The world's first and the best pure automotive SDR solution for all digital radio standards α-Infuser™ Concept

α-Infuser™ Concept

⦁ Cost-Optimized Solution 

Price of the solution is one of the most critical decision making points and we understand well Therefore, RF2Digital always make sure that the solution is affordable in any case

⦁ Processor Independent Solution

Regardless of processor core types such as ARM, DSP, or Intel CPU, same performance and functionalities shall be delivered

⦁ Architecture Independent Solution

With or without various processor architectures such as FPU, SIMD(NEON, BBE16, MMX), the solution can be implemented optimally

⦁ Tuner Independent Solution

Regardless of RF tuner architecture, as long as digital I/Q signal is provided, it is suitable for our SDR solution including a wideband tuner

⦁ Interface Independent Solution

Besides of current HS-IIS based interface, any physical interface method can be used as long as digital I/Q data can be conveyed to the main SoC

⦁ Flexible Resource Allocation

Depends on the available resource(DMIPS), the solution can be adjusted to run under the given condition 

⦁ Automotive Quality Assured

MISRA C compliant solution with Automotive-SPICE based quality control

Key Advantages from α-Infuser™

⦁ Fastest Time-to-Audio for Best User Experience

Nearly 40% faster than other chipset based solutions Audio output time is the most important user experience

⦁ Best Reception and Scan Performance

Best Fading performance among all available solutions Much less audio mute events due to signal condition Fastest SCAN time among all solutions (Tuner optimization required) 

⦁ Versatile for Easy Adaptation

α-Infuser™ can be ported on various system H/W configuration α-Infuser™ shall ensure that the shortest and least R&D time and effort which will give even more benefits to the customer

⦁ The Most Affordable Price

α-Infuser™ shows the best performance among all available SDR and chipset solutions, yet the most economical choice 

⦁ No Need of Extra H/W or chipset

α-Infuser™ is an S/W solution, so there is no need of additional chipset to implement the solution

⦁ Multi-Reception Ready

α-Infuser™ can be executed in multiple instances to provide enrich reception feature to the system

and the user Ex. Wide-band input can be processed simultaneously and independently

All are possible with α-Infuser™

⦁ All Digital Tuner Support

All digital output RF tuner can be used to accommodate α-Infuser™ SDR solution α-Infuser™ SDR solution is also ready to support enrich features of wideband tuner for the future infotainment system application

⦁ Various Processor Type Support

Default processor for α-Infuser™ is ARM Cortex-A family Intel processor, Texas Instrument DSP, and Tensilica core can be used with adaptation flow 

⦁ All Automotive Platform Support

α-Infuser™ can be ported on various system H/W configuration

⦁ Flexible Interface Method

α-Infuser™ can adapt any physical interface method to receive digital RF tuner data

⦁ All Existing and Future Digital Radio Standards

α-Infuser™ can support all existing digital radio standard such as DAB/DAB+, DRM/DRM+, CDR, ISDB-Tsb, HDradio, and even RDS as well Future radio standards can be simply updated by replacing the S/W core

The world's first and the best pure automotive SDR solution for all digital radio standards.

The RF2Digital, the DRM consortium member and an automotive true SDR solutions provider, launches SDR solution “α-Infuser™” for all global digital radio standards on IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system. The α-Infuser™ can support all existing digital radio standards such as DRM (for both AM and VHF bands), DAB /DAB+/DMB, CDR, ISDB-Tsb, HD radio, and even RDS as well.

As a true SDR solution, α-Infuser™ is the independent solution from a processor, architecture, tuner, physical interface. And it can be executed in multiple instances to provide enrich reception features or multi reception to the system and the user. α-Infuser™ can create a different digital standard tuner instance without any firmware loading, without any external decoder solution.

The key advantage for the listener from α-Infuser™ is the fastest Time-to-Audio and full scan time for the best user experience. It can provide the audio after tune nearly 30~40% faster than other chipset-based solutions. And it has also the best reception fading performance among all available solutions; therefore, the radio listener can have better user-experience with α-Infuser™.

