IEC 62106-9:2021

Radio Data System (RDS) - VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz - Part 9: RBDS - RDS variant used in North America

IEC 62106-9:2021 specifies the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which is an RDS-compatible variant used in countries of North America. RBDS was first standardized by the U.S. National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) in 1993 and subsequently revised in 1998, 2004, 2005 and 2011 . With the publication of this edition of IEC 62106, the RDS and RBDS standards are now harmonized into a single document. The frequency range of operation (64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz as indicated by the title of this document) varies according to regional regulatory authority. The U.S. range is 88 MHz to 108 MHz, as set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-May-2021
• ICS: 33.060.01 - Radiocommunications in general
• ICS: 33.160.20 - Radio receivers
• ICS: 33.170 - Television and radio broadcasting
• Technical Committee: TC 100 - Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 10-Jun-2021
• Completion Date: 20-May-2021

Relations

• Replaces: IEC 62106:2015 - Specification of the radio data system (RDS) for VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range from 87,5 MHz to 108,0 MHz
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62106-9:2021 - “Radio Data System (RDS) … Part 9: RBDS - RDS variant used in North America” specifies the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), an RDS‑compatible variant used in North America. This edition harmonizes the historical RBDS (NRSC) definitions with the IEC RDS family, covering operation within the VHF/FM broadcasting band (64.0 MHz to 108.0 MHz title range; U.S. operation 88–108 MHz). The document is part of the IEC 62106 series that defines RDS and RDS2 system, message, coding and application structures.

Key topics and technical requirements

• RBDS variant definition: Defines the RBDS subset of IEC RDS features applicable in North America and records exceptions from the core RDS specification.
• PI coding (Annex A): Details the North American method for station identification (PI codes). In the U.S. many PI codes are derived from station call letters; Canada and Mexico use distinct PI code prefixes (examples provided in the standard).
• PTY coding (Annex B): Specifies the 5‑bit Programme Type (PTY) code meanings specific to RBDS - these differ from other regional RDS definitions and are normative for North America.
• PS behavior: Clarifies that RBDS places no prohibition on dynamic Program Service (PS) text; sequential or frequently updated PS strings are allowed.
• Compatibility & exceptions: Describes how RBDS uses the same modulation and most RDS features (IEC 62106‑1, IEC 62106‑2) while listing RBDS‑specific exceptions and receiver expectations.
• Structure and annexes: Normative annexes include PI coding rules, examples, PTY tables and receiver checking methods.

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 62106-9:2021 is essential for:

• Broadcasters and network operators implementing RBDS services (station ID, programme type, traffic messages, PS text).
• Receiver and automotive OEMs, smartphone radio apps and infotainment suppliers ensuring correct display and behavior for North American RBDS signals.
• Silicon vendors and encoder manufacturers developing FM multiplex/RDS encoders and tuners compliant with RBDS.
• Regulators, test labs and integrators validating RBDS interoperability and compliance across the North American market. Practical uses include automatic station identification, programme categorization, traffic information systems, and enhanced user displays on in‑car and portable receivers.

Related standards

• IEC 62106 (all parts) - RDS system, message format, ODAs, encoding and RDS2 extensions.
• IEC 62106‑2:2021 - message format and RDS feature definitions.
• NRSC‑4‑B (superseded) - previous U.S. RBDS standard now consolidated into IEC 62106‑9:2021.

Keywords: IEC 62106-9:2021, RBDS, RDS, Radio Data System, PI coding, PTY coding, VHF/FM, North America, FM broadcasting.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62106-9 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Radio data system (RDS) –VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range
from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz –
Part 9: RBDS – RDS variant used in North America
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IEC 62106-9 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Radio data system (RDS) –VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range

from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz –
Part 9: RBDS – RDS variant used in North America

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.060.01; 33.160.20; 33.170 ISBN 978-2-8322-9785-8

– 2 – IEC 62106-9:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 6
3.1 Terms and definitions . 6
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 7
4 Coding of information . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 Exceptions . 7
4.2.1 PI coding . 7
4.2.2 PTY coding . 7
4.2.3 PS . 7
Annex A (normative) PI coding for North America . 8
A.1 General . 8
A.2 Call letter conversion . 8
A.2.1 Conversion method to be used . 8
A.2.2 Examples of assigning PI codes from call letters . 12
A.3 Application: receiver functionality to PI code assignments . 13
A.4 Optional – modifying PI code for use with traffic information systems . 14
A.5 PI codes for FM translators . 14
Annex B (normative) PTY coding . 16
Bibliography . 19

