Complete DRM Digital Radio Mondiale broadcast receiver
CML Micro has developed a complete Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcast receiver for low-cost, low-power digital radio designs.
The DRM1000 module was developed with Cambridge Consultants with components and wireless design from CML and measures 42mm x 25.4mm x 5mm. An evaluation and prototyping kit for the DRM1000, the DE9180 is also available now at $199.
DRM is an open standard formed in Guangzhou, China in 1997, initially with the objective of digitising the AM broadcast bands up to 30MHz using OFDM protocols. The DRM System Specification for broadcasting below 30MHz (DRM in AM) was first published by VHF bands (Band I, Band II and Band III).
The system description is openly published allowing global manufacturers and interested parties to have free access to the complete technical specifications and can design and manufacture equipment on an equitable basis.
The DRM1000 module allows consumer radio manufacturers can add DRM quickly and easily to current and future analog AM/FM/DRM radio receiver designs. It contains all the hardware and software, including all IP and patent licenses, required for radio equipment manufacturers to quickly realise a dual mode digital and analog DRM-capable receiver. There is no need to pay additional software licenses or royalty fees.
The DRM1000 will also be pre-certified to the EU Radio Equipment Directive.
For the physical transmission, the DRM standard describes several different modulation modes. For transmissions below 30 MHz there are four different robustness modes which allow the signal to be tailored for the AM broadcast bands with their very diverse propagation characteristics enabling regional up to international service coverage
A dedicated robustness mode, which is centred above 30 MHz on the FM broadcast band and optimized for transmissions in the VHF bands, can be used for local to regional service coverage.
DRM has received the necessary recommendations from the ITU, hence providing the international regulatory support for transmissions to take place. The main standard has been published by ETSI. In addition, ETSI publishes and is the repository of the entire range of current DRM technical standards.
“The DRM1000 is the smallest, lowest cost, and lowest power DRM receiver in the market, consuming 80% less power than other commercially available DRM receivers. It is a world-class product that will make DRM capable radios available to all,” says Matthew Phillips, Product Director at CML Micro.
“The module will help portable radio suppliers design and build cost-effective DRM radios that are optimised for extended battery life. It will democratise DRM radio for nations rolling out a new digital broadcast network; making it fully accessible with no digital cost/power performance penalty.”
The standard also provides support for a fully integrated, disaster and early warning service called Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) that can be used in the event of interruption to communications infrastructure in remote areas caused by natural disasters or other reasons.
“This breakthrough in DRM receiver technology has the potential to bring affordable, reliable, and robust radio to an audience of billions around the globe. This innovation is exactly the kind of challenge Cambridge Consultants thrives on. In this instance, it resolves a longstanding stumbling block to the widespread adoption of DRM technology, by providing a cost-effective, low-power solution for manufacturers to connect listeners in low-income, previously unconnected communities to the digital world,” said Cambridge Consultants Project Leader Tim Whittaker.
“Radio manufacturers can now buy the DRM1000 with the DE9180 evaluation and prototyping kit to put the module through its paces before developing a new radio and building their own DRM1000 based design.” said Phillips.
“All the pieces are in place for the cost-effective introduction of DRM capable radios offering excellent end-user performance. The DRM1000 is a complete ‘antenna to audio’ module that can be used for manufacture locally in emerging markets in a standard mass-production electronics facility. This approach supports the principle of local manufacturing in regional markets around the world.”
CML Micro says it will continue to enhance the DRM1000, with short-range wireless connectivity and additional software features during 2024. The DRM1000 will be available for purchase through global distributors such as Mouser, DigiKey and RFMW.
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