Design of FM Broadcast Station
Electronics Engineering Department
School of Engineering and Architecture
Saint Louis University
By:
AGONOY, Jericho
CARREON, Mark
FONTANILLA, Charles Clarence
NAZAL, Christian
PESITO, Zildjian
2609 ECE 4141L H408 T
05 December 2023
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
2
Station Profile and Coverage Area
2
Frequency of Operation
2
License and Permits
3
Coverage Mapping
3
Station and Equipment Layout
4
System Operation
6
Broadcast Station
6
Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
7
Input to the Main Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
7
Output of the Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
7
Transmitter House
7
Equipment and Cables
7
Required Personnel of the Station
11
Antenna and Antenna Tower
12
1
I.
Introduction
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio City is a highly urbanized city and
a prominent urban center in the Philippines. According to the latest UN World
Urbanization Prospects revision, experts estimate the population of Baguio City in 2023
to be around 390,000 (Baguio City Population 2023, n.d.). To address the musical
preferences of the residents, establishing an FM radio station could effectively fulfill the
entertainment needs of the community.
During the global pandemic emergency in 2019, which confined people
worldwide to their homes, mass communication endeavored to provide information about
the situation and educate us on how to cope with it (Bhat, 2022). Digital media has been
dynamic in the past up until now. However, FM Radio, especially FM, was also trying,
despite its numerous limitations, to comfort listeners, providing them with information and
acting as their best friend. Therefore, this paper presents an FM Broadcasting Station
design to provide people with another station to satisfy their amusement and knowledge
needs.
Station Profile and Coverage Area
The intended radio station will be known as DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio. Based in
Baguio City within Luzon, it adopts the DW designation as assigned by the NTC. The
"RB" in the identification signifies the station's commitment to playing Rhythm and Blues
(RnB) music from the 80s to the present and different genres at the request of the
listeners. This ensures the station offers a comforting and soothing musical experience,
catering to people's preferences, especially for R&B tunes.
The radio station will be a Class B broadcast station, meaning listeners can access it,
and it is intended for commercial usage. According to National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC) rules, it will have a transmitter with less than 1kW power, allowing it
to broadcast services for the city's local needs and preferences. It is classified as Class
B because Class A stations are only allowed in Metro-Manila and Metro-Cebu.
The FM broadcast station will be situated near the municipal hall, specifically on Otek
Street. It will operate as an FM station, providing comprehensive radio coverage for the
entire city. To achieve this, the station will implement an omnidirectional radiation pattern
covering the entire city area. According to PhilAtlas (n.d.), the approximate coverage of
the entire city of Baguio is 22.20 square miles. The station may exceed this coverage
estimation to ensure that signals from the FM station reach every part of the city.
Frequency of Operation
The FM Radio Station is assigned to channel 268 with a frequency carrier of
101.5 MHz. The station's channel bandwidth ranges from 101.4 MHz to 101.6 MHz,
covering a total bandwidth length of 200 KHz. The selection of this channel is based on
its availability for FM radio stations in the City of Baguio. Additionally, it falls within the
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recommended frequency of operation, ranging from 88 to 108 MHz, according to the
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) guidelines.
Licenses and Permits
According to the NTC, no radio station is permitted to operate without valid
permits and licenses issued by the authority. Required permits and licenses for
establishing an FM radio station encompass the construction permit, transmitter or
transceiver permit, additional transmitter or transceiver permit, permit for constructing
transmitting and receiving stations, and valid licenses for transmitter or transceiver
operation.
Another essential permit is the processing permit, a written authorization from the
NTC allowing the possession of a transmitter or transceiver. Similarly, the NTC issues an
ownership permit certifying that the permit holder is the rightful owner of the transmitter
or transceiver.
Additionally, beyond the mentioned permits, the radio station owner must
possess a Radio Station License the Secretary of Public Works and Communications
granted to operate a radio station legally. As Section 12 of DO No. 11 stipulated, a radio
station and its equipment can operate without obtaining a radio station license. However,
authorities reserve the right to revoke the station license if the license owner fails to fulfill
responsibilities or violates radio laws and regulations.
II.
Coverage Mapping
The FM Radio Station, DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio, aims to cover the entire Baguio
City, Philippines expanse. The transmitter house for the station is strategically located
near the Good Taste restaurant, as detailed in the station profile provided in the
introduction.
