Armstrong Transmitter has been on the leading edge of Digital RF product development for IBOC Digital FM Armstrong provided the First Digital Amplifiers on the air to prove the viability of this new technology.

Armstrong was the First to prove the viability of tube amplifiers for Digital Broadcasting.

All of Armstrong's FM amplifiers can be linearized for use with the low level combining methodology for HD Radio* broadcast.

This technology is still in its infancy. Its recent adoption by the FCC is the first step to the eventual acceptance by both broadcasters and most importantly consumers.

There are three ways to implement the technology. Low Level combining which requires a linearized amplifier to pass both the analog and digital signal, High Level combining which uses the existing analog FM transmitter combined at high level with a lower power digital amplifier. Both of these methods utilize a single FM antenna and both are expensive to implement.

The third and least expensive method is to incorporate a separate digital amplifier running to a separate FM antenna.

To discuss this new technology in detail and to discover the best implementation method for your station please contact Armstrong Transmitter.
HD Radio* Reading Room:
(to download the files, right click on the link and choose 'Save Target As...', otherwise, left click to open)
To help you gain a clear understanding of this new technology Armstrong is providing the following White Papers written by iBiquity Digital Corporation's experts on the technology.

 

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS FOR AM & FM IBOC TRANSMISSION
Jeff R. Detweiler, iBiquity Digital Corporation 		CONVERSION.PDF
Abstract: IBOC provides a unique opportunity for broadcasters and consumers to transition from analog to digital broadcasting without service interruption while maintaining the current dial positions of existing radio
stations. Consumers who purchase digital radios will receive their favorite AM and FM stations with superior digital quality, free from the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today's analog radio reception. In
addition to offering digital audio quality and crystal clear reception, IBOC offers the broadcaster the lowest entry cost into the wireless data industry. Through careful attention to the equipment decisions made today,
broadcasters may significantly reduce the cost of conversion. This paper defines the requirements and guidelines for cost effective equipment selection for IBOC conversion.

 
IBOC DAB FIELD TEST PLATFORMS
Greg A. Nease, iBiquity Digital Corporation 		IBOC_DAB.PDF
Abstract: In 2001, iBiquity Digital Corporation tested its AM and FM In-Band, On-Channel Digital Audio Broadcasting systems under the auspices of the National Radio Systems Committee. In preparation for this test program, iBiquity developed a new field test platform to meet the NRSC's requirements, as well as, to improve testing performance, user interfaces and post-test analysis tools. This new field testing platform is described here.

 
THE STRUCTURE AND GENERATION OF ROBUST WAVEFORMS FOR AM IN-BAND ON-CHANNEL DIGITAL BROADCASTING
Steven A. Johnson, iBiquity Digital Corporation 		AM_STRUCTURE.PDF
Abstract: A robust In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Digital Broadcasting system for offering improved performance over existing analog AM broadcasting has been completed by iBiquity Digital Corporation. The solution is both forward and backward compatible and does not require the allocation of additional channel spectrum. Broadcasters can simultaneously transmit both analog and digital signals within the allocated channel mask allowing full compatibility with existing analog receivers. The solution also allows broadcasters to transmit an all digital signal, replacing the hybrid analog/digital signal. This paper focuses on the generation and
transmission of the AM IBOC waveform, including a description of the characteristics and features of the system.

 
THE STRUCTURE AND GENERATION OF ROBUST WAVEFORMS FOR FM IN-BAND ON-CHANNEL DIGITAL BROADCASTING
Paul J. Peyla, iBiquity Digital Corporation 		FM_STRUCTURE.PDF
Abstract: iBiquity Digital Corporation has developed a digital broadcasting solution that permits a smooth evolution from current analog FM radio to a fully digital in-band on-channel (IBOC) system. The system delivers digital audio and data services to mobile, portable, and fixed receivers from terrestrial transmitters in the existing VHF radio band. Broadcasters may continue to transmit analog FM simultaneously with the new, higher-quality and more robust digital signals. This approach allows broadcasters to convert from analog to digital radio while maintaining their current frequency allocations. This paper describes the structure, generation, and inherent flexibility of the transmitted FM IBOC waveforms
 

* HD Radio is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation

 

Armstrong Transmitter Corporation
4835 North Street, Marcellus, NY 13108
phone: (315) 673-1269 / fax: (315) 673-9972 / email: sales@armstrongtx.com