Overview
IEC 62106-5:2018 is part of the IEC 62106 series for the Radio Data System (RDS) used in VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz. This part defines receiver profiles and criteria for the marking of RDS receiver devices, and establishes conformity, certification and compliance test requirements. The 2018 edition incorporates RDS2 provisions - including support for carrying RDS on multiple data-streams and a new RDS2 logo - and introduces standardized profiles and certification processes to improve interoperability and consumer information.
Key Topics
- Receiver profiles: Generic device classes (e.g., Hi‑Fi, Portable, Smart/Tablet, Car Radio, TMC) are defined to recommend which RDS features should be implemented for each device type. These profiles guide manufacturers on feature inclusion and user expectations.
- Marking and labelling: Criteria for marking receivers, packaging and documentation ensure that end users can identify supported RDS features and whether a device meets RDS or RDS2 capabilities.
- Conformity and certification: The standard outlines certification requirements and the need for compliance testing so that marked devices reliably implement the advertised RDS functions.
- RDS2 enhancements: Provision to carry RDS on multiple data-streams, addition of an RDS2 logo, and the expanded capacity to support richer data services via existing RDS mechanisms (ODA use remains supported).
- Feature guidance: The document references recommended and mandatory features (for example, AF, PS, CT, EON, RT/RT+, TMC) and clarifies which features are applicable to each receiver profile to help align product capabilities with market expectations.
Applications
IEC 62106-5:2018 provides practical value for:
- Manufacturers: Use the receiver profiles to design and label products accurately for consumer markets (car radios, portable devices, home Hi‑Fi, smartphones/tablets, and TMC units).
- Certification bodies: Apply the conformity and compliance test guidance to assess whether devices meet the declared RDS/RDS2 capabilities.
- Broadcasters and service providers: Understand how receiver marking and profiles affect end‑user experience, enabling consistent delivery of text, traffic information, programme service names, and other RDS applications.
- Retailers and consumers: Improve product selection and trust through standardized marking that communicates supported RDS features and RDS2 readiness.
Related Standards
IEC 62106 is structured across multiple parts. Key related documents include:
- IEC 62106-1: Modulation characteristics and baseband coding
- IEC 62106-2: Message format, coding and RDS features
- IEC 62106-3: Usage and registration of Open Data Applications (ODAs)
- IEC 62106-4: Registered code tables
- IEC 62106-6: Technical specifications for ODAs in the public domain
The series maintains the original RDS specifications while adding RDS2 capabilities and standardized marking, helping to ensure interoperability, clear labelling and consistent FM data services across devices.
Open preview (PDF)Radio data system (RDS) - VHF/FM sound broadcasting in the frequency range from 64,0 MHz to 108,0 MHz - Part 5: Marking of RDS receiver devices
