SDC2000
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User Manual
Rev. 1.0 - 12/04/05
The binary signal is encoded using the differential coding technique before it is
transmitted.
The transmission protocol is based on 104 bit (87.6 ms) packets termed GROUPS;
each group is made up of 4 BLOCKS of 26 bits each.
Each BLOCK includes 16 information bits and 10 protection bits designed to allow
recovery of a wrong word containing up to 5 wrong bits.
The protocol includes 16 different GROUPS, 6 of which have not been designed yet;
each group begins with a PI (Program Identification) code that enables receiver tuning
and identifies the station that is broadcasting the signal.
A distinctive feature of the SDC2000 encoder is the ability to support the main services
specified by the CENELEC EN50067 standard, namely: PI (discussed above), PS,
PTY, TP, AF, TA, DI, M/S, PIN, RT, EON, TDC, IH, CT.
Below is a brief description of each service and its purpose.
PI - PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION: Station identifier code. This is the most important
feature; in the event of poor reception quality, it enables the receiver to retune to the
strongest signal having the same PI as the signal it is currently tuned to, but a better
level ("Automatic Frequency Switching").
PS - PROGRAM SERVICE: text displayed on receiver display; maximum length is
eight characters, as this is the standard size of receiver displays.
The SDC2000 can store up to eight messages and the time each message is
broadcast. Each message may contain up to sixteen eight-letter words and it is
possible to select how long each of the 16 words remains displayed.
PTY - PROGRAM TYPE: "Programme Type" identifier of programme being
broadcast (for example: News, Sport, Rock, etc.). It enables the receiver to
automatically search for stations broadcasting the desired type of programme.
TP - TRAFFIC PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION: This feature turns on a flag on receiver
display to inform the listener that the tuned programme includes traffic information.
AF - ALTERNATIVE FREQUENCIES: This is a list of the frequencies used by the
different transmitters broadcasting the same programme in adjacent reception areas.
The list is stored by the receiver and enables faster switching between different
transmitters broadcasting the same programme.
TA - TRAFFIC-ANNOUNCEMENT IDENTIFICATION: Alerts the listener to the fact
that a traffic announcement is on air. The receiver may use the signal in one of the
following ways:
