METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMATTING SIGNALS FOR DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION

A method for digital audio broadcasting comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of data bits (12, 14 and 16 fig. 1) to be transmitted, formatting the plurality of data bits into a plurality of protocol data units (fig. 14) , inserting header bits (h) at spaced locations within the protocol data units , and using the protocol data units to modulate a plurality of carriers to produce an output signal. The individual header bits (h) can be positioned a t evenly spaced locations in the protocol data units (PAYLOAD). A first one of the header bits can be offset from an end of the protocol data unit. A metho d of receiving the digital audio broadcasting signal the transmitters and receivers (see fig. 8) that operate in accordance with the methods are also provided.