Radio Technology

  • AM Radio FCC NRSC Compliance Reports - $15

    Date: April 14, 2023
    Topics: ,

    Every year, each of the more than 4,000 FCC-licensed AM radio stations in the US are required to make and document “NRSC measurements” and place the reports in the station official files. While these measurements can be done by local station engineers, the measurements are relatively complex and can require sophisticated equipment to be completed properly. Compiling the measurements into a document that meets FCC requirements can also be difficult. The number of contract engineers capable of making the making the measurements and providing professional reports continues to decline. The cost of providing these reports is increasing, making it even more difficult for station management to meet the FCC report requirements. This paper discusses some history behind these measurements, reviews the details as specified in the FCC rules and NRSC Standards, and offers suggestions on how to compile the measurement data to create professional reports.

    James Dalke | Dalke Broadcast Service, Inc. | Bellevue, Washington, United States
    Martin Hadfield | The Hadfield Group, LLC | Seattle, Washington, United States



  • How AI Can Reduce Energy Consumption and Drive Sustainability in FM Radio Broadcasting - $15

    Date: April 14, 2023
    Topics: ,

    With energy costs soaring across the globe, reducing energy consumption is increasingly a top priority among radio broadcasters, to reduce operating costs as well as to meet the world’s growing need to implement greener solutions. In the broadcasting chain, the transmitter represents the most impactful device from an energy-usage perspective, as it continuously delivers a fixed output power to the antenna. In the FM chain, transmitters go from a few watts to dozens of kilowatts depending on the coverage area, landscape and radio listeners’ profile. To support broadcasters in meeting their sustainability goals and economic challenges, a technique called SmartFM is described in this paper that enables up to 40% lower energy consumption.

    Daniel Werbrouck | WorldCast Systems | Bordeaux, France



  • Integral Broadcast Filter Switch - $15

    Date: April 14, 2023
    Topics: ,

    In a typical television or radio RF system, a switch is introduced between the transmitter output filter and transmission line, isolating the external part of the system (transmission line and antenna). The switch provides the capability to proof the transmitter into an RF load or troubleshoot if a problem exists in the transmission line or antenna. In this paper, a new filter technology that allows the integration of the switching into the filter itself will be discussed. There are potential benefits offered by this technique that can be expanded upon to contribute to simplified systems.

    Anthony Travaglini | Dielectric LLC | Raymond, Maine, United States