Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) represents a significant leap forward in radio technology. Compared to traditional analog broadcasting, DAB offers listeners vastly improved sound quality, a greater number of channels, and an array of additional information such as song titles, station information, and more.
This article provides an overview of the DAB frequency list and channels, explaining how they are organized and what listeners can expect.
Table of Contents
What is DAB?
DAB, or Digital Audio Broadcasting, is a digital radio standard used primarily in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. It uses digital encoding to transmit audio and data, allowing for more stations and clearer sound quality, free from the noise and interference typical of analog systems.
DAB Frequency Bands
DAB broadcasts occur within specific frequency ranges, known as bands. The most commonly used bands are:
- Band III: Ranges from 174 MHz to 240 MHz. This band is primarily used for DAB and is the standard band for Europe and most countries that adopt DAB broadcasting.
- L-Band: Used in some countries for local DAB broadcasts, ranging from 1452 MHz to 1492 MHz.
These frequency bands are divided into smaller blocks assigned specific labels, for example, 10A, 10B, etc., each corresponding to a specific frequency range.
DAB Channels and Their Organization
The DAB standard allocates various channels within these bands. Each block or label, such as 10A or 11B, represents a specific frequency. Channels within these blocks carry multiple radio stations using a multiplexing technique. This means multiple audio streams are combined and broadcast simultaneously over a single frequency, and the receiver separates these streams into individual stations.
Here’s an example of how DAB frequencies might be allocated in Band III:
- 5A – 174.928 MHz
- 5B – 176.640 MHz
- 5C – 178.352 MHz
- 5D – 180.064 MHz
- 6A – 181.936 MHz
- 6B – 183.648 MHz
- 6C – 185.360 MHz
- 6D – 187.072 MHz
- …and so on.
Each of these blocks typically carries multiple radio stations. For instance, block 10A might carry a national news station, a music station, and a talk radio station, all accessible through the same frequency.
DAB Frequency Table
Here’s a table showcasing the typical DAB frequencies found in Band III, which is the most common band used for DAB broadcasting across many regions. This table outlines the frequency blocks with their corresponding exact frequencies:
DAB Frequency Table – Band III
| Block | Frequency (MHz) |
|---|---|
| 5A | 174.928 |
| 5B | 176.640 |
| 5C | 178.352 |
| 5D | 180.064 |
| 6A | 181.936 |
| 6B | 183.648 |
| 6C | 185.360 |
| 6D | 187.072 |
| 7A | 188.928 |
| 7B | 190.640 |
| 7C | 192.352 |
| 7D | 194.064 |
| 8A | 195.936 |
| 8B | 197.648 |
| 8C | 199.360 |
| 8D | 201.072 |
| 9A | 202.928 |
| 9B | 204.640 |
| 9C | 206.352 |
| 9D | 208.064 |
| 10A | 209.936 |
| 10B | 211.648 |
| 10C | 213.360 |
| 10D | 215.072 |
| 10N | 210.096 |
| 11A | 216.928 |
| 11B | 218.640 |
| 11C | 220.352 |
| 11D | 222.064 |
| 11N | 217.088 |
| 12A | 223.936 |
| 12B | 225.648 |
| 12C | 227.360 |
| 12D | 229.072 |
| 12N | 224.096 |
| 13A | 230.784 |
| 13B | 232.496 |
| 13C | 234.208 |
| 13D | 235.776 |
| 13E | 237.488 |
| 13F | 239.200 |
Additional Notes:
- The frequencies listed are typically used in European countries. Other regions might have different allocations depending on local regulations.
- The ‘N’ blocks (e.g., 10N, 11N, 12N) are used in some countries for local or regional broadcasts and may not be available everywhere.
This table provides a comprehensive look at the DAB frequency allocations within Band III, which are crucial for broadcasters and receivers to facilitate the transmission and reception of digital radio services.
Benefits of DAB
- Improved Audio Quality: DAB eliminates many of the problems associated with FM radio, such as signal interference and hissing sounds.
- More Choice: Listeners have access to a broader range of radio stations.
- Additional Data Services: DAB can transmit text, images, and dynamic labels alongside audio content.
Considerations
While DAB offers many benefits, it also requires compatible receivers. Unlike FM radio, which can be received on just about any radio, DAB requires a specific DAB receiver. However, many modern car radios and portable radio units now come equipped with DAB capabilities.