UECP

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With UECP is Universal Encoder Communication Protocol refers. It is used for digital communication and control between a broadcasting studio of a radio station and the operated VHF transmitters.

In September 2006 the RDS Universal Encoder Communication Protocol (RDS: Radio Data System ) appeared in the version 6.02 as publication SPB490 of the RDS forum, the association of the RDS users. Version 6.02 is backwards compatible with version 5.1 of August 22, 1997 , which has been supplemented with additional ODA message element commands.

Broadcasting companies and operators of transmitter networks are striving to harmonize the RDS encoder transmission protocols in order to standardize RDS transmission systems and make them interchangeable. This would increase the choice of components on the market for the broadcasters and thus reduce the costs caused by competition. The interchangeability of z. B. RDS encoders or RDS network servers mean that, together with their own products, better adapted and more individual solutions for broadcasters and operators of broadcasting networks could be created from a larger range.

Most protocols have similar functional elements, but their function differs significantly depending on the environment in which they are operated. The structure, function and addressing of the networks under consideration and the data structures within the individual encoders often differ significantly. The SBP490 specification therefore assumes standardized requirements for the encoders and the environmental conditions.

The specification describes these unified models and a universal, layer-based protocol. This protocol is based on the ISO / OSI recommendations, which include all current properties of the RDS system described in the IEC / EN 62106: 2000 specification. UECP can also take advantage of new developments, such as B. ODA, provided they have been standardized beforehand. ODA ( Open Data Application ) will u. a. used to transmit Radiotext plus and TMC traffic information.

The described, unified encoder model and the described protocols also provide a template according to which new products can be introduced. A new encoder or network server does not have to have all functions that are described and possible. But the functions used must meet the UECP specifications.

The UECP covers the requirements of large and small RDS data networks; it allows communication between the components in one or both directions; requested and spontaneous responses from the components involved are also possible. This requires a layered approach to network addressing for location, encoder, and feature selection. An adaptable frame format with clearly defined start and stop bytes is used for this. Compression takes place before network transmission.

UECP messages are divided into the following nine categories:

  • RDS message commands
  • Transparent data commands
  • Paging commands
  • Commands for controlling and setting the time (Clock setting and control)
  • RDS adjustment and control
  • ARI adjustment and control (ARI: Automobile driver broadcast information )
  • Control and set-up commands
  • Interactive commands for remote control and remote setting (bidirectional commands (remote configuration commands))
  • specific message commands

In the last category, special commands with a manufacturer ID are possible. The manufacturer ID is available from the RDS Forum.

Contents overview

The following is described in the UECP specification (extract from the table of contents):

  • Environment model
    • Addressing method for devices
  • Encoder model
    • Software model
    • Hardware model
  • Transmission modes
    • One-way transmission
    • Transmission in both directions with expected response
    • Transmission in both directions with spontaneous response
  • Protocol description
    • physical level
    • Connection level
    • Message field format
    • Message fields
    • Description of data handling
  • Message description
    • List of all permitted commands
    • Command format
    • Command overview
  • attachment
    • Checksum method
    • glossary
    • Abbreviations overview
    • Overview of manufacturers and transmitter operators for the manufacturer-specific commands
    • Overview of the RDS message commands
    • Summary of changes for this specification

See also

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  1. ↑ SPB 490 Universal Encoder Communication Protocol (UECP) specification ( Memento of April 3, 2007 in the Internet Archive )