Another key advantage for the OEM and Tier1 is that the α-Infuser™ has the most affordable price and it can be ported on various system H/W configuration easily. For example, even if there is only an RF tuner, SDR could provide digital radio solutions without any hardware decoder, without any H/W space. Therefore, it shall ensure that the shortest and least R&D time and effort, so it will provide the BOM cost and engineering cost advantages. As automotive-quality assured, α-Infuser™ is the MISRA C compliant solution with Automotive-SPICE based quality control.

William Kim, the director in RF2Digital, said that “Even if the automotive industry is conservative, many OEMs and Tier1s have begun prior research because they can flexibly respond to emerging markets such as India and Russia for DRM because of the performance and price advantages of SDR solutions. SDR also has great advantages in various multi-standard reception environments, making it a flexible solution for various radio network policies. The α-Infuser™ can therefore be the correct solution for these various markets”

NXP Semiconductors, in collaboration with the DRM Digital Radio Consortium hosted the first annual NXP Cockpit & Infotainment Forum in New Delhi last Tuesday.

The event showcased the latest trends and solutions in infotainment systems that advance the in-vehicle experience. It also shared a full view into the development of DRM and the inclusion of DRM receivers in many of the new models on the roads in India. A full day of presentations, discussions and demos highlighted the great appetite consumers have for cars that are equipped with the latest technologies to keep them safe, informed and entertained.

The broadcasting and manufacturing industry as well as representatives from key government bodies like Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) shared information and experiences.

"India infotainment and cockpit consumer preferences are changing rapidly. NXP innovations are at the forefront of this technology and aim to deliver best in class in-cabin experience, connectivity and safety. The first annual NXP Cockpit & Infotainment Forum brought key stakeholders of the industry and government together to help drive the adoption of digital radio and world class infotainment in India,” said Ashok Chandak, Senior Director - Global Sales and Marketing, NXP Semiconductors.

"NXP has been driving Digital Radio adoption in India and worldwide together with the DRM Consortium. It was a pleasure to see the great progress of DRM receiver deployments in India, along with All India Radio's 39 DRM transmitters operational. This one-of-a-kind event created a new forum for major car OEMs, AIR, TRAI, Tier 1's, and ecosystem partners to join together and address Infotainment solutions that will meet consumer aspirations," commented Ron Schiffelers, Senior Director - Program management at NXP Semiconductors.

Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Chairman, said: "The NXP-DRM car event in New Delhi was a great moment where our message was that DRM, whether in AM or FM, is just one standard with the same features and benefits. The demos of DRM for FM showed how DRM can also enhance the performance of the many cars that an increasing number of Indians desire and will own. The collaboration of the different industries and organisations represented at this unique event is a sure way to help them achieve their own goals, maintain and grow the number of car owners, listeners to DRM digital radio."

Read more at: http://www.asiaradiotoday.com/news/nxp-and-drm-hold-first-infotainment-forum-india © Radioinfo.com.au

FIRST NXP – DRM CONSORTIUM CAR EVENT IN INDIA WORKSHOP ON DRM IMPLEMENTATION AND ROLLOUT.

NXP (nxp.com), the world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, driving innovation in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets, in collaboration with the DRM Digital Radio Consortium have hosted the first ever car event, “NXP Cockpit & Infotainment Forum” in New Delhi on October 22nd.

The Consortium representatives were happy to give brief technical and country updates stressing that DRM is one standard behaving in the same way in all bands. DRM is made for India, for its roads, its drivers and listeners, was their conclusion. DRM demos showcasing especially DRM in FM were part of this successful event, the first of its kind in India.

50 Tips & Tricks for Engineers and Managers

Wednesday, October 30, 12:00 PM ET 

Join Jeff Welton and Paul Tinkle for an entertaining and informative hour of Tips & Tricks geared to both station engineers and managers. While Jeff will highlight tips from his '50 Tips for 50 Years' NAB presentation, guest speaker Paul Tinkle (President, Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Martin, TN) will bring his perspective as an owner/manager and highlight tips from his 'Manager's Engineering Notebook'.

Duration: 60 minutes including time for questions.

