Table of Contents
Receivers, Products, Solutions and Technologies
Gospell
All Gospell receivers have the following features
- Full band DRM (MW/SW VHF-II) and AM/FM stereo reception
- DRM xHE-AAC audio decoding
- DRM Journaline* and scrolling text message
- DRM emergency warning reception
- DRM alternative frequency switching
- DRM expert mode for reception status inspection
- FM RDS station name display
- 60 station memory presets
- 1kHz step tuning allows fast and precise station reception
- Station auto seeking and store
- Rechargeable battery
- Automatic time set
- Operates on internal battery or AC adapter
GR-220P Pocket DRM/AM/FM Radio
A new Gospell receiver series, the GR220, has just been made available commercially
Gospell’s first developed the DRM standalone Receiver GR 216
GR-224BP Portable DRM/AM/FM Radio (DRM/AM/FM | Bluetooth | USB/TF player | AUXin)
GR-226BP Portable DRM/AM/FM Radio (DRM/AM/FM | Bluetooth | USB/TF player | AUXin)
GR-228BP Portable DRM/AM/FM Radio (DRM/AM/FM | Bluetooth | USB/TF player | AUX in | Stereo speaker)
Gospell announces the latest DRM pocket radios
Starwaves
Starwaves Portable W24BT Radio. Starwaves is ready to receive substantial order for mass production.
Features:
- DRM in the AM, SW and FM Band
- Also plays analogue AM, FM and SW
- High quality tuner
- Journaline
- DRM Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF)
- Frequency and station name can be scrolled on the LED display
Avion
Avion developed the first Indian DRM receiver a few years back and are considering substantial improvements to their existing product, Avion AV-1401
Automotive Industry
NXP
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
Skyworks has introduced a new cost-effective DRM for AM radio solution to meet the growing needs of automotive customers. Skyworks’ new DRM for AM platform enables Tier-1 and Tier-2 customers to support all global mainstream digital radio standards (DRM for AM/HD Radio™/DAB/DAB+/DMB) with a single hardware and software design. In addition, Skyworks’ DRM FOR AM platform solution enables customers to scale their platform with its pin/package compatible single and dual tuners to support different product segments.
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
Gospell
Gospell has recently developed DRM car solutions for both DRM in AM and FM.
- OEM module DRM PCBA
- The after-market devices GR-501 and GR-502 BCW. These units will enable the cars already on road to DRM digital reception.
The two models have the following DRM features:
- Double DIN in-dash car stereo
- 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM
- Quad core
- DRM designed for AM band and FM band
- Journaline support
- DRM Slideshow support
- AM/FM radio
- Bluetooth music / Handsfree calling / Wi-Fi
- Navigation / backup camera
- USB/SD player
- Internal 4x25w amplifier
Inntot
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.
Inntot’s automotive receiver solution is already used by major car brands in India
Starwaves
S-India CarBox – DRM Digital Car Receiver (TukTuk Radio)
The DRM CarBox (‘TukTuk’) after-market digital radio are available on the Alibaba website:
Features:
- DRM in the AM, SW and FM Band
- Also plays analogue AM, FM and SW
- High quality tuner
- Journaline
- DRM Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF)
- Frequency and station name can be scrolled on the LED display
RF2Digital
RF2Digital are in advanced development of their SDR solution for the automotive industry, supporting both DRM and analogue frequency bands. In addition, RF2Digital supports other standards as well
Video: RF2Digital are presenting their automotive SDR solution with seamless linking between DRM and FM
The Indian automobile Industry
The Indian automotive market has achieved the fastest digital radio adoption, with 28% of new cars on the road currently being equipped with a DRM digital radio receiver.
The number of cars equipped with DRM radio is ever-increasing with over 4.2 million cars on the road since 2017.
The radio receiver industry both in India and abroad has invested millions of dollars in the development of DRM digital radio capable receivers for use in Indian cars. 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.
Car Brands and Models with DRM Digital Radio
According to the information made available to the DRM Consortium, the following models include DRM digital radios:
WagonR, Dzire, S-Presso, Ertiga, Vitara Brezza, XL6, S-Cross, Ciaz, Baleno, Ignis
The latest models with DRM for 2021 are i10, Santro, Venue, Aura.
