The radio system-traffic channel

A description is given of the Radio Data System (RDS) facility that allows for transmission of a silent data channel using the sidebands of existing FM radio stations. One of the features developed for RDS is the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), which will offer a low-cost means of providing motorists with digitally encoded traffic data optimized for in-car reception. Significant work has already been undertaken on message management issues for RDS-TMC. Work toward the finalization of standards is continuing through the DRIVE (Dedicated Road Infrastructure for Vehicle Safety in Europe) program. The author discusses a National Cooperative Highway Research Program designed to examine the scope for similar development in North America.<>