint

Wherever there is a major passenger car manufacturer located in the world, there will be an ASK Automotive facility of some kind nearby. The company continues to expand and increase its production capabilities in line with the continuing strong growth of the automotive market.

The most recent example concerns the company’s US operation where it has announced its incorporation of ASK USA Inc. The formalisation took place in October 2017 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The new company added to other ASK subsidiaries already operating in Brazil, China, Germany, Poland and Tunisia, with the aim to better control the US market. This is of primary interest to the ASK Group as it will provide valuable technical and commercial support for customers in the region.

Thanks to this new opening, which is strongly supported by the parent company, JVC- Kenwood Corporation, the ASK Group has achieved its goal of endorsing its position as a group with a true global presence.

Innovation driving sales

The ASK Group’s audio systems set the standards for others in the field. The high quality of its sound systems depends not only on its technological features but also on the company’s unrivalled experience acquired over several decades. Today the company is able to work on both individual components and the entire sound system landscape. New technological advances developed by the ASK Group have been largely responsible for its increased sales performance worldwide.

When it comes to new product planning, development begins with association with the automaker’s engineers and designers in order to optimise system architecture and achieve optimal audio excellence. The company employs X-AQT – Extended Acoustic Quality Testing – to measure the results of its new creations. The ASK Automotive Group’s advanced X-AQT tool measures and visualises the dynamic frequency response of a vehicle’s acoustics as perceived by human ears, and also measures the dynamic interference of a variety of loudspeakers in different places. This is whilst considering the most diverse and harsh environmental conditions known on the planet. This helps to determine the control phase of signals in order to refine the sound staging and speech intelligibility.

The high tech amplifiers produced by the group also benefit from the same dedicated research programmes and testing procedures.

In order to produce amplifiers that range from Hi-Fi to High End, the company draws upon its comprehensive and highly specialised expertise. The group’s portfolio includes both analogue and digital

(DSP) amplifiers ranging from models with four channels and 80 watt output, to ones with as many as 26 channels and a total of 15,000 watt output power at 1 per cent THD. As a first-tier supplier

ASK is a practised expert in integrating its amplifiers into automotive networks including ‘CAN’, ‘Ethernet’ and ‘MOST’ acoustic systems.

Prioritising the environment

The ASK Group describes its approach to environmental protection as a ‘Priority Strategic Purpose’ for the company.

Its strategic vision is to combine its production activities with natural and social needs and to prevent pollution and attenuate all negative environmental impacts.

Key environmental protocols include developing and applying technical solutions and methodologies to significantly reduce negative environmental impacts such as atmospheric emissions and waste management. The company also systematically monitors energy efficiency at all its manufacturing plants. n

For further details of the ASK Group’s innovative products and services visit: www.askgroup.com