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APCO-25 vs APCO-16: A Detailed Comparison

By RF Wireless Expert Team

This article compares APCO-25 and APCO-16, highlighting the key differences between these two technologies.

APCO-16

APCO-16 defines the operational and functional requirements for trunked radio systems. Think of it as the blueprint for how a public safety communication system should work. It’s an older standard, established in 1979 by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) - Project 16.

Examples of systems built using APCO-16 include Motorola’s SmartNet and SmartZone trunked systems. EF Johnson also has products based on this standard.

APCO-25

APCO-25, or Association of Public Safety Communication Officials-Project 25, is a digital radio standard primarily used in North America. It’s specifically designed for two-way radio communication for public safety and emergency services.

Currently, APCO-25 supports two voice channels within a single 25 KHz RF channel. This allows for more efficient use of the radio spectrum.

Key Differences: APCO-16 vs. APCO-25

The following table summarizes the main differences between APCO-16 and APCO-25:

SpecificationsAPCO-16APCO-25
TechnologyAnalogDigital
Multiple AccessFDMAFDMA
Telephony TypeTrunkedConventional & Trunked
Channel Bandwidth25/30 KHz25/12.5 KHz
Frequency RangeVHF (136-174 MHz), UHF (403-512 MHz), 800 MHz BandsVHF (136-174 MHz), UHF (403-512 MHz), 800 MHz Bands

Further Resources

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