Reliability testing method for RDS based on the PI code statistics

A novel method, called PICS (program identification code statistics), for testing the reliability of data transmission in the RDS (Radio Data System) for VHF/FM sound broadcasting is proposed. PICS tests RDS during the normal operation mode. Statistical tests are performed on the part of the RDS message named the PI code (program identification code), which contains permanent information and is transmitted periodically. Computer simulation of data transmission was performed to calculate the statistical parameters for the whole RDS message and the PI code. Results are compared with linear regression analysis. The influence of white noise and multipath propagation on the variation of the statistical parameters was tested. It is shown that PICS is effective in testing the statistical properties of RDS.