United States. Dielectric welcomed the approval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a directional FM antenna pattern with computational modeling based on Artificial Intelligence.
This decision sets a relevant standard for the radio industry, as it allows the directional modeling of FM antennas with computational methods. That is, from this approval a new standard is established that will allow FM broadcasters to move from physical modeling to a more efficient, economical and accurate simulated modeling procedure. It should be noted that the acceptance in the NPRM of the FCC was unanimous, where 4 of the 4 possible votes for the yes were achieved.
However, this also indicates that the Commission considers that computer simulation is an acceptable method for validating the radiation patterns of FM directional antennas. Meanwhile, this represents the first change to this regulation in 58 years, making it an important update.
The request for this new regulation was filed in June last year (2021) and its drafting was carried out together with the broadcasting consultancy Merrill Weiss Group. However, the application document contains all the relevant technical information and is available by clicking here.
Background to the proposal
Dielectric has been developing ai-powered processes to fully automate the optimization of FM antenna geometry for its projects. In that sense, the brand's AI-based innovations have ensured that the geometry of each facility is best adapted to the radiation patterns desired by the broadcaster, while maintaining compliance with FCC guidelines.
Keith Pelletier, President of Dielectric, commented: "May 19, 2022 was a monumental day for FM broadcasters. The FCC's adoption of new rules allowing the use of computer modeling changes the rules for FM antenna modeling, which for decades has required broadcasters to build physical models and collect measured data to verify antenna patterns."
For Pelletier, the change in standard will facilitate the deadlines for the commercialization of the products, which will help the broadcasters to quickly update their facilities. "They can now have confidence that they are getting the best possible solution, all without having to wait for traditional deadlines for scope testing and optimization."
On the benefits of the Artificial Intelligence used in this project, Pelliter said: "Our tests of AI scripts have shown that we can completely optimize the geometry and not be compromised by time constraints. By simultaneously solving combinations of parasites, pattern formers, and radiator locations, AI has replaced the slow, imprecise, and limited process of trial and error. We no longer have to settle for being 'close enough' when it comes to checking the pattern."
Finally, Dielectric considers that this change is significant in the history of FM and allows all stations to seek the best solution to their transmission needs.
