Ampegon and its digital competence in AM Radio Broadcasting and ...

Gerhard Filipp 

Area Sales Manager Africa 

Ampegon and it‘s digital 

competance in AM Radio 

Broadcasting and DRM 

8th Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum, 

Johannesburg 11 – 13 February 2013 

1

JOINT INTEREST’S 

1. INTRODUCTION OF AMPEGON 

2. INTRODUCTION OF DRM – CONSORTIUM 

3. What is DRM 

4. DRM Features 

5. Other digital Standards 

6. Broadcasting Equipment 

7. Digital Radio Statios Worldwide 

8. Digital Radio in Africa 

9. DRM receiver 

10. DRM – Rebroadcasting in FM 

11. DRM Applications 



2

From 

Thomson Broadcast AG 

Name change November 2012: Our new Identity 

to 



3

Heritage of Excellence 

1910 

CSF 

Compagnie Générale de Télégraphie Sans Fil LGT 

1920 

1930 

1940 

1 st Mediumwave 

Transmitter 



1950 

1 st Shortwave 

Transmitters 

1960 

1970 

1980 

Invention 

of PSM 

1990 

500 kW SW 

PSM TX 

Rotatable 

Antenna 

DRM 

2000 

2010 

Cancer treatment 

with Hadrons 

Solid State 

MW TX 

2012 

HPVS for Fusion 

Research 

4

Product Portfolio Radio Transmission 

Most comprehensive and innovative AM radio product portfolio 

Transmission 

Systems 

• Shortwave Transmitters 

• Mediumwave 

Transmitters 

• DRM Equipment 

• Broadcast Control 

Systems 

• Transmission Auxiliaries 



Antenna 

Systems 

• SW Broadcast Antennas 

• LW/MW Broadcast 

Antennas 

• LF/VLF Antennas 

• Towers and Masts 

Scientific 

Applications 

• RF Amplifiers 

• High Voltage Power 

Supplies 

• Digital Low Level RF 

Green 

Technologies 

• Photovoltaic (PV) Power 

Plants 

5

Engagement in Science and Research 

Fusion 

Research 

• Plasma Heating for 

• ICRH (Ion Cyclotron 

Resonance Heating) 

• ECRH (Electron Cyclotron 

Resonance Heating) 

• NBI (Neutral Beam 

Injection) 

• LH (Lower Hybrid Heating 

and Current Drive) 

Industrial 

Applications 

• Nuclear Waste Disposal 

• Diamond Mining 

• Tube test stand 

Medical 

Applications 

• Cancer treatment with 

heavy ion acceleration 

• Cancer treatment with 

proton Acceleration 

• Solutions for various medical, research and industrial applications 

• High Voltage Power Supplies (HVPS) up to 200 kV / 130 A 

• RF amplifiers up to 2 MW at frequencies up to 1300 MHz 



Accelerator 

Research Labs 

• 3rd & 4th Generation 

Synchrotron Light 

Sources (electron 

acceleration) 

• Particle Accelerators 

6

• Founded in 1998 to promote the adoption of the DRM 

standard worldwide 

• Not-for-profit 

• Around 100 international members 

(broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, 

regulators, research institutes, etc.) 

• Experts and technologists ready to give expert, 

objective advice on the technology 

• Open to companies, organisations, associations and individuals who can join at any time 

For joining write to: projectoffice@drm.org 

http://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DRM-Introduction-Implementation-Guide.pdf 


Johannesburg 11 – 13 February 2013

• Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is the only global open digital radio system which can be used 

in all frequency bands (AM and VHF). 

• DRM system can be used to cover large geographic 

areas as well as rural and local markets and when on the 

move. A low power local service option is also available. 

• DRM receivers are simple and easy to use with better 

audio quality and Multimedia applications. 

• It is a system that complements and works seamlessly 

with other digital standards. 

DRM above 30 MHz VHF 

(Band I, II – FM band, III) 

DRM below 30 MHz LF, MF, HF 

(or LW, MW, SW) – the AM bands 

8th Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 


BOTH MODES (DRM30 and DRM+) 

SHARE ALL DRM FEATURES!



