FM (RDS) and DAB are two of the most common broadcast reception methods in the automotive audio field. With the advancement of technology, DAB, representing digital audio broadcasting, is gaining increasing attention.
What is FM (RDS)?
FM (Frequency Modulation) is a traditional analog radio transmission method. RDS (Radio Data System) is an auxiliary technology embedded in FM broadcasts that transmits extra information such as station names, program types, and traffic updates.
What is DAB?
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) transmits digitally processed radio audio signals, offering clearer audio quality than FM. In addition to text information, DAB supports multimedia content like images and extended program details.
Technical Challenges Faced by Clients
For manufacturers of automotive digital broadcast audio systems, a major challenge lies in varying telecom regulations across countries, which require the development of different hardware and software versions to meet local standards. As such, verifying the reception functionality using local FM (RDS) and DAB signals becomes essential during product development.
Take a long-term Japanese automotive audio client of Allion, for example. They frequently rely on Allion’s professional support for product certification and quality validation. Whenever FM or DAB field testing is needed, Allion is their first point of contact for technical support.
Allion’s Solution
Allion’s professional consulting team possesses a vast library of global broadcast signal resources, including FM (RDS) and DAB signals from multiple countries. This allows manufacturers to verify product functionality quickly without the time and cost of traveling abroad. Additionally, Allion shares with clients common potential issues in automotive audio products, such as:
- Reception issues on specific FM (RDS) channels
- Disappearance of FM (RDS) station names after channel switching
- Incorrect display of station and program names on FM (RDS) and DAB
- Incorrect visuals and program data display on DAB
After discussing the project with the client, Allion provided a list of cities and recommendations for signal testing. These were used alongside reference DAB receivers for validation.
To minimize wireless interference, Allion conducts its digital broadcast testing in a radio-shielded chamber, ensuring accurate results.
Implementation Benefits
Within just three weeks, Allion’s consulting team provided the client with broadcast signal resources for over 20 cities, validating performance across multiple models (with different HW+SW combinations). This not only helped the client identify root causes of issues and verify fixes but also ensured they achieved their goal of Time to Market with Quality.
Time to Market with Quality: Allion Paving the Way to Success for Your Products
Allion’s digital broadcast consulting team engages in deep discussions tailored to each client’s needs, prioritizing issues and coordinating relevant validations accordingly. With our faster, easier, and better one-stop consulting service, we help clients overcome technical challenges and accelerate validation.
Faster
Allion’s deep technical expertise and industry experience empower us to resolve problems and assist in certification in the shortest time possible.
Easier
Through AI technologies and automated testing, we ensure every test is reliable, accurate, and repeatable—significantly reducing the time and resources needed.
Better
With years of specialized testing experience, Allion performs scenario-based validations across ecosystems to guarantee product quality, reduce complaints, and safeguard product readiness before market launch.
If you face challenges during product development, testing, or certification, contact us through our online form. Allion is ready to provide customized solutions to help your product stand out in today’s competitive market.
Success Stories
