Impact Analysis of the Digital Radio Transmission Using the DRM plus Standard: A Case Study

Considering the perspective of the digitalization of radio transmission in Brazil, this work aims at the evaluation of the coverage areas of the analog and digital signals, with emphasis on the DRM+ standard. After presenting the fundamental concepts of the DRM+ standard, comparative analyses are carried out looking for solutions for the maintenance of the current coverage areas as well as the coexistence of analog and digital transmission modes. In this sense, this paper presents a case study based on the Radio UFMG FM - 104.5 MHz, located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, under three different scenarios which consist of hybrid mode, combined radiant system and extended FM. Considering the limitations identified in the hybrid and combined radiant system scenarios and with a glance at the future deployment of the extended FM, this work presents studies on the feasibility of DRM+ transmission simultaneously to the analog transmission, using the maximum available power and suitable frequency separation to eliminate mutual interference. In addition to the technical subsidies presented for decision making on digital radio, this work proved the possibility of joint digital and analog radio transmissions with satisfactory quality of reception and the provision of interactive services of the DRM+ standard, among others.