Axel Technology - Tiger E5

The Tiger E5 occupies a special place in an FM transmission chain: rather than being limited to a single function, it combines several processing, backup and monitoring modules within a 1U chassis. Axel Technology presents it as a ‘7-in-1’ solution, combining, in particular, an MPX stereo generator, an RDS encoder, an audio changeover, a limiter, an MPX changeover, an IP audio monitoring codec and an FM monitoring system with an optional tuner.

The audio section accepts analogue sources, AES3 and two IP audio streams, whilst the auxiliary inputs can receive MPX, RDS or SCA signals. Four audio switch-over channels allow for the setting of priorities and automatic recovery logic. When the usual sources are no longer available, the built-in microSD card player can take over. Configurable delays also allow the various sources to be synchronised before they are processed or switched.

FM composite processing is equally comprehensive. The Tiger E5 features a stereo generator, two independent MPX outputs, an AGC per source, an MPX limiter and clipper, as well as power control compliant with ITU BS.412. Incoming MPX signals can be decoded into left/right audio and reused in the signal chain. The system can also process RDS data via its encoder and UECP filter, allowing certain information present in a received signal to be retained, modified or deleted.

The RDS E5 supports static and dynamic services as well as advanced functions such as RT+, TMC, EWS, IH, TDC and ODA. Configuration is carried out via a responsive web interface, supplemented by SNMP, REST API, an ASCII parser and various means of communication with automation systems.

Another key feature of this version is that TigerSync Streamer enables the use of IceCast to distribute the programme to transmitters whilst maintaining highly precise synchronisation between the receiving units. Axel Technology reports a synchronisation time of less than 5 ms between set-top boxes, despite a configurable overall latency of a few seconds.