The models Santro, Grand i10, Elite i20, Active i20, Aura, Verna, Venue, Elantra, Tucson, Creta, Xcent were sold with DRM until 2020.
XUV300
MG- Hector, MG-Hector Plus, MG-Gloster, MG-Astor
Glanza V, Urban Cruiser
S-Class
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.
Mobile Solutions
Starwaves
The Starwaves DRM SoftRadio App enables Android phones and tablets to receive news and entertainment items in perfect sound and as text information using the terrestrial broadcasting DRM Digital Radio standard.
The app supports many DRM digital radio features such as the Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF), image slideshows, station logos, and radio programme service descriptions. To provide all these services, the app only requires a standard off-the-shelf SDR RF dongle that is attached to the device’s USB port.
The app is available in the Amazon, Google and Huawei app stores:
- Amazon: s.drm.org/Amazon-DRM-Softradio
- Google: s.drm.org/Google-DRM-Softradio
- Huawei: s.drm.org/Huawei-DRM-Softradio
Technical details, installation and usage instructions of mobile phone and tablet app can be found on Starwaves website by going to:
drmsoftradio.starwaves.com
Technology Enablers and Broadcast Equipment
Ampegon
Ampegon produces two distinct ranges of transmitters: lower power solid state-transmitters and higher power tube transmitters.
Tube transmitters are available with 100kW, 300kW or 500kW maximum power ratings, while the solid-state range is modular with power outputs between 1.5kW and 25kW.
Broadcast transmitters can be supplied alone, or along with a range of broadcast auxiliaries, necessary for remote control and monitoring, and test loads.
product page low power solid state-transmitters: ampegon.com/products/sw-solid-state-transmitters
product page higher power tube transmitters: ampegon.com/products/sw-tube-transmitters
product page broadcast auxiliaries: ampegon.com/broadcast-auxiliaries
product page test loads: ampegon.com/products/test-loads-and-auxiliaries
Fraunhofer
The Fraunhofer DRM ContentServer™ R7 Technology is a flexible and highly reliable professional broadcasting solution for DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale). It combines internal audio encoding, support for remote audio encoders, multimedia data management and multiplex generation. A convenient and user-friendly web interface enables configuration and system monitoring via remote access (ContentServer-as-a-Service concept).
The Fraunhofer DRM MultimediaPlayer is available for receiving digital radio broadcasts on smartphones, tablets or PC receivers. The software can be used also for professional receivers and is available to Fraunhofer partners for integration in their products.
Nautel
Nautel offers the industry’s broadest offering of solid-state DRM models ranging from 1 kW to 2,000 kW MW with the NX Series, and 3.5 kW to 80 kW FM with the GV Series.
product page NX series: www.nautel.com/products/am-transmitters/nx-series
product page GV series: www.nautel.com/products/fm-transmitters/gv-series
RFmondial
The RFmondial DRM ContentServer is a highly reliable professional broadcast system for Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) based on Fraunhofer technology. It provides all data and audio services and offers all interfaces for a smooth integration into the broadcast chain.
product page: www.rfmondial.com/products/drm/content-server
The LV Series DRM modulator familiy uses MDI-delivered radio content to produce a modulated and/or RF-transformed radio signal which conforms to ETSI ES 201980:
- Highly reliable embedded platform
- Superior performance (MER > 45dB with > 20dB distance to spectral mask)
- Supports SFN, transmit diversity, crest factor reduction, spectrum shaping and pre-correction
- Synchronization via GPS, NTP or MDI (patent pending)
product page: www.rfmondial.com/products/drm/modulator
The RFmondial DRM Monitoring and Measurement Receiver RF-SE is a professional DRM/AM/FM monitoring and measurement receiver, which is available in different models depending on the desired application.
