Digital morphs the radio landscape

In the world of aerospace, smaller radios are able to handle a larger number of frequencies.

Smaller and more powerful electronics are bringing major changes to radio technology, letting a single radio handle many frequencies while simplifying operation and opening up more room for other equipment. These digital radios also free up instrument panel space for more functions while setting the stage for a shift to software-defined radio (SDR).

The power of today's processors makes it possible to switch from one frequency to another, letting a single radio transmit and receive over different frequencies used for takeoff and landing, navigation, emergency channels, and traditional communications.