Signal Generator for Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)
The digital signal generator software Spark is a realtime modulator for
- Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) for Digital Audio & Data
- Amplitude Modulation Signalling System (AMSS) for AM Audio
- Radio Data System (RDS) for FM Audio
and the Multiplex Distribution Interface (MDI) standard. The software supports all code rates, bandwidths and robustness modes (A, B, C, D, E) published in the DRM standard as well as all mapping schemes, such as Standard Mapping with 4, 16 and 64 QAM, Symmetrical Hierarcical Mapping and Mixed Hierarchical Mapping.
xHE-AAC Audio Coding
Spark supports real-time audio encoding of four independent xHE-AAC audio streams. It uses the audio interface of your computer to capture the audio signals, encode them and transport the audio inside a DRM broadcast. The AES/EBU standard can be used to connect to your broadcast studio equipment.
DRM Content Management
Spark may also serve as content managmenet engine and modulator for DRM30 and DRM+. It supports the Multiplex Distribution Interface (MDI) as a server and as a client. Prominent use cases of Spark include:
- DRM receiver testing and validation.
- DRM exciter testing and validation (via RF or AES3/EBU).
- MDI stream reception and OFDM signal generation.
- MDI stream generation.
- IP for custom DRM solutions.
- Teaching and training.
Download Trial Version
The trial version is provided for software evaluation purposes (not for commercial use).
Please fill out the following form to request a copy of the latest Spark trial version:
The software has been designed to be ...
Multi-Standard
Spark allows for broadcasting or receiver testing using DRM, DRM+, AM+AMSS or FM+RDS. It can be configured to work as a DRM content provider for MDI content streaming as well as standalone MDI to OFDM modulation. Spark was designed to run on Windows and Linux, allowing maximum flexibility for your test platform.
Automated
The build in automation features in Spark allows for remote-controlled (via Python) or time-scheduled settings and broadcasts for all radio standards and modes. This makes it possible to automatically test your multistandard receiver with different radio signals using one single test signal source.
Low-Cost
Spark is the low-cost entry-level solution for broadcasters and DRM system developers. The software includes the most important broadcasting applications without the need of expensive professional digital radio broadcasting equipment. This makes the software ideal for regional broadcasting, DRM field trials, system evaluation and testing.
Flexible
Spark provides numerous input and output options and can be used standalone or integrated and customized for your specific needs. Furthermore, the software can be used with external RF devices such as the Lime SDR, DiRaGen USB, National Instruments DAQ USB devices and Ettus USRP device. In terms of hardware, Spark is plug and play. All configuration options can be changed, loaded and saved without interruption of the active broadcast.
User Friendly
The user interface (UI) of the Spark transmitter software was designed for maximum user-friendlyness and to be intuitive to use. UI elements are designed with respect to the requirement of the digital radio architecture in order to guide the user through the configuration of the application.
Proven DRM Receiver Compatibility
Spark was successfully tested against major hardware- and software-based DRM receivers in the market, such as:
- The Fraunhofer Softwareradio software DRM receiver v4.0.4 (MDI and OFDM)
- The Dream software DRM receiver
- The SoDiRa software DRM and DRM+ receiver
Licensed Version
The licensed version of Spark is available for Windows and Linux and will be provided as a download or on a CD. In addition to the features of the trial version, the licensed version offers:
- Commercial use
- No time limitation for broadcasts
- Up to 4x audio or data streams for DRM
- xHE-AAC and HE-AAC support
- Full DRM text-message support
Please have a look at the Spark licensing options 
. If you like to receive a quotation, please get in touch with us via e-mail to 
or use the trial version form below.
For tailored features, please feel encouraged to add your ideas and requirements to your message.
Screenshots
DRM Content Manager: DRM stream and service configuration panel showing an xHE-AAC service, a MOT slideshow service and a PRBS service.
The streams and their respective bitrates are listed in the table and the bar at the bottom of the window shows the MSC bandwidth occupation.
Transmitter Panel: Mapping, coding and OFDM configuration. In the example, DRM Robustness Mode A is configured together with soft-clipping OFDM predistortion.
OFDM Output Panel: The baseband transmission window shows that the PC soundcard is used as audio input and OFDM output device.
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