CML Micro has announced the global release of the DRM1000 module, a comprehensive Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcast receiver. This development allows consumer radio manufacturers to create low-cost, low-power DRM radio designs to connect communities.
The DRM1000 module is the result of a collaboration between CML Micro and Cambridge Consultants, part of Capgemini Invent. It combines CML Micro’s expertise in wireless IC design with Cambridge Consultants’ proficiency in low-power digital signal processing.
The DRM1000 is available for purchase through global distributors such as Mouser, DigiKey, and RFMW. Additionally, an evaluation and prototyping kit, the DE9180, is available.
“The DRM1000 is the smallest, lowest cost, and lowest power DRM receiver in the market, consuming 80% less power than other commercially available DRM receivers. It is a world-class product that will make DRM capable radios available to all,” said Matthew Phillips, Product Director at CML Micro. “The module will help portable radio suppliers design and build cost-effective DRM radios that are optimised for extended battery life. It will democratise DRM radio for nations rolling out a new digital broadcast network; making it fully accessible with no digital cost/power performance penalty.”
Cambridge Consultants Project Leader Tim Whittaker added: “This breakthrough in DRM receiver technology has the potential to bring affordable, reliable, and robust radio to an audience of billions around the globe. This innovation is exactly the kind of challenge Cambridge Consultants thrives on. In this instance, it resolves a longstanding stumbling block to the widespread adoption of DRM technology, by providing a cost-effective, low-power solution for manufacturers to connect listeners in low-income, previously unconnected communities to the digital world.”
The availability of the DRM1000 enables consumer radio manufacturers to easily integrate DRM into their current and future analogue AM/FM/DRM radio receiver designs. DRM’s ability to deliver high-quality audio and rich digital content across Low, Medium, High, and VHF radio frequencies makes it uniquely suited to serve both dense urban and diffuse rural populations. DRM can efficiently cover wide geographical areas with minimal transmitter infrastructure investment. Additionally, DRM’s spectral efficiency supports a wider variety of content and channels than analogue radio broadcasting, making it an optimal digital radio solution for diverse national deployment.
“Radio manufacturers can now buy the DRM1000 with the DE9180 evaluation and prototyping kit to put the module through its paces before developing a new radio and building their own DRM1000 based design,” noted Matthew Phillips. “All the pieces are in place for the cost-effective introduction of DRM capable radios offering excellent end-user performance. The DRM1000 is a complete ‘antenna to audio’ module that can be used for manufacture locally in emerging markets in a standard mass-production electronics facility. This approach supports the principle of local manufacturing in regional markets around the world.”
DRM can seamlessly utilise existing LF/MF/HF and VHF radio frequency spectrums alongside current analogue services. It also supports a fully integrated disaster and early warning service, Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF), which can be employed in the event of communication infrastructure disruptions caused by natural disasters or other reasons.
The module includes all necessary hardware and software (including IP and patent licences) for radio equipment manufacturers to quickly develop dual mode (digital and analogue) DRM-capable receivers, with no need for additional software licences or royalty fees. Moreover, the DRM1000 will be pre-certified to the EU Radio Equipment Directive. With dimensions of only 42mm x 25.4mm x 5mm, this compact, low-power receiver solution is easily integrated into radio equipment with small form factors, making it particularly suitable for portable, battery, or renewable-powered devices.
CML Micro plans to enhance the DRM1000 further in 2024 with short-range wireless connectivity and additional software features.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
