The National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) has adopted an additional guideline intended to provide broadcast engineers with a simple method of deriving an FM IBOC digital hybrid station's authorized total digital sideband power level.

Titled "NRSC-G202, FM IBOC Total Digital Sideband Power for Various Configurations," the document was drawn up by the Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB) Subcommittee IBOC Standards Development Working Group (ISDWG). An official declaration adopting the guideline came from committee members at the NAB/RAB Radio Show last week.

The new document complements existing NRSC Guideline, NRSC-G201-A, and serves as an aid for those involved with FM IBOC digital facility design, operation and compliance monitoring. A companion, Web-based total digital signal power calculator tool designed by NRSC with assistance from Cavell, Mertz and Associates will also be offered.

The Guideline and the Web-based calculator will be available on the NRSC website following a final procedural review scheduled for completion in less than two weeks.