Radio Broadcasting Takes the Digital Route
Ashok Bindra
Analog, Power Devices, and DSP Editor, Electronic Design
With the digital revolution in progress, traditional radio broadcasting is the next frontier to be taken over by digital signal processing (DSP) technology. Like
television and many other consumer products, traditional analog-based radio broadcasting is also undergoing metamorphosis by entering a new era of digital
audio broadcasting (DAB). And, powerful low-cost fixed- and floating-point DSP processors, in conjunction with high-performance analog-to-digital and
digital-to-analog converters, are facilitating this transition to digital transmission and reception.
These digital radios promise a lot more than their analog counterparts. First, the sound quality will be substantially boosted. Imagine CD-quality audio for FM
users and no static and interference. Second, a new array of data-rich services, such as stock prices, local traffic, weather, and sports will be readily available.
Lastly, they can include features like MP3 players, cell phones, and PDAs.
To speed the development of AM and FM digital radio broadcasting in the United States and the rest of the world, two major efforts have been in progress for
last several years. One is based on the existing terrestrial AM (535 kHz to 1.605 MHz) and FM (88 MHz to 108 MHz) frequencies, called in-band on channel
(IBOC). The other is the satellite digital radio broadcasting using the S-band (2.4 GHz) spectrum. Interestingly, DAB based on out-of-band frequencies has
been pounding the airwaves of Europe via satellite as the digital alternative to the terrestrial mode of transmission for about a decade. Plus, international efforts are
in progress to spread the out-of-band satellite transmission and reception to other continents.
While XM Satellite and Sirius Satellite Radio are two key contenders in the satellite-to-car radio broadcasting services, iBiquity Digital Corp. has set its sights on
IBOC-based terrestrial digital radio broadcasting. In fact, iBiquity Digital is the result of the merger between Lucent Digital Radio and USA Digital Radio. It was
created to expedite the standardization effort and pave the way for the rapid deployment of IBOC-based digital radio transmission and reception in the country.
Promising high-quality 100 channels, both XM and Sirius are set to launch their services before the end of this year. Radio tuner modules, as well as complete
receivers, are already in production, and are expected to be on the shelves by the end of this quarter. Hopefully, IBOC is expected to become a standard before the
start of 2002.
In looking at this lucrative emerging market, it is not surprising that major DSP/mixed-signal chip suppliers have already formed strategic alliances with makers
of car radios and technology developers. For instance, applying its SHARC line of DSPs, Analog Devices is helping Visteon engineers to develop digital radio
receivers based on the IBOC standard. STMicroelectronics (STM) has inked a deal with XM Satellite Radio to develop chipsets for U.S. direct satellite radio
systems. Agere Systems, formerly Lucent Technologies, has developed RF/analog and DSP chips for Sirius? satellite-to-car receiver set. Likewise, Texas
Instruments Inc. (TI) and Motorola are also aligned with key players in this fray. Last month, TI unveiled a reference design for Europe?s Eureka-147 DAB
receivers using its TMS320DRE2000 DSP and RadioScape?s software-defined radio expertise.
Although DSP-enabled radio receivers will bring benefits over the traditional analog receivers, the initial cost of the receiver is going to be high. Also, the
high-quality digital broadcasting service is not coming for free. Like cable TV, DAB service, whether terrestrial or via satellites, is going to cost the consumer a
fee. Presently, it is looking to around $12.95 per month.
Are consumers ready to pay for this improved radio broadcast service, as well as the higher-priced digital receiver? Or, they will continue to use the free analog
service? Time will tell. Nevertheless, this niche market is emerging and the opportunity for DSP chips and associated software is enormous. Obviously, cost will
play a key role in propelling this new market. If the semiconductor suppliers can help to lower the price of digital receiver sets and make them comparable to
analog version, while broadcasters attempt to keep service charges low, this market is bound to take off.
Please send me your thoughts on the changing face of radio. I can be reached at abindra@penton.com.
AI
