At this week’s Digital Radio Show in London, Texas Instruments Inc. and U.K’s RadioScape unveiled chips and modules for the digital radio mondiale (DRM) standard. TI disclosed an integrated digital baseband that supports both DRM and digital audio broadcast (DAB) standards, and RadioScape, using its innovative software-defined digital radio approach, announced a module supporting not only DRM, but also DAB, FM-RDS and analog AM standards. This module approach will speed the development and deployment of multi-standard receivers.

DRM, in fact, is the only universal, non-proprietary digital radio system for the short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave AM broadcast bands. According to the developers, many existing transmitters can be easily modified with an inexpensive upgrade to carry DRM signals, enabling a single tower to broadcast over a large geographic area so that listeners can receive the same station with near-FM quality sound. Commercial and public international broadcasters, as well as national radio networks and local radio stations, have begun transmitting regular DRM broadcasts and special programs. Combining DAB and DRM into new receivers will extend the range of digital stations to reach new audiences with innovative digital services anywhere in the world, said Radioscape.

While TI’s TMS320DRM3xx family is based on its digital signal processor (DSP) technology, RadioScape's RS500 module is based on its innovative radio architecture and incorporates TI’s programmable DRM300 and DRM350 chips to implement the SDR, enabling re-use of existing applications and features previously developed for the RS300L DAB/FM module. Many of the innovative features available on the RS300L have been directly implemented on this module, accelerating time to market for a fully featured receiver design.

The DRM300 baseband supports DRM, while the single-chip DRM350 baseband supports DRM as well as DAB. With the DRM350 baseband, developers can create cost-effective DRM/DAB-based devices with a single chip.

The RadioScape module RS500 supplies all the necessary hardware and software to design and build receivers able to support any combination of DRM, DAB, FM-RDS and AM, cutting down significantly on the development time and resources needed from the manufacturer. The modules enable manufacturers to begin immediate development of multi-standard receivers, including table-top radios, CD boom boxes, micro hi-fis and tuners.

"It is impressive how quickly support for DRM has come from the technical community, including more than 75 broadcasters who have followed through on their promises to begin airing its content," said Peter Senger, director of distribution at Deutsche Welle and chairman of the DRM Consortium. "Although TI only joined the DRM Consortium last year, it already is the first company to provide silicon for this standard. Backed by a complete module developed by RadioScape, we expect OEMs will be able to provide DRM-capable receivers by the end of the year."

Both, the chips and modules are slated for availability in the next quarter.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This