• DMB is an option to 

integrate Radio in DVB- 

T/T2 standard 

• only in frequency band III 

available (30MHz-3GHz) 

• disadvantages in mobility 

(Car Radio max. 80km/h 

with Diversity Antenna) 

• Lost against DAB in 

Europe 

• High investment and 

maintenance 

• Specific Radio receiver 

not available 

• DAB/DAB+ designed to 

replace FM 

• only in frequency band III 

and L-Band 

• Popular in Europe (England, 

DACH) 

• Low coverage require much 

more stations than FM 

Network (180 St. In England) 

• High investment and 

maintenance 

• DAB receiver high power 

consumption 

• Standard developed for US 

Market (IBOC) 

• HDR available in FM and MW 

frequency band 

• Hybrid Mode (simulcast 

operation ) with limited digital 

advantages 

• Good audio quality requires 

dubble Bandwith 

8th Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum, 10

• More choice for listeners 

– Up to 4 programs on 1 frequency 

– Simulcast analog / digital 

• Excellent audio quality 

– No distortion 

– Stereo and 5.1 surround sound 

• Good coverage area and robust signal 

– Supporting SFN (Single Frequency Networks) 

– Green and energy efficient 



• Automatic tuning 

– by station name, no longer by frequency 

– re-tunes when leaving coverage area 

• Emergency warning and alert 

– All stations switch, present audio 

and text information 

• Multimedia applications (Rich information sent along with audio) 

– Text Messages Programme accompanying labels (Unicode) 

– EPG (Electronic Program Guide). What’s up now and next; 

Search for programs and schedule recording 

– Journaline Text based information service (Unicode), 

supporting all classes of receivers, triggers interactivity 

and geo-awareness 

– MOT Slideshow Programme accompanying images and animation 

– TPEG / TMC Traffic Information

For Monthly DRM updates subscribe to: www.drm.org/newsletters ; For any inquiries or comments, please write to: projectoffice@drm.org 



Engineering – System 

Optimization 

Transmitter Feeder Lines Antenna Radiation Perfect Coverage 

Shortwave Transmitter Range 

100 kW, 250/300 kW, 500 kW 

• Largest coverage including International 

Services 

• Exceptional overall efficiency 

• Menu-driven control system 

• Computer assisted operation 

• Digital signal processing 

• Full remote control facilities 

• All transmitters DRM ready 

10 kW to 250 kW Mediumwave 

Transmitter Line 

• Large coverage 

• MW transmitters with the best DRM 

performance 

• Highest overall efficiency 

• Tolerance design of all major components 

• Options for energy-saving operation modes 

(E-AMC, AMC, DCC, DRM) 

• Fully integrated automatic DRM operation 

• Elegant all-in-one design including mains 

transformer 

• 1st class references from major broadcasters 

worldwide 


January 13 

DRM Product Line – Skywave Family 

DRM Content Management and Multiplex Generation 

LW/MW SW Linear TX SFN 

DRM Content Server TXW 5128D x x x x 

DRM Modulator and Exciter 

Digital Synthesizer TXW 5323D x x x x 

DRM Measurement 

Professional Monitoring Receiver DT 700 x x x x 

DRM FM Re-Broadcast 

DRM FM TFM3-30 x x 



Hardware based on Synthesizer TXW 5323 

13 

14

Setup 

Radio Transmissions: DRM Setup 

1.One DRM transmission with two audio service included (green / blue) 

2.Text Message and Journaline possible (data service in yellow 4.8 kBps) 

3.10 kHz DRM bandwidth 

4.Audio bit rate 2 x 14.7 kBps -> parametric stereo. 


15

Station Control System: Master Series II 

Offering solutions tailored to meet any automation needs 


Long-/Mediumwave Broadcasting 

Antennas 

• Base-fed and shunt-fed monopoles 

• Base-fed and shunt-fed towers 

• Anti-fading antennas 

• Associated RF circuits 



AM Broadcasting Antennas 

Our response to modern and reliable 

broadcasting 

A full spectrum of frequency ranges & 

configurations 

Shortwave Broadcasting 

Antennas 

• Fixed curtain antennas 

• Rotatable curtain antennas 

• Fixed log-periodic antennas 

• Rotatable / Inclinable log-periodic 

antennas 

• Omni-directional antennas 

• Associated RF circuits 

17

Worldwide Transmission Systems References 


Shortwave Transmitters on air since 1996 

Canada 

4 x 250 kW 

Belgium 

Afghanistan 

1 x 100 kW 

1 x 100 kW Germany 

7 x 500 kW Usbekistan 

Vatican 

Korea 

(modulators) 1 x 100 kW 

Portugal Spain 

1 x 100 kW Japan 

1 x 500 kW 

Austria 

Bhutan 5 x 100 kW 

3 x 300 kW 

Pakistan 

4 x 300 kW 

6 x 250 kW 

(modulators) 