                                  For registration click here

Solving the Medium-Wave Problem

Ruxandra Obreja

It’s undeniable that the whiff of decline has enveloped AM in the past two decades. The reasons are well-known: Analog medium wave doesn’t always deliver the best sound, it can suffer from interference, it can behave annoyingly different by day and night and even by season. Medium wave mainly appeals to a maturing population (a global phenomenon, considered shameful by some!) using aging receivers (this is bad!).

Analog medium-wave broadcasting also needs quite an infrastructure and deep pockets for the electricity bill.

On the other hand, medium wave is that middle sister that delivers by giving excellent regional coverage over hundreds or (overnight and if the ionosphere behaves) even thousands of kilometers, whereas FM goes up to roughly 200 kilometers and digital DAB+ to half of that.

Medium wave is not only a regional but also an excellent local coverage solution. In Australia 33% of the public broadcaster ABC’s local transmitters broadcast in AM and 11 50 kW transmitters are serving the mainland capital or big cities. Medium wave covers large areas and reaches small far-flung communities for whom, even in developed countries, medium wave and FM still provide the first source of information.

Besides, medium wave with its reach, availability outdoors and on the go, is a fallback solution in times of emergency or simply a good standby solution when other platforms or services are unavailable (broadband, satellite, 4G or the mythical 5G).

THE SOLUTION

Recently cricket fans were able to enjoy an open-air demonstration of three different DRM programs on one frequency ahead of an important match in Bangalore. The fans also received data (stock exchange values) available on radio screens. This demonstrated that digital DRM is a game changer for medium wave.

In DRM the crackling audio disappears as sound is as good of that on FM. The electricity consumption and costs decrease, the spectrum is trebled and reception, even in cars (as available in over 1.5 million cars in India currently) is excellent, too.

If it is so good then why isn’t DRM medium wave conquering the world faster? Maybe it’s about confidence in a new platform. Broadcasters and governments need to market DRM digital radio once signals are on air in their countries.

As for receiver availability and their costs, let us remember how many receivers were on sale in the 1970s when FM was taking over the world. Nowadays, many listeners consume radio in their cars rather than sit in front of a retro looking wooden box. Digital receivers (DRM alone or DRM/DAB+) are a reality and a bigger push for digital would help with volumes sold thus bringing down the prices.

Radio, and therefore medium wave, can and should survive digitally. Digital radio must be an enabler of audio content and information while preserving its ubiquitous and unmatched advantage of providing a service for all.

For that, a bit of imagination, trust and, last but not least, some long-term investment is necessary. Because medium wave is still worth it!

Source:-https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/solving-the-medium-wave-problem

RFmondial Launches Multiplexed DRM for FM Band

RFmondial has added a new member to its line of LV-series of DRM modulators and exciters with an advanced multiplexed DRM modulation designed specifically for the FM band.

This new DRM system allows for the parallel generation and transmission of up to six pure digital DRM channels, or in combined analog and digital “simulcast” mode, on one traditional analog FM channel or up to four DRM channels.

Stefan Galler, managing director of RFmondial, said the new DRM modulators give “the ability to freely mix and combine analog and multiple digital DRM signals, in adjacent channels, with individually varying power levels, supporting single frequency networks, allows broadcasters, network regulators and frequency planners a new dimension of possibilities for planning and operation of digital radio networks.”

Fraunhofer IIS ContentServer R7 digital radio head-end technology for DAB+ and DRM

Fraunhofer DRM ContentServer Multiplex Editor

Fraunhofer IIS introduces the latest major release of its professional ContentServer head-end technology for Digital Radio DAB+ and DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale): Version R7 of this flexible and highly reliable solution is now readily available in products from Fraunhofer’s OEM partners. The new DAB/DRM Content Server R7 enables broadcasters to put audio content and attractive data services on air with ease while benefiting from the latest standard upgrades and a range of new productivity features.

New features that come with the Fraunhofer DAB/DRM ContentServer R7 include, for instance, automatic Audio Loudness Normalization and Monitoring as well as additional IP-based Audio Streaming Source Interfaces.