Figure 1 indicates the marked location of the towers in proximity to the Good
Taste Restaurant, Otek Street. The position of the transmitter antenna serves as a
reference point essential for accurately depicting the coverage map of the broadcasting
station. The broadcasting studio employs an omnidirectional pattern, ensuring that the
signal radiates equally on all sides. The signal's radiation extends approximately within a
5-mile radius from the reference point, encompassing the entirety of the city and
reaching small parts of neighboring cities and municipalities.
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Figure 1. Radiation Coverage of DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio
The yellow circle on the map shows the area the broadcast station covers.
Because the transmitter antenna is away from the city's center, the farthest distance
from any barangay to the antenna is about 5 miles or roughly 8.05 km. With the station
using an omnidirectional radiation pattern, the approximate coverage area is around
201.458 square kilometers. Besides Baguio City, the station can also reach parts of La
Trinidad and Tuba in Benguet.
III.
Station and Equipment Layout
Turntables, record racks, office equipment, studio furniture, broadcast transmitter,
and workshop equipment would all be housed in the main layout of the DWRB 101.5
RnB Radio station. Utilities are readily available since the building is situated at the Good
Taste Restaurant’s Building located at Otek Street in Baguio City. For convenience of
access in the event of an emergency, the studio's equipment is arranged between the
announcer's booth and the main control room. The broadcasting studio's floor plan is
presented in Figure 2.
4
In Baguio City, the top level of the Good Taste Building houses the whole DWRB
101.5 RnB Radio station. The Receiving Lobby, where the front desk is situated, will
welcome you as soon as you enter the station. Questions concerning the station will be
addressed in the Receiving Lobby. There are also sofas and seats for visitors and invited
guests to unwind in. The bathroom is immediately to the left. Employees can have lunch
or snack breaks in the station's breakroom. The transmitter house is directly north of the
receiving lobby, with the Master Control Room, the Announcer's Booth, and the DJ's
Booth located down the hallway to its right.
Figure 2: Floor Plan of DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio Station
5
IV.
System Operation
DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio Station's operation is divided into three main sections:
the broadcast studio, transmitter house, and antenna. The block diagram in Figure 3
displays components from both the broadcast studio and transmitter house.
Figure 3: Block Diagram of DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio Station
Broadcast Station
The broadcast studio, which houses necessary equipment such as CD players,
musical instruments, microphones, computers, phone lines, and the EBS Tone
Encoder/Decoder, is the primary location for live broadcasts and audio recordings.
These parts connect to the Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer's input. The main Digital
Broadcast Console/Mixer sends the broadcast studio's output signal to the transmitter
house through a program line.
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●
Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
It is situated in the master control room, announcer's booth, and DJ's booth. USB
and HDMI connectors connect it to computer systems. The broadcast consoles in the
DJs' and announcers' booths are monitored and controlled by the central broadcast
console in the master control room.
●
Input to the Main Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
The Main Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer receives input from various source
equipment, including CD players and musical instruments for audio, microphones for
human speech, and computer systems with compatible software for monitoring and
controlling output levels. The computer can also serve as a source for internet audio and
recorded music. The Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer features a telephone hybrid for
putting callers on air, with signals transmitted between the telephone line and the
console. Additionally, an EBS Tone Encoder/Decoder is utilized for emergency two-tone
signals. RnB Radio station, designated as a non-EBS station, announces emergencies
and directs listeners to an EBS station. Various audio cables and connectors, such as
USB, HDMI, RCA, XLR, TS, TRS, MIDI, and ADAT, establish connections between the
equipment.
●
Output of the Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer
The output of the Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer is connected to the monitor
speakers and the program line that goes to the transmitter house. The audio that is
being broadcast is output by the monitor speakers. The program line carries the output
signal from the Digital Broadcast Console/Mixer into the transmitter building.
Transmitter House
The Transmitter House uses the audio processor and main transmitter to prepare
the signal from the studio for FM broadcasting. The audio processor safeguards against
overmodulation, ensuring a high-quality output. The main transmitter, equipped with an
oscillator, FM modulator, and power amplifier, converts and amplifies the signal. An FM
detector confirms it is indeed FM. The broadcast signal then goes to the antenna. An
auxiliary transmitter serves as a backup if the main one is inactive or under
maintenance.