3 x 250 kW 

2 x 100 kW 3 x 100 kW 1 x 100 kW 

Tunisia 

Taiwan 

Egypt 

4 x 500 kW 

Kuwait Bangladesh China 2 x 250 kW 

Bonaire 

2 x 500 kW 

35 x 500 kW 5 x 300 kW 

Mauritania Libya 

3 x 500 kW 1 x 100 kW 

2 x 500 kW 

1 x 250 kW 

2 x 500 kW 

Saudi 

1 x 250 kW 

Thailand Philippines 

2 x 100 kW Tchad 

Arabia India 

French Guiana 

5 x 250 kW 2 x 250 kW 

1 x 250 kW 2 x 500 kW 5 x 250 kW 

(modulators) 

1 x 250 kW Nigeria 

Sri Lanka 

8 x 250 kW Sudan Oman 

1 x 300 kW Malaysia 

2 x 100 kW 2 x 100 kW 3 x 250 kW 

1 x 250 kW 

New Zealand 

1 x 100 kW 


DRM Installations since 2003 

Ampegon Transmitters for Regular Digital (DRM) Operation 

France 

1 x 25 kW MW (DRM Ready) 



Portugal 

Vatican 

Belgium 

1 x 100 kW SW 

Austria 

Sri Lanka 

1 x 300 kW SW 

1 x 400 kW MW 

8th Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum, 20 

China 

1 x 100 kW SW 1 x 300 kW SW 

Canada 

Usbekistan 2 x 10 kW MW 

3 x 250 kW SW 1 x 50 kW MW 2 x 100 kW SW 

2 x 250 kW SW 

1 x 100 kW 6 x 50 kW MW 

1 x 600 kW MW (linear) 

Bhutan 

6 x 500 kW SW Taiwan 

1 x 500 kW SW Libya 1 x 100 kW 

2 x 100 kW SW 

1 x 10 kW MW 

Bonaire 

SW Kuwait 

1 x 20 kW MW 

Sudan 1 x 500 kW SW India 

2 x 500 kW SW 

Thailand 1 x 50 kW MW 

2 x 10 kW MW 1 x 100 kW MW 

1 x 250 kW SW 

Nigeria 1 x 50 kW MW 1 x 250 kW SW 

French Guiana 

2 x 20 kW MW 

2 x 1000 kW MW 

1 x 250 kW SW 

3 x 50 kW MW 

3 x 250 kW SW 

South Africa 

1 x 50 kW MW 

Korea 

Japan 

Australia 

2 x 250 kW SW 


1 x 100 kW SW 

1 x 50 kW MW

Overview of Recent Shortwave 

Projects DRM equiped 

• 3 x 250 kW SW near Abujia, Nigeria, 

including one rotatable antenna 

4/4/1.0, commissioned 2012 

• One 100 kW SW TX near Tashkent, 

Uzbekistan, commissioned 2012. 

• One x 250 kW SW near Dhaka, 

Bangladesh, including one rotatable 

antenna 2/2/0.5, commissioned 2012 

• 4 x 250 kW SW TX for Japan, The 

first one will be commissioned Mid 

2013. 

• 5 x 300 kW SWTX and 5 rigid dipole 

Antennas are under installation in 

Taiwan. 

• Several SW Transmitters for KBS 

Korea are under installation. 


How ready is Africa 

• Libya: SW Station DRM equipped, 

• Sudan : MW Station DRM equipped 

• Interest in Southern Africa: First SW DRM transmission 

in October 2011 of EU live radio debate from Ascension Island 

to Western Africa (to and from Brazil) 

– feedback from Angola and S. Africa (also from Brazil!). 

• DRM Consortium has contributed to S. Africa government consultation 

• Mozambique : seems to have opted for DRM in its digitisation plans 

• Nigeria : new transmitter site in Abuja ( March 2012 inaugurated) , 

dayly DRM test transmission 

DRM Projects in planning stage: 

RSA : Ghana: Project delayed 

Lesotho: Trial Summer 2013 Angola: DRM with FM re-broadcasting 

Kenya: Project delayed Botswana: showed interest inTrial 

Tanzania: Project delayed Namibia: showed interest to revamp SW Station 



Government Interest for Implementation 

• Government interest to reach out entire country including rural areas 

• extend Broadcasting Services to International coverage 

• being independent from any Satellite gatekeeper 

• Using DRM Transmission for education purposes 

• Improving Audio quality to listeners 

• Quick and fast Data Broadcasting for emergency warnings in Text, 

Picture and Journaline 

• cost efficient transmission by using latest proof of technology 

• easy change from analogue to digital mode 

• using DRM as carrier for FM re-broadcasting Networks , especially in 

rural areas 

• No need to apply new frequencies, old Licensees can be used 

Key Actions for Implementation: 

