Channel Bonding for ATSC3.0

Abstract

Channel bonding is an optional technology in ATSC3.0 that provides increased spectrum flexibility for broadcasters. Channel bonding spreads data of a single physical layer pipe over two different, standard-bandwidth RF channels. Primarily, it enables total service data rates that exceed the net capacity of a single RF channel, but also offers advantages for enhanced statistical multiplexing or scalable video coding services across two RF channels. The channels can be located at any frequency, not necessarily adjacent to each other. Channel bonding receivers require two tuners, but still allow for simple and memory efficient implementations. In particular, channel bonding shares to a best possible extent the architecture of other two tuner operation modes (MIMO and diversity receiver), therefore increasing the market success probability of this enhanced receiver type.