DAB Certification for In-Vehicle Radios in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

What is DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting)?

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is the third generation of radio broadcasting, following AM and FM analog broadcasting. It represents a revolutionary advancement in broadcasting technology. DAB not only transmits audio but also delivers related information such as traffic updates, weather forecasts, and news, and can even transmit images.

Compared to traditional broadcasting (FM and AM), DAB has several advantages, including strong resistance to noise and interference, as well as low signal attenuation, which allows for a longer transmission range and wider coverage. One of the key differences between DAB and traditional radio is that DAB provides CD-quality sound and supports multimedia content reception, including text, data, images, and videos, as well as real-time information updates. Therefore, DAB is not limited to audio broadcasting services but also plays a crucial role in data and multimedia broadcasting services.

DAB+ Requirements in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Saudi Arabia has implemented legislation requiring that, from January 2021, household receivers, portable receivers, and in-vehicle receivers must be equipped with DAB+. Meanwhile, the UAE released the USE.S 5201:2018 standard for AM/FM/DAB+ radio receivers in 2018. The UAE has mandated that from 2020, at least 50% of vehicles sold in the country must include a DAB receiver, increasing to 100% from 2024 onwards.

DAB+ Certification Testing Items

Standards:

1. GSO 2693:2022 (Gulf Cooperation Council)

2. SASO 2938:2019 (Saudi Arabia)

3. UAE.S 5201:2018 (United Arab Emirates)

Testing Items:

1. General requirements

2. RF (Radio Frequency) requirements

3. DAB+ channel decoding requirements

4. Audio decoding requirements

5. Functionality and user interface

6. Announcement signaling and switching, service labels

DAB+ Certification Process

1. Application Submission: Submit the application form and relevant documents to China JJR Laboratory.

2. Testing Preparation: Prepare the testing equipment and environment.

3. Testing Execution: Perform the necessary testing items.

4. Certification Review: Review the test results and related documents.

5. Certificate Issuance: Issue the TDRA certificate.