Table A.1 – Letter to decimal value conversion . 8
Table A.2 – PI code possibilities . 10
Table A.3 – Nationally/regionally-linked radio stations code . 11
Table A.4 – 3-letter only call signs . 12
Table A.5 – Receiver checking method for PI 0x1 nibble 1 substitution . 14
Table B.1 – Programme type codes and corresponding terms for display . 16
Table B.2 – Definition of the terms used to denote programme type – PTY . 17
Table B.3 – PTY code descriptions and abbreviations in Spanish . 18

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RADIO DATA SYSTEM (RDS) –
VHF/FM SOUND BROADCASTING IN THE FREQUENCY
RANGE FROM 64,0 MHz TO 108,0 MHz –

Part 9: RBDS –
RDS variant used in North America

FOREWORD
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rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62106-9 has been prepared by technical area 1: Terminals for audio,
video and data services and contents, of IEC technical committee 100: Audio, video and
multimedia systems and equipment.
This first edition, together with IEC 62106-1, IEC 62106-2, IEC 62106-3, IEC 62106-4,
IEC 62106-5, IEC 62106-6 and IEC 62106-10, cancels and replaces IEC 62106:2015, and
constitutes a technical revision.
IEC 62106-9 cancels and replaces US NRSC-4-B, National Radio Systems Committee – United
States RBDS standard, published in 2011.

– 4 – IEC 62106-9:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
100/3399/CDV 100/3553/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62106 series, published under the general title Radio data system
(RDS) – VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz, can
be found on the IEC website.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
INTRODUCTION
Since the mid-1980s, a fascinating development has taken place. Most of the multimedia
applications and standards have been created or redefined significantly. Hardware has become
extremely powerful with dedicated software and middleware. In the mid-1980s, Internet as well
as its protocols did not exist. Navigation systems became affordable in the late 1990s, and a
full range of attractive smartphones now exist. The computing power of all these new products
is comparable with that of the mainframe installations in that era.
Listener expectations have grown faster than the technology. Visual experience is now very
important, like the Internet look and feel. Scrolling text or delivering just audio is nowadays
perceived as insufficient for FM radio, specifically for smartphone users. New types of radio
receivers with added value features are therefore required. RDS has so far proven to be very
successful.
FM radio with RDS is an analogue-digital hybrid system, which is still a valid data transmission
technology and only the applications need adaptation. Now the time has come to solve the only
disadvantage, the lack of sufficient data capacity. With RDS2, the need to increase the data
capacity can be fulfilled.
RDS was introduced in the early 1980s. During the introductory phase in Europe, the car
industry became very involved and that was the start of an extremely successful roll-out. Shortly
afterwards, RDS (RBDS) was launched in the USA. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
The RDS Forum has investigated a solution to the issue of limited data capacity. For RDS2,
both sidebands around the RDS 57 kHz subcarrier can be repeated a few times, up to three,
centred on additional subcarriers higher up in the FM multiplex whike still remaining compatible
with the ITU Recommendations.
The core elements of RDS2 are the additional subcarriers, which will enable a significant
increase of RDS data capacity to be achieved and then only new additional data applications
will have to be created, using the RDS-ODA feature, which has been part of the RDS standard
IEC 62106 for many years.
In order to update IEC 62106:2015 to the specifications of RDS2, the original document has
been restructured as follows:
Part 1: RDS system: Modulation characteristics and baseband coding
Part 2: RDS message format, coding and definition of RDS features
Part 3: Coding and registration of Open Data Applications ODAs
Part 4: Registered code tables
Part 5: Marking of RDS and RDS2 devices
Part 6: Compilation of technical specifications for Open Data Applications in the public domain
Part 9: RBDS – RDS variant used in North America
Part 10: Universal Encoder Communication Protocol UECP
The original specifications of the RDS system have been maintained and the extra
functionalities of RDS2 have been added.
Obsolete or unused functions from the original RDS standard have been deleted.