• Government to provide masterplan for digital radio Implementation 

• Providing Funds for national Projects 

• Government to subsidies digital Receiver and its marketing 

• call attention the masses in offering additional services 

• Get private Industry interested in producing DRM Receiver (Chipset 

available) 


Continued use of existing transmission systems 

Continued use of existing frequency planning 

Reduced operating costs (energy savings) per transmission 

Opportunities for added-value services with data, text and other services 

Increased audience interest, resulting from audio quality improvement and 

additional services 

Increased advertising interest, resulting from increased audience 

Independent editorial control 

Control of coverage area 

Rapid and short-term flexibility when required (e.g. power, transmission 

time, target area, ....) 



Broadcaster Interest for Implementation: 

24

• DRM has shown new receivers (IBC, Asia, Brazil) 

• Big chipset manufacturers joined DRM: FS, KeyStone, 

Dibcom/Parrot – one all standards solution 

• Receiver’s manufacturer’s joining: JVC Kenwood 

• Handheld (NewStar), Mobile (Intel, Nokia), Car (Visteon, Delphi) 

under development 

• First USB DRM30 and DRM+ sticks available soon 





DRM – Rebroadcasting in FM 

26



Long distance 

RF signal 

DRM30 

DRM-FM 

DRM-RD FM-Exciter / Amplifier 

DRM 

Receiver 

Service A 

Service B 

Audio Interface 

2 x analog Stereo 

FM Transmitter 1 

FM Transmitter 

2 

RF signal 

FM 1 

RF signal 

FM 2

Advantages of DRM Re-broadcasting in FM 

1. Program distribution by SW, MW / DRM for Rebroadcasting in FM 

2. Independent Operation (Independent from Satellites) 

3. Extensive coverage with DRM30 

4. Digital audio quality and full feature list in the DRM coverage 

5. DRM and FM reception of the program possible in the coverage 

area 

6. Low power consumption => stand alone solution in a remote 

areas with solar energy and battery 

7. One DRM transmission can feed two FM audio programs 

8. DRM receiver and two full featured FM Exciter included. 

9. FM-RF amplifier and antenna can be individually selected, 

depending on the target area for the coverage (to be added). 

10. Ideal solution for FM-Gap filling in remote areas with Low power 

FM. 

11. Listeners can use old FM receiver 


Example 


• Radio New Zealand International installed a 100 kW DRM 

shortwave broadcast transmitter in Rangitaiki in 2005 

• At this moment, Radio New Zealand International is 

broadcasting 20 hours per day in DRM to all the 

Pacific islands 


29

DATA AUDIO 

Example of DRM application: Journaline® at Olympics 2008 



Content Content Server DRM TRANSMISSION DRM RX 

RSS feed 

with different languages 

and different services 

simultaneously, i.e. 

-SPORTS NEWS, 

-WHEATHER FORECAST 

-WORLD NEWS 

-TOURIST INFORMATION 

In English, German, Chinese 

1 transmitter with only 100kW DRM power 

covers all Olympic sites 

text-to-speech 

30

New application diveemo 

Diveemo is a new application based on DRM It enables small-scale video 

and audio services for cost efficient large area distribution of information 

and education programs 

Main advantages 

One single transmitter can reach millions of people anywhere, anytime and with unlimited coverage possibilities 

ranging from 100 km² up to well over 5’000’000 km² depending on the transmission system 

Diveemo offers free-of-charge reception and is independent of any gatekeepers and third party providers like satellites 

and cable networks or internet 

Diveemo keep citizens living abroad informed and up-to-date about what is going on in their home country 

One video stream can be accompanied by several audio streams, allowing for synchronous multi-language support 

Video 

Source 

Live 

Program 

or File 



Ampegon DRM 

ContentServer 

with Diveemo 

Encoder 

MDI 

Stream 

Ampegon DRM 

Transmission 

System 

DRM Signal 

On-Air 

Uniwave 

DRM Receiver 

31

The World is going digital 

Thank you!

Ampegon and its digital competence in AM Radio Broadcasting and ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?