SmartGen Micro – Basic RDS/RBDS Encoder

RDS/RBDS is one of the core competencies of DEVA. Thus, all encoders can display artist and title information on the receivers.

Yes, all DEVA’s RDS Encoders are 100% compatible with the US RBDS.

In order for an RDS presence to each station to be added, you would need the following equipment - one basic RDS/RBDS encoder per transmitter (SmartGen Micro or SmartGen 3.1) for static RDS/RBDS services, an advanced encoder (SmartGen Mini, SmartGen 4.1, SmartGen 5.0, SmartGen 6.0) and associated data link for dynamic RDS/RBDS services.

Usually the encoder is connected between the stereo generator (if one is used) and the FM exciter (RF modulator). Since some FM exciters, have a separate input for "RDS" or "SUBCARRIERS", the encoder could also be connected there. In case the Studio Transmitter Links (STLs) carry a composite (multiplex) signal, the encoder can also be connected at the studio.

If a valid synchronization signal is not present (no signal or a signal out of the 19 kHz ±2Hz range), DEVA’s encoder will switch automatically to an internal reference.

All DEVA Encoders, except for SmartGen Micro and SmartGen 3.1, are fully compliant with EBU SPB490 Ver.7.05. (UECP stands for Universal Encoder Communication Protocol for RDS.)

As defined in the RDS IEC 62106 and RBDS standards, the PS can be up to eight characters in length (including spaces) and can be as simple as the station’s call letters: KWOW or KWOW FM, or a slogan: NEWSTALK or LIVE 95. Any name longer than 8 characters should be shortened to suit that requirement (see "What is Dynamic PS").

The 'Dynamic' PS, allows longer messages to be displayed. This function is available on all DEVA encoders. As the dynamic PS is strictly forbidden in some countries, we recommend you to check your local regulations prior to using this function. For further information, refer to the RDS Standard.

The Program type (PTY) is an identification number that is being transmitted with each program item. It is intended to specify the current Program Type. The RDS PTY codes are defined by the CENELEC standard, the PTY codes for the U.S version (RBDS) are defined in the NRSC 4-B standard, available at www.nrscstandards.org. Below you will find a list with the available codes.

PTY code	RDS Program type	RBDS Program type
0	None	None
1	News	News
2	Current Affairs	Information
3	Information	Sports
4	Sport	Talk
5	Education	Rock
6	Drama	Classic Rock
7	Culture	Adult Hits
8	Science	Soft Rock
9	Varied	Top 40
10	Pop Music	Country
11	Rock Music	Oldies
12	Easy Listening	Soft
13	Light Classical	Nostalgia
14	Serious Classical	Jazz
15	Other Music	Classical
16	Weather	Rhythm and Blues
17	Finance	Soft R & B
18	Children's Progs	Foreign Language
19	Social Affairs	Religious Music
20	Religion	Religious Talk
21	Phone In	Personality
22	Travel	Public
23	Leisure	College
24	Jazz Music	Unassigned
25	Country Music	Unassigned
26	National Music	Unassigned
27	Oldies Music	Unassigned
28	Folk Music	Unassigned
29	Documentary	Weather
30	Alarm Test	Emergency Test
31	Alarm	Emergency

The RDS/RBDS encoders’ signals are generated digitally. Which means that the signals are constructed mathematically using DSP and then converted by a D/A converter into the analog form.