CML Micro launches complete digital world broadcast receiver

     CML Micro has announced the global availability of the DRM1000 module, a complete Digital Radio Mondale (DRM) receiver solution that enables manufacturers of consumer radio products to connect communities through low-cost, low-power DRM radio designs. The module was jointly developed by CML Micro and Cambridge Consultants (an offshoot of Capgemini Invent), It brings together CML Micro's world-leading expertise in wireless IC design with Cambridge Consultants' world-renowned expertise in low-power digital signal processing.

     Matthew Phillips, Product Director at CML Micro, said: "The DRM1000 is the smallest, lowest cost and lowest power DRM receiver on the market, consuming 80% less power than other commercial DRM receivers. This is a world-class product that will make DRM-enabled radios available to everyone. The DRM1000 module enables portable radio suppliers to design and manufacture cost-effective DRM radios that are optimized to extend battery life. For countries planning to launch new digital broadcast networks, the DRM1000 will enable DRM radio to be more widely available and fully adopted by the market without the digital cost/power performance implications."

     Tim Whittaker, project leader at Cambridge Consultants, said: "This breakthrough in DRM receiver technology could bring economical, reliable and powerful radio broadcasting to billions of viewers around the world. This innovation is precisely the challenge that will drive Cambridge Consultants to thrive. "With this release, the DRM1000 is able to provide manufacturers with a cost-effective and low-power solution to connect low-income, previously unconnected community listeners to the digital world, removing a longstanding barrier to widespread adoption of DRM technology."

     The release of the DRM1000 means that consumer radio product manufacturers can quickly and easily add DRM to current and future analog AM/FM/DRM radio receiver designs. With DRM's ability to deliver high quality audio and rich digital content in the low, medium, high and very high frequency ranges, the technology has a unique advantage in delivering services to both dense urban areas and dispersed rural populations. The audience, although spread over a wide geographical area, requires only a minimal investment in transmitter infrastructure. When spectrum congestion occurs, DRM's leading spectrum efficiency can also support a wider range of content and channels than analog radio broadcasts. This makes DRM the best digital radio solution for deployment in different countries.

     Matthew Phillips added, "Radio product manufacturers can now purchase DRM1000 with DE9180 evaluation boards and prototyping kits to test modules before developing new radio products and building their own DRM1000-based designs. All the pieces are in place to cost-effectively introduce DRM-enabled radio broadcasts and deliver superior end-user performance. The DRM1000 is a complete 'antenna to audio' module that can be manufactured locally with standard mass electronics production equipment in emerging markets. This approach supports the principle of local manufacturing in regional markets around the world."

     DRM can seamlessly leverage existing LF/MF/HF and VHF radio spectrum, as well as current analog services. The standard also supports a fully integrated disaster and early warning service called Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF), which can be used to provide service in the event of a disruption of communications infrastructure in remote areas due to natural disasters or other causes.

     The module contains all the hardware and software (including all IP and patent licenses) that radio equipment manufacturers need to quickly implement dual-mode (digital and analog) DRM functional receivers, with no additional software license fees or royalty fees. In addition, the DRM1000 will be pre-certified in accordance with the EU Radio Equipment Directive. This compact, low power receiver solution measures only 42mm x 25.4mm x 5mm and can be easily integrated into the smallest form factor radio equipment, especially for portable, battery-powered or "renewable energy" powered devices.