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2.3.3. RDS Sensitivity
RDS sensitivity is the minimum RF level required to produce an audio output with a specified Block Error Rate
(BLER), 5%. BLER is a ratio of the number of data blocks received with at least one un-correctable bit to the
number of blocks received.
1. Connect test equipment as shown in Figures 1, 2, or 3.
2. Configure the tuner in standard configuration.
3. Set RDS ON.
4. Configure generator #1:
a. Set carrier frequency = 98.1 MHz.
b. Set RF level = 15 µV (target sensitivity level).
c. Select stereo modulation.
i. Set FM Deviation = 22.5 kHz.
ii. Set L = R.
iii. Set source = LFGEN.
iv. Set LFGEN frequency = 1 kHz.
v. Set Pre-emphasis = 75 µs.
vi. Set Pilot = ON.
vii. Set Pilot Deviation = 6.75 kHz.
viii.Set RDS = ON.
ix. Set RDS Deviation = 2 kHz.
x. Set RDS Data Set = 1.
xi. Set Traffic Announcement = OFF.
xii. Set Traffic Program = OFF.
d. Enable modulation.
e. Enable carrier.
5. Disable generator #2.
6. Adjust generator #1 RF level, VRF0, until BLER = 5%.*
7. Sensitivity (µV) = VRF0.
*Note: Block Error Rate (BLER) measurement settles approximately in 20 seconds. Because the Silicon Laboratories auto-
mated test system configures the generator after the tuner, the BLER reading should be allowed to update twice before
it is considered valid. Alternatively, the tuner could be configured after the generator and the BLER reading would be
valid after one update.
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Rev. 0.2