Nautel Introduces New Digital Ensemble At NAB 2004

Bangor, ME (April 16, 2004) Nautel will introduce their new digital ensemble the Jazz 1000 Watt AM Transmitter, Maestro FM Exciter and Virtuoso 10kW FM Transmitter. All are specifically designed for HD Radio transmission and seamless integration with Nautel's NE IBOC digital generator.

The Jazz, J1000 is a 1 kW AM Transmitter in a compact 19 inch rack mount value package available for overnight shipment. It employs Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology to produce logic level RF drive and modulation encoding. Ultra linear extended band performance supports both HD Radio and DRM digital transmission formats. Intuitive control and monitoring is provided through software driven 240 x 64 Graphic in conjunction with a diagnostic flow diagram. The redundant modular design has two complete and independent 500 Watt wideband power modules comprising high efficiency RF amplifier, modulator, switch Mode power supply and integral ventilation fan. The J1000 has provision for 6 pre-set RF power levels. In addition, the controller can program a full year of 12 month automatic, timed power level selections for Day Timer applications.

The Maestro, M50 is a new 50 Watt Direct-to-Digital Exciter for FM and HD Radio. It employs advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology enabling direct conversion of the audio source to the low level FM signal. The exciter accepts data from Nautel's NE IBOC generator to produce either a hybrid or all-digital HD Radio signal. A digital process compensates for non-linearities that may be introduced by the transmitter amplifiers and antenna system. The adaptive pre-distortion and pre-equalization ensures the hybrid HD Radio signal is transmitted within spectral limits avoiding the necessity for supplementary filtering. The M50 is fully wideband and suitable for N+1 applications. Up to six pre-selections are available to operate the exciter on any combination of channel, power level or audio source. Advanced control and monitoring includes an LCD Graphic display, status flow diagram and event log. Universal AC voltages between 90 V and 264 V are accommodated.

The Virtuoso, V10 is a 10kW FM - HD Radio transmitter employing a linear, adjustable bias, broadband design. It is capable of up to 3.2kW digital, 7.7kW hybrid or 11kW analog operation. Frequency agile, it is also ideal for N+1 configurations in conjunction with the Maestro digital exciter. RF power modules and associated switch mode power supply modules are hot-plug for ease of service. Maximum redundancy features include provision for duplication of exciters, IPA and IPA - power supply and low voltage power supply. The V10 features a sophisticated graphic user interface, diagnostic flow diagram and event log. Compact and light weight construction allows installation at sites with space and floor loading constraints.

The new models will complement Nautel's existing range of high power AM and FM solid state transmitters. A range of FM-hybrid HD Radio packages address both separate and common amplification requirements, including space combining. International broadcasters already employ Nautel medium wave transmitters for DRM digital transmission.