Frequency Planning Software

FRANSY is a frequency-analysis software tool used in planning terrestrial transmitter networks for DVB-T, T-DAB, analogue TV and VHF/FM.

IRT developed this Java-based software in conjunction with its partner con terra and public broadcasters.

FRANSY facilitates the user-friendly creation of coverage predictions and compatibility analyses as per key coordination agreements. This software also makes it easy to calculate the geographic and demographic range of conventional Multi-Frequency Networks (MFNs) and digital single frequency networks (SFNs). Depending on the propagation model in question, either a quick overview of the field strength is compiled by means of standardised methods (ITU-R P.1546, ITU-R P.370), or a detailed and very realistic field-strength prediction is calculated by considering topographical and orographic data (IRT’s 2-D model, SWF model).

FRANSY’s numerous tools simplify the optimisation of network parameters. Thanks to the integrated GIS (Geographical Information System) with layer administration, FRANSY’s intuitive interface allows users to easily visualise result data – particularly in map mode. Some additional features include an integrated set of transmission data, transmission-data import, protection ratios, receive modes, terrain contours, scalability, demographic analysis and flexible post-processing.

German public broadcasters use FRANSY not only for transmitter-network planning purposes, but especially for the transition to digital television. FRANSY was also an indispensable tool prior to and during the Regional Radio Conference 2006 (RRC-06).

IRT is continuously enhancing FRANSY for all broadcast applications, but particularly with an eye on cutting-edge applications such as Mobile Broadcast Services (DMB, DVB-H).