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Equipment and Cables
This section provides a list of the equipment used in crafting the DWRB 101.5
RnB Radio Station design. The design outlines the functions and specifications of each
piece of equipment employed in the setup.
Table A | Studio Equipment
Equipment
Functions
Specifications
Source Equipment
Sources of audio signal
that are fed into the input
of the broadcast
console/mixer.
Includes a CD player and
other musical instruments
that can be connected to
the Digital Broadcast
Console/ Mixer.
Computer System
Used for internet access,
playback of recorded
music, or audio editing and
production.
A complete basic set of
computer with at least a 21
inch HD display monitor, a
full-sized keyboard, and a
regular mouse.
The computer must have
an 8GB RAM for memory,
256 GB SSD and a
processor with 2.5GHz
Clock speed which is
capable of running modern
operating systems and
other softwares needed for
audio editing, production,
and radio automation.
Microphones (Dynamic
Microphone)
Digital Broadcast Console/
Mixer
A transducer that converts
sound into electrical
signals. Dynamic
Microphones are able to
handle high levels of sound
without much distortion
which makes them great
choices when recording
distinct sound sources, live
performances, and musical
instruments (Fox, n.d.).
Frequency Response: 50
Hz to 15 kHz
Takes input from multiple
audio sources and allows
users to control the
different channels such
selecting channels control
At least 5 microphone
inputs, 5 stereo inputs, a
built-in telephone hybrid, a
digital in/out, and a
USB/HDMI port to be able
Sound Pressure Level: 94
dB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: -54.5 dB
8
the volume. It has ample
channels to accommodate
all audio sources and
easily visible level meters
with sliding controles.
to directly connect to a
computer.
An equipment that listens
for emergency alerts on
other stations and sends
them out over the
airwaves. For Low Power
FM broadcast stations,
FCC requires a working
EBS decoder to announce
that there is an emergency.
Must have EAS protocol
per FCC rules.
Monitor Primary EBS
stations and receive
notification of emergency
through network facilities,
press wires, off-the-air
monitoring of primary
station or primary relay
station.
Must include EAS protocol
per FCC rules.
Monitor Speakers
Allows the DJ and
Announcer to listen to what
they are playing.
Must be unported since the
booths are closed areas.
Telephone System
Used to put callers on the
air.
A telephone connected to
a telephone line and
telephone Hybrid is
required to feed the signal
from the phone line into the
console, and feed another
signal back to the caller.
Audio Cables and
Connectors
Transmit audio signals
from one place to another.
Different assortment of
connectors are needed to
make custom cables which
depend upon the
equipment used.
Must be compatible with
the connectors and ports of
the microphone, broadcast
console, and other
equipment.
Emergency Broadcast
System (EBS)
Encoder/Decoder
EBS Monitor Receiver
The EAS codes must use
Audio Frequency Shift
Keying (Monroe
Electronics, 2004)
Tuner is receiving the
assigned source of
emergency notifications.
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Table B | Transmitter House Equipment
Equipment
Functions
Specifications
Audio Processor
Ensures that the amplitude
of the audio signal does
not exceed the limit given
by FCC. Prevent
overmodulation that could
cause splatter on other
frequencies and decrease
the quality of the resulting
signal.
Maximum amount of
deviation must be ±75kHz
as per NTC standards.
Main Transmitter
Modulates the audio signal
from sound waves into a
RF signal that FM
receivers can detect.
Must have indicators to
show which part of the
transmitter is working or
not.
Contains the Modulator,
Oscillator, and the Power
Amplifier.
Must have RF Power
Detector to ensure that the
output signal is RF signal.
Frequency range must
cover the 101.5 MHz
carrier specification of the
radio station.
Power range must cover at
most 1kW as per NTC
standard for Class B
station
Must have a digital
modulator to modulate the
signal to RF.
Auxiliary Transmitter.
Serves as the backup
transmitter in the event that
the main transmitter is not
operational or in
maintenance.
Must have indicators to
show which part of the
transmitter is working or
not.
Must have RF Power
Detector to ensure that the
output signal is RF 14
signal.
