RadioScape is offering a new lower power DAB digital radio module which is its first to incorporate a new power-saving RF front-end chip. 

The RF chip reduces component count and can cut power consumption by 50 per cent compared to the firm’s previous DAB module, said RadioScape.

“This equates to a battery life of over 80 hours from one set of six D cells,” said the firm.

RadioScape has had significant success with its DAB modules which it claims are used in over two million digital radio receivers. The new RS220 module has already been designed into new DAB radios by several major brands. 

The RS220 module is pin-compatible with the existing RS200 family of modules.  It supports DAB Band III and FM as standard and can have L-band DAB for a nominal additional cost. 

As with all of RadioScape’s DAB modules, its features and functions are defined in software. Additional capabilities such as USB Master, WMA, SD/MMC, CD, MP3 and iPod playback are available as options. 

Samples are available with full production availability in Q3 2006.