RadioScape sets new standards for lower cost and power with new generation of DAB modules

The RS220 is the first module designed with RadioScape’s, recently announced, RF IC front-end chip. This front-end chip dramatically reduces component count and therefore the cost of modules that incorporate it. In addition, it reduces the power consumption; in this case, halving the power consumption compared to RadioScape’s RS200VE module, equating to a battery life of over 80 hours from one set of six D cells.

“We are determined to keep leveraging our leadership in innovation,” explained John Hall, RadioScape’s CEO. “Our unique end-to-end systems knowledge, which comes from being the only company with both DAB broadcast and receiver products, ensures that our finger is always on the pulse of what customers need and how to best to provide solutions.

“The RS220 is the latest member of the highly successful RS200 DAB/FM module series, which won the coveted Radio Academy TechCon Product of the Year in 2004. The RS500, which incorporates support for additional standards such as DRM, has just been awarded the TechCon Product of the Year for 2006. It is gratifying to receive recognition for these successful products, not just as award winners, but through real customer adoption. RadioScape technology is now powering over 2 million DAB receivers and has been adopted by many of the industry's leading brands. The RS220, itself, has already been designed into new DAB radios by several major brands.”

The RS220 module is pin-compatible with the existing RS200 family of modules. It supports DAB Band III and FM as standard and can have L-band DAB for a nominal additional cost. As with all of RadioScape’s DAB modules, its features and functions are defined in software. Additional capabilities such as USB Master, WMA, SD/MMC, CD, MP3 and iPod playback are available as options. Samples are available now with full production availability in Q3 2006.