Frequency range must
cover the 101.5 MHz
carrier specification of the
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radio station.
Power range must cover at
most 1kW as per NTC
standard for Class B
station
Must have a digital
modulator to modulate the
signal to RF
Required Personnel of the Station
Figure 4: Organizational Chart of DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio Station
Description of Work
1. Announcer - The announcer serves as the radio station's voice. Unlike real DJs,
announcers are also in charge of reciting public service announcements and ads.
According to Sokanu (n.d.), the announcer needs a bachelor's degree in
journalism, broadcast technology, mass communication, or media studies.
2. Chief Engineer - The chief engineer verifies that every piece of equipment
satisfies the requirements necessary for optimal broadcasting. In addition, he is
in charge of keeping an eye on the technicians throughout a live broadcast. In
addition, he ensures that the radio station complies with Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Furthermore, according to the R.A., The chief engineer
has to have completed the ECT exam as a minimum prerequisite—Electronics
Engineering Law of 2004 No. 9292.
3. Broadcast Maintenance Engineer- The radio station's equipment maintenance,
installation, and troubleshooting fall under the purview of the maintenance
engineer (Planetary Group, n.d.).
4. Music Director - The music director manages the radio station's music library. In
addition, he is in charge of establishing connections and networking with
representatives from the music industry (Planetary Group, n.d.).
5. On-Air Personality (DJ) - The DJ, instead of the announcer, is the program's
host. They are pretty vocal and animated, which keeps the audience interested.
A bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcast technology, mass communication,
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6.
7.
8.
9.
V.
or media studies is required for the DJ, the same as for the Announcer (Indeed,
2021).
Production Director - The production director makes sure that everything about
production runs well. He produces advertising that the station may choose to air,
arranges the scheduling of announcers, handles the logistics, and records artist
sessions (Planetary Group, n.d.).
Program Director - One of the most significant employees at the radio station is
the program director because it is up to him to determine which shows air. The
primary responsibilities of a program director are to oversee the creation of
material, curation, and scheduling (Planetary Group, n.d.).
Promotions Director - The promotions director collaborates with the program
director, advertisers, and sales staff to create on-air promotions for the radio
station. He collaborates with several radio station divisions, especially sales and
marketing, to devise promotional events and other means of creating publicity
(Planetary Group, n.d.).
Station Manager - The radio station's manager is in charge of everything. He is
in charge of allocating duties, organizing timetables, determining and organizing
financial objectives, and ensuring everything complies with rules and laws
(Planetary Group, n.d.).
Antenna and Antenna Tower
● Antenna Type
As previously said in this essay, DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio is a broadcast station
and transmitter located next to the Baguio City Municipal Hall to serve Baguio City,
Philippines. Omnidirectional antennas have a coverage area comparable to an isotropic
antenna, which is circular and transmits signals in the H plane in all directions, according
to Balanis and Ioannides (2004). Directed antennas, on the other hand, are limited in
their connectivity to a single direction of transmission and reception (Hurley et al., 2007).
Therefore, omnidirectional antennas will be more advantageous for sending and
receiving signals throughout Baguio City and the surrounding towns and cities. An
omnidirectional antenna's radiation pattern in the vertical and horizontal planes is
depicted in Figure 5 respectively.
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Figure 5: Radiation Pattern of Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna
Given the omnidirectional antenna's radiation pattern above, RnB Radio's antenna will
be an Omnidirectional Circular Polarized antenna, which radiates energy in the
horizontal, vertical, and other planes in between to take advantage of the 360-degree
coverage and compensates for signal losses (FRC group, n.d.). Because of this, the
antenna can send and receive messages despite light barriers and bad weather. The
diagram for circular polarization is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Circular Polarization (Red Line)
The dipole antenna is among the most widely used omnidirectional antennas. Its
construction uses a conductive tube whose length is half the wavelength of the
maximum working frequency (Roshni, n.d.). This divides the dipole in half so that the
transmission line powers each quarter wavelength conductor rod (Ciciora, 2004).
13
Nevertheless, when these dipoles function independently, they are only linearly
polarized. Figure 7 presents the Crossed V-dipole Antenna which will be used to achieve
circular polarization. For consistent omnidirectional coverage, the crossed V dipoles are
installed on the side of an antenna tower (Rathod & Kosta, 2015). Its gain and coverage
area increase when two or more identical antennas are stacked.
