Development of Two Android Radios for Volvo C30/C70 by Swedish Client

Project Overview

• Project Name: Volvo C30/C70 Android Radio
• Client Industry: In-car Multimedia
• Development Cycle: 3 months
• Project Background:
  • Currently, these two models have a high market share in Sweden, but there are no suitable Android radios available. There is significant user demand. Given this, the client hopes we can develop these two Android radios for their company, creating a new profit growth point.

Requirements Analysis

• Client Needs:
  • Volvo C30/C70 Android radio, with a monthly supply of 200 units from our company.
• Market Research:
  • The client’s research found that Android radios with an original car style better meet users’ aesthetic preferences. Upgrading to an Android system significantly enhances the car multimedia's expandability and entertainment features.
• Solution:
  • Develop a 6-inch and 7-inch Android radio in the original car style. Product specifications are octa-core TS10 4+64, using a split-structure design.

Design and Prototypes

• Function Design:

• SYSTEM	Android 13
  CPU	Octa-UIS7862 (8core 2*A75+6*A55, 1.8Ghz)
  GPU	Mali-G52
  RAM/ROM	4+64/8+128/8+256
  SCREEN RESOLUTION	IPS 1024*768
  RADIO MODULE	TDA7708
  SOUND PROCESSOR	ROHM DSP
  WIFI	2.4G/5G
  GPS	GPS+GLONAS
  BLUETOOTH	Bluetooth 5.0
  EQ MODE	Jazz/Pop/Classical/Rock/Urban/Techno
  CARPLAY&ANDROID AUTO	Support both wired & wireless
  IMAGE FORMAT	jpg/png/jpeg/bmp
  VIDEO FORMAT	mp3/acc/flac/wav/m4a/mp2/arm/ogg
  VIDEO FORMAT	mp4/3gp/avi/dvix/flv/mkv
  AUDIO INPUT	AUX input left and right channel
  AUDIO OUTPUT	5.1 CH
  VIDEO INPUT	AUX Video Input/Rear View Input
  VIDEO OUTPUT	USB video output box for CVBS (HDMI optional)
  USB	1-way 0TG + 2-way Host interface
  FOTA UPDATE	Support
  SLEEP	Support
  LANGUAGE	Support Multi-language (Over 60 Kinds)
  EXENDED FUNCTIONS	Split screen/OBD/DVR/Voice command/
  WORKING VOLTAGE	DC 14.4V
  WORKING TEMPERATURE	-30C°
  STORAGE TEMPERATURE	-40C°

• UI Design:
  • The UI will use our company's default design.

Development Process

• Development Stages:
  1. The client needs us to provide a complete set of original car cables. The client supplied full cable sets for both models for sample reference.
  2. Since it is a split-structure design, the main unit and display screen require a TFT board for connection. The R&D department needs to design and manufacture the TFT circuit board.
• Challenges and Solutions:
  • Due to the lack of car resources in our country to verify the new product, we could not test the newly developed TFT, cables, and main unit in an actual car environment. After making the samples, we sent images to the client for confirmation as soon as possible and shipped the samples for verification.

Testing and Optimization

• Testing Strategy:
  • After assembling the main unit, cables, and TFT, a test drive will be conducted in the client’s country. The test will include:
    • Appearance: Checking for complete cable labels and whether the main unit and display are free of dirt or scratches.
    • Performance Testing: Radio, GPS, Bluetooth phone, Carplay, touch sensitivity, current, etc.
    • Installation Testing: Checking original car function compatibility, steering wheel control, car model information, etc.
• Optimization Measures:
  • The split-structure design requires very high cable connection quality. During testing, shaking the cable sometimes caused the screen to display incorrectly. To address this issue, we improved the process by using a twisted-pair structure and fixing both ends of the connector with glue. The issue was resolved.

Project Delivery

• Deliverables:
  • We have now achieved the goal of mass production with a monthly output of 200 units.
• Client Feedback:
  • During actual sales in the client's country, the product has proven to be very stable. From September last year to August this year, over 2,500 units were sold, with a failure rate of approximately 3‰. The main issues are related to the software from the solution provider and touch screen malfunctions, with a few black screen issues. However, the failure rate is within the client’s acceptable range.
• Client Benefits:
  • The client has received a lot of positive feedback in actual applications. It has been proven that the product we developed is very successful.
• Extended Application Scenarios:
  • In addition to installing the Android radio, users have other demands, such as upgrading the reversing camera, 360-degree panoramic camera, and dash cam. The configuration of this main unit can be perfectly extended to support these upgrades, providing new profit growth points for clients by selling other derivative products.