DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) certification is a mandatory compliance assessment process for digital audio broadcasting equipment entering international markets. Its core function is to verify whether devices meet the technical regulations of target markets in terms of radio frequency performance, audio quality, electromagnetic compatibility, and safety. This document systematically analyzes certification requirements, test items, applicable products, and regional variations based on the latest 2025 standards and industry practices, providing practical guidance for enterprises' global compliance strategies.
1. Global Foundational Standards:
The technical baseline for DAB+ certification uniformly follows the ETSI EN 300 401 standard and its sub-standards (e.g., ETSI EN 300 401-1/2). This standard defines the complete technical specifications for DAB systems, including:
- RF Performance: Band coverage (Band I: 174–240MHz), signal modulation accuracy.
- Audio Coding: Mandatory support for HE-AAC v2 decoding to ensure high-fidelity audio quality.
- Data Services: Dynamic Labels (DL+), Emergency Warning System (EWS), Program Information (SPI/EPG), etc.
2. Region-Specific Standards:
3. Technical Evolution and New Requirements:
- DAB+ Automatic Safety Alerting (ASA): Released by WorldDAB in 2025, supporting region-adaptive emergency broadcasting. Commercial deployment expected mid-2025.
- IPv6 Protocol Testing: Mandatory EU requirement (RFC8200). Non-pre-adapted devices may extend certification cycles by 1–2 weeks.
- Audio Coding Upgrade: Fraunhofer ContentServer R8 supports xHE-AAC encoding, ensuring future compatibility with HE-AAC v3.
II. DAB+ Certification Test Items:
1. RF Performance Testing:
- Receiver Sensitivity: ≤-85dBm (Stability in weak signal environments).
- Frequency Stability: Tolerance ±1ppm (Prevents frequency drift).
- Adjacent Channel Selectivity: Threshold increased from -60dBm to -70dBm (ETSI V2.1.1).
2. Audio and Functionality Verification:
- Dynamic Range: ≥70dB (foundation for high-fidelity audio quality).
- HE-AAC v2 Decoding: Mandatory support for distortion-free 128kbit/s audio streams.
- Metadata Exchange: Correct display of program names and emergency alert information.
3. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Safety:
- Radiated Disturbance and Immunity: Compliant with EN 301 489 standard.
- Electrical Safety: Withstand voltage (1500V AC), ground continuity (≤0.1Ω).
4. Environmental Reliability Testing (Mandatory for In-Vehicle Applications):
- Temperature Cycling: Adaptability to extreme environments from -40°C to 85°C.
- Vibration Testing: Simulates real-vehicle road conditions; field testing in vehicles is required for regions like Saudi Arabia.
III. Scope of DAB+ Applicable Products and Special Requirements:
1. Mandatory Certification Products:
- Receiving Equipment: In-vehicle radios, portable radios, smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Echo supporting DAB+).
- Transmitting Equipment: Broadcast transmitters, repeaters (requiring multi-band testing and thermal verification).
- Emerging Products: Smart wearables (added in 2025), IoT-based in-vehicle entertainment systems.
2. Exemptions:
- Devices supporting only AM/FM analog broadcasting without digital functionality are exempt.
- AM/FM devices incorporating Bluetooth/Wi-Fi require mandatory certification.
3. Regional Specifications:
- Middle East: In-vehicle devices must support EWS and Arabic interface.
- Thailand: User manuals require Thai language versions; mandatory certification for new in-vehicle devices effective October 31, 2025.
- EU: Devices with displays must comply with ErP Directive (standby power ≤0.5W).
IV. Impact of 2025 Regulations and Response Strategies:
1. Enhanced Emergency Broadcast Capabilities:
- DAB+ ASA System: Commercial deployment by 2025, requiring support for regional automatic alerts.
- Response: Select ASA-compatible chipsets (e.g., NXP TEF700x) with firmware redundancy for processing.
2. Cybersecurity and Energy Efficiency Upgrades:
- IPv6 Protocol: Mandatory EU testing; non-pre-adapted devices face 1–2 week delays.
- Standby Power Consumption: Devices with charging functionality must meet ≤0.5W (EU 2019/1782).
3. Regional Market Access Restrictions:
- Thailand: Mandatory certification for new in-vehicle devices effective October 31, 2025.
- Saudi Arabia: Certificates must be held by local companies and renewed annually.
DAB+ certification serves as the “technical passport” for device globalization. Enterprises must proactively plan (embed ASA/IPv6 functionality), precisely adapt to regional regulations (e.g., Middle East EWS, EU ErP), and establish dynamic maintenance mechanisms to address standard upgrades. As mandatory requirements for in-vehicle devices deepen in 2025, systematic compliance strategies will become a core competitive advantage for market access.
This information is current as of November 2025, based on the latest developments from ETSI, WorldDAB, and the EU Official Journal. For specific implementation, refer to authorized laboratory guidelines. BlueAsia Technology: +86 13534225140, providing professional certification consulting services.
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