Digital Radio Broadcasting

Pioneering Digital Radio Broadcasting technology

Canada was instrumental in early research and development (R&D;) and work on international standards for Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB). It is currently promoting and building on this leading-edge technology which has been selected by a large number of countries in the world, including Canada. It is known under its trademarked name, DAB™ or Digital Audio Broadcasting.

Background

In the late 1980s, as the number of AM and FM stations was increasing, so was the demand for better radio broadcasting service. Researchers were also looking for innovative ways to transmit reliable, high-quality radio signals, both locally and across Canada.

As the country's leading laboratory specializing in collaborative R&D; in advanced telecommunications, Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) had the technical expertise and innovative thinking required to imagine DRB's potential, both for country-wide and local broadcasting for the benefit of the Canadian radio broadcast industry and the Canadian public at large.

CRC researcher Gérald Chouinard developed a spectrum-efficient approach that became known as the "Canadian mixed concept." This unique approach consisted of the complementary use of a common frequency band by both satellite and terrestrial broadcast stations to provide countrywide and local radio broadcast service across Canada.

This program was backed by solid research that covered a variety of important scientific and technical aspects. In particular, the basic studies on the most appropriate frequency band for this service were carried out at CRC and resulted in Canada (with technical support from CRC) promoting the allocation of the 1.5 GHz band at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Conference of 1992. They were successful: almost all of the countries present agreed with the allocation.

Building a solid reputation

In 1990, CRC, the CBC, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Department of Communications and a few others collaborated to produce a recommendation in the ITU that helped set the international standard for DRB. Worldwide recognition for the calibre and professionalism of the work helped cement Canada's reputation as a leader in the field. At the same time, an ITU DRB Handbook was prepared. CRC played a major role in the writing of this comprehensive document, which was published in 1995. In 2000, CRC's Chouinard was tasked with revising and updating this DRB Handbook with all of the new information contributed to the ITU since 1995.

Solid research, projects and accomplishments built Canada's credibility in the field, and the country gained a reputation as an unbiased authority on DRB.

This reputation even created sales opportunities for Canadian manufacturers. For example, TIL-TEK, an Ontario company that produced the L-band antennas that the Canadian researchers used for trials and research, received international orders as a result of its connection to the DRB pioneers.

Supporting industry and regulation

In addition to supporting Canadian industry, CRC's R&D; supports Industry Canada's regulatory work on spectrum management and broadcasting. Industry Canada and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CTRC) have developed appropriate regulations for DRB. Canadian manufacturers are venturing into the development of new DRB technologies and Canadian broadcasters have, for a number of years, explored the merits of this new digital technology and are investigating new business opportunities offered by this all-digital broadcast medium.

CRC is presently the only source of scientific expertise on DRB technology in Canada. Many broadcast-related organizations rely heavily on CRC to provide expert advice, to conduct field trials, and to provide "intelligence" on the DRB evolution worldwide.

Future directions

Today, DRB is positioned to be a key medium for wireless service provision to portable and mobile receivers. A complex broadcasting infrastructure of terrestrial transmitter networks would be necessary to allow this technology to serve all of Canada (including urban areas, highways and roads, and remote communities).

CRC's current R&D; on DRB involves multimedia mobile wireless systems, including interactive Internet and datacasting. Future technologies will allow PDAs (personal digital assistants) to provide everything from intelligent radio, to Web-like services, news on-demand and multimedia-rich services through DRB.

CRC's Manager of Radio Broadcast Systems Research, René Voyer, says, "CRC has the know-how to see opportunities for the future of DRB and the expertise to facilitate and support its implementation in Canada and on the international scene."

For more information on DRB, read an article on DRB published in Silicon Valley North or contact René Voyer.