Skyworks Adds DRM For FM (DRM+) Capability To Family Of Hybrid SDR Automotive Tuners

Skyworks is pleased to introduce support of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) for FM (also known as DRM+) digital radio standard in its popular family of Si479xx Hybrid Software-Defined Radio (SDR) automotive tuners. The addition of DRM for FM capability meets the growing need of automotive radio manufacturers to support all global digital radio standards with a common platform. Support for DRM for FM applies to Si479x7 devices and select devices in the broader portfolio.

Skyworks is also enhancing the tuner family with IQMUX capability which simplifies the interface between the tuner and automotive system-on-chip (SoC) in SDR applications.

The Si479xx Hybrid SDR tuners allow automotive radio manufacturers to create a single, global design that is scalable from entry-level to high-end and is configurable for regional radio standards. Skyworks’ automotive tuner portfolio provides best-in-class AM/FM receiver performance and supports all broadcast radio bands including AM, FM, Long Wave, Short Wave, Weather Band, HD Radio, DAB (Band III) and DRM.

Digital radio is a primary source of in-vehicle infotainment, providing improved reception, greater coverage and CD-like audio quality. The DRM standard offers a high-quality digital replacement for current analog radio standards operating in the AM and VHF bands. DRM supports two frequency bands: DRM for AM (also known as DRM30), operating up to 30 MHz, and DRM in VHF Bands (also known as DRM+), operating up to 300 MHz. DRM for AM is prevalent in India, where more than one million cars include DRM receivers. Trials of DRM for AM and DRM for FM have successfully completed in Russia, South Africa, and elsewhere. HD Radio and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) are predominant standards in the U.S. and Europe respectively.

Si479x7 Benefits

• Allows the automotive infotainment system manufacturer to develop a single design that can scale from low to high to address multiple product segments and can be configured for different regions
• Reduces board space and system cost
• Ensures good DRM for FM reception in poor signal conditions
• Allows customer-added value

Si479x7 Features

• Pin/package and API compatibility with tuners supporting other digital broadcast standards
• DRM for FM support on single and dual tuners
• Small footprint and low system BOM
• Advanced radio and audio signal processing