Digital Modulation of Several FM Multiplexes                          With RDS and TMC Encoder

Car radios are analogue radios: FM will most probably remain the most important transmission mode for mobile radio reception for a long time. In the meantime, administration and additional services for mobile radio receivers become more and more complex: Channel lists, alternative frequency handover, programme and traffic information are essential parts of the Radio Data System (RDS). The car radio must be able to receive and process this information most reliably.

To evaluate the RDS functions' quality, you have to do substantial and complex tests that check how the car radio software deals with errors in the RDS data stream.

For these tests, maintech offers as the most capable device of its class the Multi-FM-Modulator  that is able to modulate several multiplexes – other devices usually feature two paths at most. The Multi-FM-Modulator provides best conditions to simulate a mobile operating of the car radio receiver and to test its RDS software. Thanks to the simultaneous modulation of several signals, automatic frequency changes and channel handovers can be tested optimally.

The handling of TMC information, essential for head units with integrated navigation function and navigation devices with up-to-date traffic information, can be evaluated, too.

Time-consuming testing trips to locations with convenient radio transmitter conditions grow unnecessary; an acquisition of severel expensive single devices generating only one FM signal each can be spared. Modulating up to 24 multiplexes, the Multi FM Modulator can make work easier for car radio and navigation device manufacturers as well as for their customers (e.g. in specification of standard test cases, evaluation).

Further Information: Leaflet Multi-FM-Modulator.pdf

Features

• Modulation of FM signals for RDS software testings of radio receivers and navigation systems

• Efficient solution with one single device

• Digital modulation of up to 24 separate stereo multiplexes

• RDS encoder and TMC encoder

• Transmission of RDS signals with programme information (PS, PTY), traffic information (TP, TA, EON) and more

• Optimal solution for testing channel list generation and Alternative Frequency function (AF)

• For devices with navigation function: Traffic Message Channel information (TMC)

• Controlled error generation and fault tracing in the RDS data stream (e.g. inserted bit errors, bit errors with correct checksums etc.)

• Lowest priced solution for testing channel handover

Modulation of Several FM Carriers from PCM Data

• Stereo MPX Encoder: Standard-conforming FM modulation of up to 24 stereo multiplexes

• Output: VHF band (87,6-107,9MHz; Japan: 76-90MHz)

• Modulation of several carriers to signals with arbitrary frequency and attenuation

• Configuration on PC with a powerful and user-friendly software via RS232 / Ethernet

• RDS standard IEC-62106:1999

Please note: The Multi FM Modulator is a laboratory prototype and therefore not CE-certified.

Signal Generation Software

Featuring a variety of settings and modifications instead of not more than a limited selection of predefined data sets, the signal generator is optimally suited for substantial series of tests.

Choosen settings and test sequencies can be saved as projects and loaded again at any time which ensures the comparability of the gathered data and guarantees best evaluation results.

The signal generator software comprises different settings of the FM channels, audio sources and RDS sources. Value modifications effect the generation of the signal without delay for prompt test execution.

The overview window allows quick and com-fortable operating. Important settings can be monitored and modified directly. Inconsistent or interfering settings (e.g. too close frequencies) are marked optically.

Further Information:

Leaflet Multi-FM-Modulator.pdf

The main unit with RDS function is available for 9.999,- € net price. Including German VAT, the price is 11.898,81 €.

Kindly note that we sell our products only to commercial consumers with business registration. There will be no delivery to private consumers.