BE Introduces AMX Transmitter for AM

Why It Matters

The AMX delivers unprecedented efficiency and portability for AM broadcasters, lowering operating costs and accelerating upgrades to digital‑compatible AM services.

Key Takeaways

• 5 kW AM transmitter fits in five rack units
• First AM transmitter with silicon‑carbide MOSFET modules
• Modular harmonic filter enables frequency changes in 30 minutes
• Shippable via UPS/FedEx, an industry first

Pulse Analysis

The AM broadcast band has long struggled with aging equipment, high power consumption, and limited flexibility. Broadcast Electronics, fresh from a takeover led by CEO Rich Redmond and the Alzana Group, is positioning the AMX as a modern solution that addresses these pain points. By integrating silicon‑carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology—originally proven in electric‑vehicle drives—the AMX achieves higher voltage and current handling while reducing capacitance, translating into markedly lower electricity bills and longer component life.

Beyond the power‑saving hardware, the AMX’s design emphasizes modularity and ease of maintenance. Its exclusive harmonic filter can be swapped and calibrated in under half an hour, a stark contrast to the days‑long field work typical of legacy transmitters. The chassis also features redundant auto‑ranging power supplies that adapt to single‑ or three‑phase inputs, and an adjustable carrier‑reduction module that can shave up to 6 dB for further energy savings. Shipping the unit in a standard UPS or FedEx package eliminates the logistical hurdles of freight, opening the market to smaller stations and remote operators.

For the industry, the AMX signals a shift toward more sustainable and agile AM broadcasting. Stations eyeing HD Radio or DRM upgrades now have a platform that can handle both analog and digital modes without a full‑scale infrastructure overhaul. Competitors will need to match BE’s SiC efficiency and logistical convenience to stay relevant. As the NAB Show rolls out the AMX, broadcasters will likely assess the cost‑benefit balance of replacing legacy gear, potentially accelerating the modernization of the AM band across the United States.