Siano Launches Advanced Multi-Standard Digital Radio Receiver Chip Supporting T-DMB/DAB/DAB+, DRM+ and Legacy FM Radio

Netanya, Israel, February 26, 2014 – Siano, the world’s leading supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions today announced the launch of SMS2160, a new multi-standard digital radio receiver chip designed for automotive and portable/mobile consumer electronics applications. The SMS2160 is the world’s most versatile digital radio IC to support T-DMB/DAB/DAB+, DRM+, and FM Radio, including RDS/TMC. The newly released chip is particularly addressed to the emerging markets of DAB+ in Europe, and DRM+ in Asia and around the globe.

The SMS2160 is the first chip of its kind to support 2-way antenna diversity (MRC) for DRM+, T-DMB/DAB/DAB+. DRM+ (the FM mode of the all-band Digital Radio Mondiale standard) is the digital open candidate for FM band radio when FM broadcasts start phasing out. An extension of the DRM digital radio broadcasting system, DRM+ works in frequency bands over 30 MHz (Band I, II and III), delivering enhanced audio quality and multimedia broadcasts. With DRM+’s growing popularity worldwide, especially in Asia and Latin America, Siano’s SMS2160 offers users in these regions exceptionally high sensitivity and mobility performance in a variety of mobile devices. 

“We are excited about the prospects of a dedicated DRM+ receiver chip to potentially support India’s massive mobile device market,” said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairman and President of the DRM Association. “The nationwide All India Radio (AIR) DRM Rollout Plan will support digital radio broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects, covering 92% of the country and reaching 99% of the population. Making Siano’s SMS2160 receiver chip available to the national effort open to public and commercial broadcasters will open new horizons for quality mobile broadcasts all over India.”

The SMS2160 is a highly integrated, small-size (5x5 mm) receiver chip with optional 2-way antenna diversity (MRC) and multiple frequency band support: VHF Band III (174-240 MHz), VHF Band I (47-88 MHz), VHF Band II (88-108 MHz), and L1-Band. Tailored to meet the challenging demands of automotive applications, the chip offers superior mobility algorithms and is environmentally friendly (RoHS and REACH compliant).

Samples of the SMS2160 are already in use by select Siano customers including Hirschmann Car Communication, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automobile communications and TV receivers. “The collaboration with Siano provides our customers with high value for their automotive infotainment applications,” said Thomas Adam, Head of Development at Hirschmann Car Communication. “This new Siano receiver chip delivers uncompromised performance and will allow us to expand our global customer base. This is the high level of quality and reliability we have come to depend on from Siano.”

Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano, comments, “The increased popularity of DRM+ technology translates into winning partnerships for Siano’s mobile digital TV solutions. Already having several customers such as Hirschmann Car Communication and others, we are confident that this new chip will lead the steadily growing DRM+ market.”