Figure 7: Crossed V-dipole Antenna
The analysis by Mappatao and Jimenez (2018) provided the basis for the
antenna's length, with the boom and arm lengths equal to λ/4, the diameter equal to
λ/120, and an offset angle of 90 degrees between the two dipole arms. Furthermore, the
wavelength and the distance between the two bays are the same.
The wavelength of the antenna is calculated by dividing the maximum frequency
of the station's operation by the wave velocity in air, which is 3x10^8. Since RnB Radio
will use 101.5 MHz, 2.95 m will be the computed wavelength and the separation
between the antenna's bays. Furthermore, the antenna will have a diameter of 24.583
mm and a boom and arm length of 0.738 m.
In the Philippines, the most used antenna system for FM broadcasting is a
four-bay array arrangement. The antenna tower's four-bay array is pictured in Figure 8.
The JAMPRO JCPB Side mount antenna, which has a circular polarization and the same
parameters as a crossed v-dipole antenna, is also the basis for this design. Furthermore,
the chosen frequency of 101.5 MHz is in the JAMPRO Antenna's frequency range. The
antenna has a 1.25:1 VSWR. Additionally, the antenna has a maximum power rating of
10kW, a gain of 4.9dB, and a power gain of 1.95x.
14
Figure 8: Four-bay Antenna
●
Antenna Tower
DWRB 101.5 RnB Radio's antenna tower will be 50 meters tall. This is the
average height of an antenna tower in Baguio City, and a minimum transmitter
power of 1kW, which is in accordance with KBP guidelines for FM transmission.
The antenna tower will be orange and white in equal lengths, with three red
beacon lights: one at the top and two at half the antenna's height. These
parameters are in compliance with the FCC's aviation safety standards.
15
VI.
References
Baguio City Population 2023. (n.d.).
https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/baguio-city-population
Baguio. PhilAtlas. (n.d.). https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/car/baguio.html
Balanis, C. A., & Ioannides, P. I. (n.d.). Omnidirectional Antennas. In Introduction to
Smart Antennas (p. 22). Morgan and Claypool
Bhat, S. (2022). The role of mass communication in managing public health
emergencies: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Public Health
Management, 20(3), 234-242.
Ciciora, W., Farmer, J., Large, D., & Adams, M. (n.d.). Signal Reception. In Modern
Cable Television Technology (Second Edition ed., pp. 287-332).
10.1016/B978-155860828-3/50009-6
Colin. (2022, August 28). Chapter 6: The Complete Recording Studio Equipment List. E.
Retrieved December 3, 2023, from
https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/recording-studio-equipment-list/
FRC Group. (n.d.). Why Circular Polarization Antenna? FRC.
https://cdn.thomasnet.com/ccp/10014548/223252.pdf
Hurley, C., Rogers, R., Thornton, F., Connelly, D., & Baker, B. (2007). Understanding
Antennas and Antenna Theory. In WarDriving and Wireless Penetration Testing
(pp. 31-61). 10.1016/B978-159749111-2/50027-1
Mappatao, G. P., & Tumaliuan-Jimenez, P. (n.d.). Characterization and Optimization of a
Collinear Array of Circularly Polarized Side-Mounted Elements. Indonesian
Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, 8(3), 486-493.
10.11591/ijeei.v8i3.1279
Omnidirectional antenna radiation patterns explained. MP Antenna. (2023, August 23).
https://www.mpantenna.com/omnidirectional-antenna-radiation-patterns/
Planetary Group. (n.d.). Types of Radio Station Jobs | Radio Station Staff & Personnel.
Planetary Group.
https://www.planetarygroup.com/music-promotion-guide/radio-station-personnel/
Rathod, J. M., & Kosta, Y. P. (n.d.). Development of Crossed V-Dipoles Antenna for FM
Broadcasting. 10.13140/RG.2.1.4703.1525
Republic Act No. 9292. (2004, April 17). Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/04/17/republic-act-no-9292/
Roshni, Y. (n.d.). Half Wave Dipole Antenna. Electronics Desk.
https://electronicsdesk.com/half-wave-dipole-antenna.html
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