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World's 1st DSP-Based AM/FM Radio from Blaupunkt

23 September 1998

World's 1st DSP-Based AM/FM Radio from Blaupunkt (Robert Bosch Corp.)

    BROADVIEW, Ill., Sept. 23 -- Blaupunkt(R), a Division of
Germany's Robert Bosch Corp., has announced the development of an AM/FM radio
that converts received radio signals into digital data and uses digital signal
processing (DSP) instead of conventional analog radio circuitry.  As the
World's first truly digital AM/FM radio, Blaupunkt DigiCeiver(TM) offers
improved reception capability, sound quality, and convenience compared to
conventional radios.  DigiCeiver technology will first be used in a new
Blaupunkt car stereo line being introduced later this year.
    Although so called "digital radios" have been sold for years, these merely
have digital displays and use digital ICs to generate analog reference
signals.  They use analog signal processing throughout.
    DigiCeiver technology is similar to digital audio, but operates at much
higher frequencies.  Just as analog sound waves are converted into the bits
and bytes of digital audio data, DigiCeiver converts radio frequency signals
into digital data.  A digital signal processor then extracts the audio signal
to produce high quality stereo sound with reduced interference and distortion.
In addition to improving radio reception, DigiCeiver technology provides a
digital pathway for better audio integration with CD players, RDS (Radio Data
System), computers, navigation and other automotive systems.  For example, CDs
with embedded data can be used for interactive tutorials.  Furthermore, the
digital processor can be reprogrammed as needed to change operating
parameters, upgrade performance, or accommodate new features and functions.
    DigiCeiver uses high speed A/D (analog to digital) converters operating at
14.25 MHz, roughly 325 times faster than digital audio converters, to digitize
the modulated 10.7 MHz IF (intermediate frequency) signal.  All further
filtering, demodulation, and multiplex processing are performed as
mathematical calculations in the digital domain.  The only analog circuits are
the antenna input RF amplifier, mixer and the first IF filter.  DigiCeiver
obsoletes all other conventional analog radio circuits.
    Blaupunkt's first DigiCeiver-based car stereo systems will go on sale at
aftermarket retailers in the Fall, and the company is investigating OEM
opportunities.
    Blaupunkt, the mobile electronics division of The Robert Bosch
Corporation, designs and manufactures high quality and high performance
products for sale worldwide.  For Blaupunkt dealer locations and product
information, call 800-950-BLAU or visit the company's web site at
http://www.blaupunkt.com.