Low Cost DRM Transmitter for Rural Communications

Abstract

Present broadcasting system uses Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) for broadcasting the message (audio mostly). However, each of these systems have their own advantages and shortcomings. For example, AM offers a higher range of operation but suffers from poor broadcast message quality and is highly interrupted by noise present in the environment. FM, on the other hand, has good broadcast message quality, but its range of operation is very limited as compared to AM. To overcome from all these shortcomings and add some more features to the current broadcasting systems, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is introduced. The main task of this thesis is to design and implement DRM transmitter using Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) to make it low cost and more effective for broadcasting. USRP is a cost effective software radio transceiver. This can be used by Indian government's broadcasting agencies like All India Radio as a substitute for present high cost and inefficient technologies. One of its advantages is that it can be the best mode for broadcasting in case of emergencies because of its higher range and good quality of sound at receiver. This makes it an effective technology to use for rural communications, once an effective receiver system is developed.