Chipsets And Modules For DRM In Cars
OEMs use available chips from various manufacturers, such as NXP, Skyworks, Bosch, CML Microcircuits and others.
NXP Chipsets
NXP, the number one in automotive infotainment systems and the global market and innovation leader for car radio solutions has developed new DRM solutions for OEMs.
NXP has added FM band support to DRM, Journaline data forwarding, and the xHE-AAC audio codec for music and speech.
In addition, NXP demonstrated dual tuners and a cost-effective single tuner on DRM platforms shown below. These tuners also support the traditional analogue frequencies.
Entry Platform (DRM In AM And FM Band)
Atomic2 (TEF6659) + Saturn (SAF36xx)
- Low cost & low footprint radio tuner platform
- Basic analogue & digital audio
Mid-End Platform (DRM In AM And FM Band)
HERO (TEF6638) + Saturn (SAF36xx)
- Single tuner, scanning antenna diversity radio platform
- Audio processing & routing Analogue & digital audio interfaces
High-End Platform (DRM In AM And FM Band)
DiRaNa3 (SAF775x) + Saturn (SAF36xx)
- High performance dual tuner platform
- Advanced audio processing & routing
- Analogue & digital audio interfaces
Skyworks Modules
Skyworks, also a leading provider of automotive solutions, has recently launched a digital radio coprocessor for DRM in the FM band (September 2022).
Previously Skyworks released the Si4694 digital radio coprocessor for DRM for AM radio reception in automotive infotainment systems and car radios. Created to work with its Si479xx family of automotive radio tuners, the new device offers a new level of performance and power efficiency with an extremely low system BOM.
Video: Skyworks’ DRM for AM Coprocessor (video for the DRM General Assembly 2022)
Entry Platform (DRM For AM): Global Eagle (SI47907) + Falcon (SI4694)
- High performance & low-cost single tuner digital radio platform
- Common digital radio coprocessor footprint and API enables a single platform design to support all digital radio standards (HD Radio/DAB/DAB+/DRM FOR AM)
Mid-End Platform (DRM For AM): Global Eagle (SI47925) + Falcon (SI4694)
- High performance & low-cost single tuner digital radio platform with integrated audio DSP
- Audio DSP supports both Skyworks and third-party enhanced audio post-processing algorithms
High-End Platform (DRM For AM): Dual Eagle (SI47975) + Falcon (SI4694)
- High performance & low-cost dual tuner digital radio platform with integrated audio DSP
- Audio DSP supports both Skyworks and third-party enhanced audio post-processing algorithms
- Optional FM phase diversity reception
Entry/Mid/High Sdr Platform (DRM For AM): Global Eagle Or Dual Eagle + SOC)
- Tuner equipped with SDR-friendly features enabling rapid SDR platform development
- DRM Detect – Enables scanning of digital-only stations
- Dynamic I/Q Output – Enables co-existence of different digital radio standards
- DRM digital AGC – Enables tuner to provide I/Q signals to SoC at optimal power level
Note: For a global platform, the Si4694 can be replaced with pin/package compatible digital radio coprocessor Si4699, which supports all global mainstream digital radio standards
Car Receiver Offers
Gospell
The Chinese company Gospell has recently developed the DRM in AM and FM GR-520 single DIN car stereo digital aftermarket radio receiver with Bluetooth and USB/SD Player
- DRM designed for AM and FM band
- AM/FM radio
- Bluetooth Handsfree Calling
- Music EQ (POP/ROCK/Classic)
- DRM Alarm Announcement Support
- Power Output 16-Watt x 4
- 36 Radio Presets Memory
- Steering Wheel Remote Control
Other Gospell car products planned for 2022 are:
the car tuner module GR-500 for DRM in AM and FM featuring all key specifications such as xHE-AAC audio, DRM data services (Journaline, MOT Slideshow, text messages), Emergency warnings, alternative frequency switching, etc.
USB dongle GR-511
- The DRM USB dongle works with most Android car stereos
- Expands the functionality of existing car stereos for easy access to high-quality digital radio programming
- Utilises the existing car antenna Easy to install and controlled by App
For 2023 and 2024 Gospell are preparing further DRM receiver solutions such as a wireless DRM FM dongle with Bluetooth and other products.
Inntot
Inntot’s automotive receiver solution is already used by major car brands in India
Inntot Technologies have developed an SDR based IP solution which powers DRM receivers of popular models of major car makers. Inntot’s DRM receiver solution is highly cost effective with excellent RF and timing performance along with highly optimized CPU usage. Inntot’s solution provides a competitive edge to automotive Tier-1 customers with its patented improvements.
Starwaves
The German/Swiss company Starwaves is in the process of redesigning their initial the DRM CarBox (‘TukTuk’) after-market digital radio receiver (seen here in the picture).
In addition, Starwaves are working a new after-market DRM car receiver prototype showcased at this years BES Expo in Delhi in February.
DRM Car Receiver Roll-Out In India
The Indian automotive market has achieved the fastest digital radio adoption. The number of new cars equipped with DRM radios as of January 2024 stands at around 6.3 million on the road since the first deployment in 2017.
The car brands listed below are major international players and can equip their vehicles with a DRM digital radio in any country which is planning or rolling out the DRM standard.
According to the information made available to the DRM Consortium, the following car brands include DRM digital radios in India:
Please check with the actual manufacturers the availability of the DRM digital radios for specific models at the time of the order or purchase.
More international car brands are planning or are in the process of fitting DRM digital receivers in their vehicles.
