MICROPROCESSORS IN DISTRIBUTED BROADCAST RADIO SYSTEMS

Abstract

Microprocessors are incorporated in several hardware features of a patented new system which uses the wasted power inherent in standard AM Broadcast Radio transmission. This unique system can be used for many applications. The first large-scale demonstration of the capabilities of the system was conducted for the purpose of electrical demand limiting by utility companies. In these trials, control signals were sent to several hundred receivers to shut-down equipment during times of peak load on the utility grid. The receivers for this system were low-cost and microprocessor operated. They were placed over a wide area, up to 175 km from the transmitter, which in these trials was a high-power (50kW), standard AM broadcast station. Control signals did not interfere with the quality nor the reception range of the broadcast station’s audio signal. Data reception by the system receivers had error rates under 1%.