Basic Features:
- Fully compliant with DRM standard incl. xHE/AAC and all data services
- High-end fuly digital tuner
- Advanced GUI to evaluate receiver characteristics in real-time
- Proven long term stability
product page: www.rfmondial.com/products/drm/monitoring-receiver
The RFmondial DRM Exciter LVe is a fully Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) broadcast exciter, tunable within the LW, MW and SW frequency bands 9 kHz – 30 MHz (AM bands) or 65 MHz – 230 MHz (VHF bands).
product page: www.rfmondial.com/products/drm/exciter
Upcoming Products and Solutions
Other manufacturers currently in the process of developing or upgrading their DRM automotive, portable or desktop receiver solutions.
Cambride Consultants and CML Microcircuits
Cambridge Consultants in co-operation with CML Microcircuits (UK) are developing a small, low-power and low-cost (under $20) DRM portable receiver for both DRM in AM and FM, as well as the corresponding analogue frequencies.
Video: CML Microsystems and Cambridge Consultants are presenting the latest developments of their cost effective receiver module (Video for the DRM General Assembly 2022)
Inntot
Their desktop radio is based on a generic processor and meets all the specifications for the Minimum Receiver Requirements for mediumwave (MW). The receiver supports all frequency bands (AM and FM), the xHE-AAC audio codec, Journaline, Slideshow feature, Service and Programme information, as well as the DRM EWF emergency alert feature. The design has been field tested in number of cities and rural areas in India and is currently being tested in Japan.
Company Profiles
Ampegon, based near Zurich in Switzerland, is the world’s leading provider of shortwave transmitters. Our transmitter range has various technological solutions for broadcasting at RF powers between 1kW and 500kW average outputs. Using the latest shortwave technology, transmissions can be made from a single transmitter across entire countries, regionally, or intercontinentally with high reliability and efficiency. As a member of the DRM consortium, all modern Ampegon transmitters are DRM-capable while many older models (including those supplied under the Thomson or Thales brands) are capable to be retrofitted with control system upgrades facilitating digital transmissions. Contact our experts to discuss your needs today using by emailing or using the website link.
e-mail: info@ampegon.com
Homepage: ampegon.com
For over 30 years, Fraunhofer IIS has been a constant innovator in radio services and technologies, and a reliable supplier to the radio broadcast industry – all along the broadcast chain from studio to receiver. Today, Fraunhofer IIS is proud to provide a true one-stop shop offering to manufacturers, and a full service bouquet to broadcasters. Accordingly, our fields of activity comprise: Technologies, Solutions and Services.
Homepage: www.iis.fraunhofer.de
Nautel offers the industry’s broadest offering of solid-state DRM transmitters ranging from 1 kW to 2,000 kW MW with the NX Series, and 3.5 kW to 80 kW FM with the GV Series.
Whether building the BIGGEST or building for a BILLION, Nautel is ready to take on the world’s largest digital radio deployments.
BIGGEST – Five solid-state, DRM-enabled NX400 transmitters and a 2,000 kW combiner comprise the 2 Megawatt system at Europe’s most powerful MW station, Antenna Hungária.
BILLION – 33 DRM-enabled MW-AM NX Series transmitters comprised the world’s largest digital radio deployment to date for All India Radio which has the goal of bringing digital radio to nearly a billion residents of the country.
Homepage: www.nautel.com
RFmondial offers professional products and services for the digital broadcasting industry as well as other industries with the need for innovative hardware and software. Research, development and prototype implementation for transmitter, receiver, and monitoring technology as well as design services for various industries are part of our core business. With our broad experience in different technological areas we serve world-wide markets „Made in Germany“.
Homepage: www.rfmondial.com
Gospell is a Chinese high-tech company with R&D, production and sales activities. It has been engaged in the development and production of DRM digital receivers as well as head-end products for more than ten years. The DRM products range from desktop to pocket digital radios.
Homepage: www.gospell.com
e-mail: Kolon Huang huangbs@gospell.com
Inntot based in India has an SDR based automotive receiver solution for DRM digital radios. Inntot is working with some of the major automotive tier-1 companies to launch the DRM receiver through OEMs.
e-mail: info@inntot.com
Homepage: www.inntot.com
NXP is 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.
Homepage: www.nxp.com
RF2Digital (South Korea) are in advanced development of their SDR solution for the automotive industry, supporting both DRM and analogue frequency bands. In addition, RF2Digital supports other standards as well
Homepage: www.rf2digital.com
