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Dielectric will introduce a new advanced filter topology solution at the 2023 NAB Show that it says will be the industry’s first “switchless switch,” allowing FM engineers to proof and troubleshoot transmission feeds without a dedicated RF switch. The innovation reimagines RF filter topology as an analysis and troubleshooting point for FM radio engineers. It allows broadcasters to proof feeds within the filter as they exit the transmitter and approach the RF load or the antenna.
Designed primarily for low-power broadcasters, Dielectric’s new product eliminates the traditional RF switch and other interconnections between the filter and transmitter. This novel “switchless switch” approach creates a single unit that the company says is easy to install and manage and is also easy on budgets.
“The LPTV repack phase gave us a new perspective on the challenges that low-power broadcasters face with the footprint, costs and maintenance of their RF systems,” said Cory Edwards, Southeast Asia sales and OEM manager for Dielectric. “We heard from many of our customers that a single solution to send FM feeds directly into the antenna and dummy load would make their lives easier. We began developing a solution that would meet this demand.”
More than reducing costs and footprints
Dielectric says this switchless switch does more than reduce costs and footprints — many low-power broadcasters already operate RF systems without the switch to save costs. The RF switch, required in most higher-power systems, brings value when proofing the transmitter. If a problem with the transmitter or feed is detected, the RF switch allows the engineer to troubleshoot and take quick, decisive action.
“The absence of a coaxial or waveguide switch means that the broadcaster cannot isolate the load and determine the problem,” said Edwards. “Our advanced filter topology builds these capabilities into the filter design. Even without a dedicated RF switch, the broadcaster can now isolate the load and pinpoint whether the problem is in the transmitter, the transmission line or the antenna.”
The broadcaster is not only saving money from fewer components — they can now problem-solve on the spot
Cory Edwards, Southeast Asia sales and OEM manager for Dielectric
In addition to eliminating the dedicated switch, Dielectric’s solution eliminates plumbing systems and interconnecting components that absorb space inside the facility. “The broadcaster is not only saving money from fewer components — they can now problem-solve on the spot,” said Edwards. “That means fewer troubleshooting calls to suppliers and a much lower chance of expensive disaster recovery missions that require outside engineering assistance.”
In addition to Dielectric’s demonstration of this technology at the 2023 NAB Show (booth W3601), Dielectric electrical engineer Anthony Traviglini will present a paper on the topic as part of the Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference. Traviglini’s presentation, Utilizing Advanced Filter Topology as Your New Switch, takes place Tuesday, April 18, at 10.40 a.m. in Rooms W216-218.