_______________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.

– 6 – IEC 62106-9:2021 © IEC 2021
RADIO DATA SYSTEM (RDS) –
VHF/FM SOUND BROADCASTING IN THE FREQUENCY
RANGE FROM 64,0 MHz TO 108,0 MHz –

Part 9: RBDS –
RDS variant used in North America

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62106 specifies the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which is an RDS-
compatible variant used in countries of North America. RBDS was first standardized by the U.S.
National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) in 1993 and subsequently revised in 1998, 2004,
2005 and 2011 . With the publication of this edition of IEC 62106, the RDS and RBDS standards
are now harmonized into a single document.
The frequency range of operation (64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz as indicated by the title of this
document) varies according to regional regulatory authority. The U.S. range is 88 MHz to 108
MHz, as set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. [8]
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 62106 (all parts), Radio Data System (RDS) – VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency
range from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz
IEC 62106-2:2021, Radio data system (RDS) – VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency
range from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz – Part 2: Message format: coding and definition of RDS
features
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 62106-1 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
_______________
The NRSC (www.nrscstandards.org) is jointly sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and
the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Its purpose is to study and make recommendations for technical
standards that relate to radio broadcasting and the reception of radio broadcast signals. See
www.nrscstandards.org.
3.2 Abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the abbreviated terms given in IEC 62106-1 and the
following apply.
CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
NPR National Public Radio (USA)
NRSC National Radio Systems Committee (USA)
RBDS Radio Broadcast Data System
4 Coding of information
4.1 General
The RBDS standard uses the same data modulation as in IEC 62106-1. It also uses the same
RDS features and group type coding as in IEC 62106-2. Open Data Applications coding and
registration for application identification are specified in IEC 62106-2 and IEC 62106-3,
respectively. Any exceptions for RBDS to these specifications are described in 4.2.
4.2 Exceptions
4.2.1 PI coding
The PI code nibbles are composed differently. The methods used are described in Annex A.
4.2.2 PTY coding
The 5-bit PTY codes are defined with a different meaning in RBDS. The code definitions given
in Annex B shall be used for RBDS.
4.2.3 PS
For RBDS, there is no prohibition on using PS for displaying sequential information and there
is no requirement that PS be static. For RBDS, there are no restrictions on the content or update
rate of the PS field.
– 8 – IEC 62106-9:2021 © IEC 2021
Annex A
(normative)
PI coding for North America
A.1 General
PI codes in North America are issued and used differently than in the rest of the world. In areas
licensed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (except Guam), PI codes are
calculated by the station’s call letters. Stations in Canada and Mexico use PI codes starting
with 0xC and 0xF, respectively (except for certain CBC FM stations in Canada as indicated in
Table A.2). This gives each station a unique PI code without the need for any outside
coordination.
These PI codes do not make use of coverage area codes (IEC 62106-2). Coverage area codes
are only valid for PI codes with nibble 1 being "B" or "E". (PI codes with nibble 1 being "D" were
repurposed for AM and HD multicast on FM translators in 2017; see Table A.2 through
Table A.4). Broadcasters and receiver manufacturers shall take note of this subtle, yet
significant, difference of RBDS.
An optional method for forming PI codes is given in Clause A.4, which can be useful for
broadcasters that are providing traffic information using RDS.
Because of this optional method, broadcasters should be aware that PI codes cannot be used
in receivers for decoding call letters for display. The PS (program service) data field or the RT+

field STATIONNAME.SHORT may be transmitted instead. [7]
A.2 Call letter conversion
A.2.1 Conversion method to be used
1) Assign decimal values to last 3 letters of call letters using values from Table A.1.
Table A.1 – Letter to decimal value conversion
Letter Decimal value Letter Decimal value
A 0 N 13
B 1 O 14
C 2 P 15
D 3 Q 16
E 4 R 17
F 5 S 18
G 6 T 19
H 7 U 20
I 8 V 21
J 9 W 22
K 10 X 23
L 11 Y 24
M 12 Z 25
_______________
3 Excluding FM translators, see Clause A.5. Note: some broadcasters may elect to substitute 0x1 for the first nibble
of the PI code to support RDS TMC traffic data transmission. See Clause A.4 for additional information.

2) Calculate a weighted decimal value (call it "") for the last 3 letters of the call sign,
according to each letter's position, and add together to obtain this decimal value (see
exception for 3-letter call signs below).
EXAMPLE 1
K <3rd letter position> <2nd letter position> <1st letter position>
W <3rd letter position> <2nd letter position> <1st letter position>

<3rd letter position value> x 676
+ <2nd letter position value> x 26
+ <1st letter position value>
d
...