Manufacturers new to DAB+ export certification often struggle with numerous standards such as ETSI EN 300 401, EN 302 550, and EN 303 186. This article clarifies core standards, test items, and product categories for practical use.

1. Core DAB+ Certification Standards

·ETSI EN 300 401: Foundational standard defining signal format, modulation, and multiplexing for all DAB/DAB+ devices.

·EN 302 550: Specific to DAB+, covering HE-AAC v2 coding, error correction, and data services.

·EN 303 186: Current core receiver standard, replacing outdated EN 50248. Used for sensitivity, anti-interference, and adjacent-channel selectivity testing.

·TS 102 820: Test methodology standard for laboratories.

·EN 301 234: For IP data broadcasting, rarely required for consumer radios.

·TS 103 461: Automotive-specific test specification.

·Middle East Local Standards: UAE.S 5021:2018 (UAE) and SASO-2938 (Saudi Arabia), adding regional requirements.

  2. Four Major Test Categories

·RF Performance: Sensitivity (-90dBM or lower), selectivity, and frequency stability. No transmitter power testing, as DAB+ is a receiver.

·EMC Testing: Mandatory in the Middle East, especially strict for automotive devices. Audio performance testing focuses on HE-AAC v2 decoding.

·Data Service Testing: DLS, Slide Show, EPG, and TMC functionality.

·Protocol Conformance Testing: Verifies channel coding, synchronization, and service information parsing.

  3. Product Categories & Certification Focus

·Home Radios: Basic RF, audio, and data tests; 4–6 weeks in the EU/UK, 5–7 weeks in Australia.

·In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems: Complex testing including CAN bus, EMC, and multi-system interference; 8–12 weeks.

·Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Challenged by antenna sensitivity; 4–6 weeks.

·Transmitters/Multiplexers: Tested per EN 300 797, requiring spectrum licenses.

Pre-certified modules only exempt partial RF tests; full EMC, audio, and coexistence tests are still required for the final product.

  4. 2026 Certification Updates

·EU DoC fully electronic with eIDAS-compliant signatures.

·UKCA marking mandatory, replacing CE for new products.

·Australia’s AS/CAS 042 fully implemented.

·Stricter audits in the Middle East.

·Minor EMC standard updates under EU RED.

For DAB+ certification support, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.