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STMicroelectronics has announced that its HD Radio Technology chipset, embedded in the Alps Electric module, has been certified by iBiquity Digital Corporation for meeting comprehensive performance requirements. IBiquity Digital certification parameters include sensitivity, acquisition time, audio quality verification, functional check and bit error rate testing. The cutting-edge device has already scored a number of design wins for both built-in and after-market HD Radio receiver installations and other car equipment manufacturers working with ST’s chipset are set to get their certifications shortly.
Developed by iBiquity, HD Radio Technology offers enhanced sound quality, more programming choice and new wireless data services on existing FM and AM radio channels. The technology is gaining traction in the car market and has been adopted by 13 automotive brands than represent 70 vehicle lines. The end-to-end solution combines the base-band receiver (STA680) with the RF front-end IC (TDA7706) and extends the functionality of HD radio receivers with novel features such as Conditional Access Support and Dual Channel Application (HD Radio 1.5). The chipset embeds a technology that allows broadcasters to offer pay-to-listen options and private channels for specific needs. The conditional access system scrambles the signal and entitles authorised receivers to decode it with a custom key. Supporting HD Radio 1.5, the receiver is also able to simultaneously demodulate audio and data from two independent radio channels and it is therefore possible to receive audio contents from one channel, while pulling traffic and weather information from another at the same time. Commenting on the announcement Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer at iBiquity said, “This is an important milestone, the pre-certification of ST based module sets will accelerate the adoption of HD Radio technology, proving equipment manufacturers with an optimised, one-stop-shop solution for next-generation car radio reception.”
