ABSTRACT
The consumer to use the Radio Data System (RDS) information being broadcast, he or she must purchase a specially-equipped receiver. The RDS receiver uses an RDS decoder Integrated Circuit that demodulates the subcarrier data into a continuous stream of Logic l's and O's, then passes that stream to a microprocessor. Microprocessors are used in all electronically-tuned receivers. The microprocessor then decodes the digital information back into its functional group for use by the receiver-tuner, or displays it to the consumer via an alphanumeric display. RDS receivers typically have additional push buttons on the front panel that allow the consumer to select and activate certain features. The RDS and Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) systems are nearly identical. The RBDS system standard provides the framework around which an entire industry can be built. The RBDS standard provides the coordination that allows some 6,000 broadcasters and dozens of equipment manufacturers to provide a consistent and uniform technology to listeners.
