DIGITAL MOBILE RADIO (DMR)
A European standard, produced by ETSI, defining a direct digital replacement for analogue PMR. The PMR/DMR markets can be roughly divided into three broad categories. DMR has the capability to serve them all:
1. Consumer and short-range industrial
2. Professional / Business-Critical applications
3. Public Safety / Mission-Critical applications
The technology promises improved range, higher data rates, more efficient use of spectrum, and improved battery. Significantly, DMR has been designed to fit into existing licensed PMR bands, meaning that there is no need for rebanding or relicensing, thus aiding the transition from analogue to digital.
etsi.org
THE 3 DMR TIERS
DMR Tier I (Unlicensed)
DMR Tier I products are for license-free use in the 446MHz band. Tier I provides for consumer applications and low-power commercial applications, using a maximum of 0.5Watt RF power. With a limited number of channels and no use of repeaters, no use of telephone interconnects, and fixed/integrated antennas, Tier I DMR devices are best suited for personal use, recreation, small retail and other settings that do not require wide area coverage or advanced features.
DMR Tier II (Conventional)
Tier II covers licensed conventional radio systems, mobiles and hand portables operating in PMR frequency bands from 66-960MHz. The ETSI DMR Tier II standard is targeted at users who need spectral efficiency, advanced voice features and integrated IP data services in licensed bands for high-power communications. ETSI DMR Tier II specifies two-slot TDMA in 12.5kHz channels.
DMR Tier III (Trunked)
DMR Tier III covers trunking operation in frequency bands 66-960MHz. The Tier III standard specifies two-slot TDMA in 12.5kHz channels. Tier III supports voice and short messaging handling similar to MPT-1327 with built-in 128 character status messaging and short messaging with up to 288 bits of data in a variety of formats. It also supports packet data service in a variety of formats, including support for IPv4 and IPv6.
KEY BENEFITS OF DMR TECHNOLOGY
DMR digital systems enable these key benefits:
Doubling of capacity in existing licensed channels
Backwards spectrum compatibility with legacy systems
Efficient use of infractructure equipment
Longer battery life and greater power efficiency
Ease of use and creation of data applications
System flexibility through simultaneous use of TDMA channels
Advanced control features
Superior audio performance
Security of supply through a fully open standard
dmrassociation.org
INTRODUCTION TO DMR
A Free Online Course at Tait Radio Academy
Introduction to DMR Quiz
LEARN MORE
Members of the DMR Association
Product Showcase
DMR by Market Sector
Benefits and features of DMR (White Paper)
Guide to Digital Radio Standards for Utilities by Tait Communications
Digital Radio Standards | Advantages and Disadvantages of Current Digital Radio Standards by Tait Communications
Comparing Voice Coverage: DMR and TETRA by Tait Communications
Motorola Solutions
Hytera