Digital Radio Mondiale Chips and Modules from TI and RadioScape

Texas Instruments and RadioScape have announced, first chips and modules for the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard. TI is the first company to release an integrated digital baseband that supports both Digital Radio Mondiale and Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) standards, and RadioScape, using its innovative Software Defined Digital Radio approach, is the first company to announce a module supporting not only Digital Radio Mondiale, but also DAB, FM-RDS and Analogue AM standards.

The TMS320DRM3xx baseband supports Digital Radio Mondiale, while the single-chip DRM350 baseband supports Digital Radio Mondiale as well as DAB. With the DRM350 baseband, developers can create cost-effective DRM/DAB-based devices with a single chip. New features, customized variants and modifications can be easily implemented on the programmable DSP architecture of the DRM300 and DRM350 chips. This flexibility also allows for future support of  MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA).

RadioScape’s modules based on TI’s DRM300 and DRM350 chips will be available from RadioScape and will support FM-RDS and AM in software. The first of which, the RS500, is announced today (see separate RadioScape release). The RS500 module from RadioScape supplies all the necessary hardware and software to design and build receivers able to support any combination of Digital Radio Mondiale, DAB, FM-RDS and AM. The modules enable manufacturers to begin immediate development of multi-standard receivers, including table-top radios, CD boom boxes, micro hi-fis and tuners.
 

Peter Senger, chairman of the Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium said:

It is impressive how quickly support for Digital Radio Mondiale has come from the technical community, including more than 75 broadcasters who have followed through on their promises to begin airing its content…

…Although TI only joined the Digital Radio Mondiale 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…

What is Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)?

Digital Radio Mondiale is the only universal, non-proprietary digital radio system for the short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave AM broadcast bands. Many existing transmitters can be easily modified with an inexpensive upgrade to carry Digital Radio Mondiale 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 Digital Radio Mondiale into new receivers will extend the range of digital stations to reach new audiences with innovative digital services anywhere in the world.

Digital Radio Mondiale is a consortium dedicated to forming a single world standard for digital broadcasting in the AM radio bands below 30 MHz. Its more than 80 members worldwide are broadcasters, network operators, receiver and transmitter manufacturers, research institutes and standardization bodies.
http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/dab/projects/drm/index.html

Availability and Pricing

Pricing for both the DRM300 and DRM350 chips starts at $18 in sample quantities of 1K or less and are expected to be available in 3Q05. RadioScape´s Digital Radio Mondiale module is expected to be available in 3Q05.

Source: Texas Instruments