WorldDAB member focus - Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT
17.04.2020
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- Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT
WorldDAB Member
- Germany 
by Rebecca Keene, Stakeholder Relations Manager, WorldDAB
Q&A with Horst Heringklee, Product Manager, Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT
What markets does your company support and what solutions do you provide?
The Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT covers a number of different markets. For Digital Radio applications, we have two main fields - equipment for receiver testing and broadcast systems. We’ve provided systems for DAB encoding and multiplexing to a number of broadcasters and network operators - including NRK in Norway and Media Broadcast in Germany.
Furthermore, most of the car manufacturers, suppliers and chip manufacturers use our Signal Generator and RF Recorders to perform DAB tuner and applications tests.
Beyond that, IZT builds high-quality RF equipment for different markets. Recently, we introduced new solutions for Radio Direction Finding which are, for example, used in Air Traffic Control (ATC) applications.
Can you tell us about your most recent projects?
DAB Regionalisation
Just recently, we worked with Bayern Digital Radio and Funkhaus Regensburg to deploy a concept for regionalisation of commercial radio programmes. We expect similar projects to be implemented in other DAB ensembles.
DAB Modulator
The IZT T1000 can be used to modulate DAB signals, for example to test receivers during development or in production testing.
The Broadcast Modulator is based on a fully reconfigurable universal hardware platform including a powerful PC. All input, modulation and RF parameters can be controlled via LAN. In addition, the device can be controlled and monitored via SNMP or SCPI.
The DAB ContentServer can be connected to the IZT T1000 or it can be installed in the IZT T1000 to have a really compact DAB Signal generator for laboratory use and production testing.
FIGURE 2: DAB multiplex configurations may be conveniently configured via a web GUI
Mobile and Rugged Receiver
The IZT R5070 is a portable and ruggedised wideband receiver. It is designed for applications requiring moderate bandwidths, moderate power consumption and unattended, autonomous operation such as long-term spectrum monitoring and detection and locating transmitters.
Radio Direction Finders
With the IZT R5506 and IZT R5509, we introduced a new gerneration of Radio Direction Finders (RDF). We are currently in the process of installing a system for EUROCONTROL, where our DF systems will support the work of Air Traffic Control (ATC) operators by localizing and identifying aircrafts.
What do your customers value most from your solutions?
Apart from the technical quality of our products, our customers value the problem-solving competencies of our experts. IZT has made a name for itself worldwide as a customer-oriented and technology-driven company. Many renowned companies and state institutions already rely on our competence, experience and discretion.
When testing radio receivers for DAB, it is important to cover the whole range of DAB functionality. On one side, encoding and signaling needs to be tested in compliance with the DAB specification, while on the other hand, reception conditions also need to be considered. Finally, the relation between DAB services and other bearers such as FM needs to be taken into account. Chip set manufacturers, suppliers and car manufacturers need to cover a variety of testing scenarios as automotive radio receivers are becoming more and more complex, and user experience increasingly important.
Combining the IZT S1000/IZT S1010 Signal Generator family with the IZT DAB ContentServer Encoding and Multiplexer system is one of the most eficient ways to put DAB receivers to the test.
What advice would you give someone considering deploying DAB?
When looking for technical equipment, we advise to put a focus on how different components in the chain fit together and interrelate. This applies for the different components in the transmission chain, as well as for the transmission system in relation to the receivers in the field.
WorldDAB member IZT is there to help when it comes to testing automotive entertainment systems or for providing DAB head ends. Our customers benefit from our expertise in both fields. Sometimes we put broadcasters and car manufacturers in contact to jointly solve specific issues.
FIGURE 2: Recording HF signals during test drives