Sony has selected the DAB digital radio module from RadioScape
for use in its future automotive DAB radio products.
The module has several features specifically for automotive use. It
can process up to three DAB channels on a multiplex simultaneously
to provide any combination of audio channels and data channels of
news or travel information. The radio will also automatically move
to associated stations when the first goes out of range using
linking information provided by the broadcaster.
According to Dave Hawkins, RadioScape’s v-p for receivers, an
imporant factor was the ability for the customer to customise the
module to create products that meet specific requirements.
In car radios is seen as the next target market for DAB digital
radios. According to Anika Nyberg, president of WorldDAB. "It takes
several years for new products such as DAB to be designed into cars
as standard. The opportunity that Sony and others are addressing is
the aftermarket demand to have DAB radios fitted to their cars. We
believe that automotive is one of the next important growth sectors
for DAB and are delighted that RadioScape is committed to
empowering it."
The RS350A, which Sony will use, is powered from an externally
regulated DC supply of 5V and 3.3V. Control is provided via a
serial interface – for example I2C. It measures 62x37x10mm to
allow vertical fitment in a standard automotive receiver DIN
enclosure and is fully screened to meet all electromagnetic
requirements for automotive type approval. It can receive DAB Band
III and L-band enabling it to be used world-wide wherever there are
Eureka 147 DAB transmissions.
RadioScape has recently appointed Triangle Technologies as its
representative in Japan, who assisted with this design win.