The Content Server’s internal audio encoders now support loudness normalization that amplifies or attenuates the incoming audio to obtain and maintain the target loudness level specified in Loudness Units relative to Full Scale (LUFS). This feature is based on Fraunhofer Sonamic technology and is especially useful if the loudness of all audio services within the generated multiplex should be the same or if an audio source provides audio at varying loudness levels.

Additional input interfaces for IP-based audio sources now comprise Livewire/Ravenna /AES-67-based raw audio streams as well as consumer-type Icecast/SHOUTcast streams. The Content Server can also serve as an end point for RTP-based audio bridges to accept uncompressed or compressed (e.g. AAC) audio streams without the need for external devices. Audio level monitoring, audio source remote listening through HTML5 browsers and silence/clipping detection are supported, while powerful concealment strategies minimize the impact of packet losses on the contribution network.

In addition, the Content Server R7 includes the following new functionalities:

• Interactive graphical system status overview: shows the status of all system components in a schematic graphic overview, with direct links to the relevant documentation, logging and editor pages.

• EWF with CAP import: EWF (Emergency Warning Functionality) is the early warning dissemination mechanism for both DAB and DRM. It consists of alarm signaling plus an emergency program broadcast composed of an audio announcement and multi-lingual Journaline text. The standardized Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) or its derivatives (such as MoWaS in Germany) are used to distribute emergency warnings from a central authority to the broadcasters. The ContentServer R7 now has a native CAP import interface and automatically creates the EWF alarm announcements and EWF program content for DAB/DRM transmissions.

• JSON/XML RPC management and data interfaces: remote procedure calls (RPC) based on JSON (JavaScript object notation)/XML (extensible markup language) enable modern configuration and monitoring, announcement and reconfiguration triggers, linkage set activations as well as instant provision of content updates such as Dynamic Label/Text Messages, Journaline text pages and Slideshow images to the ContentServer.

• Audio Cross-Redundancy: Deploying a new Smart Silence Detection technology, it ensures perfectly valid multiplex outputs from all ContentServers of a redundancy group even if a live audio input source fails. This new feature enhances the existing Backup Audio Encoding functionality, which allows to define backup audio sources such as pre-uploaded file sets to serve as a ‘last resort’ in case of fully failing audio live inputs.

• EDI Switch for DAB: this built-in feature ensures that all peers in a ContentServer redundancy group output the identical multiplex data stream to downstream devices via EDI (the IP-based distribution protocol from DAB multiplexers to DAB modulators/transmitters).

• Localized multiplex output: allows multiple small-scale DAB multiplexes to be generated by a single ContentServer to enable low-cost DAB setups, for example.

• Automatic creation of playlists as Journaline pages: the list of recently played songs is derived from the Dynamic Label Plus information and accessible to the listener through Journaline.

• DAB V2.1.1 compliance: full support of DAB(+) versions V1.4.1 and V2.1.1 including OE (other ensembles) announcements, test (OE) alarm announcements and service component information (SCI). Correspondingly, Fraunhofer’s SDR based DAB receiver solutions are now also DAB 2.1.1 compliant.

• Stream monitoring: powerful tools to analyze and monitor incoming audio and Distribution and Communication Protocol (DCP)-based streams

Fraunhofer’s Content Server technology combines internal audio coding (including MPEG xHE-AAC audio coding for DRM, enabling the definition of backup audio sources), support for remote audio encoders, multimedia data management and multiplex generation with powerful redundancy features that work across remote sites. A convenient and user-friendly web interface supports configuration and system monitoring via remote access, enabling content-as-a-service operation scenarios. Its flexible configuration and out-of-the-box support for a large number of versatile interfaces for audio and content provision allows for straightforward integration into broadcasters’ and network providers’ broadcasting environments – from small-scale community stations all the way to large-scale and complex national networks.

The Content Server supports all standardized DAB+ and DRM data applications such as Text Messages/Dynamic Label and Dynamic Label Plus (DL+), Journaline, Slideshow, SPI/EPG including station logo transmission, and EWF. In addition, it is possible to insert proprietary data at various levels of the DAB/DRM protocol stack. All uploaded data is checked and broadcast only if successfully verified.