Las Vegas - Apr 11, 2008 - Nautel has introduced a new technology that will allow HD Radio broadcasters to increase digital transmitter power while improving efficiency. Nautel calls this technology HD Power Boost, which will be available on its new transmitters introduced at the NAB Show.

Nautel Research Engineer Philipp Schmid will discuss the company's patent-pending technology in a session during the Broadcast Engineering Conference. IBOC signals require a widely varying signal envelope. The peak power compared to the average power in the signal is defined as the peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR). According to Schmid, "The ideal IBOC signal exhibits a PAPR of more than 12dB, requiring significant input back off, seriously limiting the transmitter's output power capability and efficiency."

By using advanced algorithms, peak power requirements are reduced, allowing new Nautel transmitters to transmit higher digital power levels while at the same time achieving greater transmitter efficiency. Nautel notes that this effect is even more pronounced at higher digital carrier injection levels.