Main Goal: To be a highly flexible system that is efficient with both bandwidth and power. This makes it suitable for a wide range of satellite, terrestrial, or hybrid broadcasting situations.

Originally proposed by Voice of America/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (VOA/JPL), System B was developed with efficiency and adaptability in mind. A primary focus of its design was to overcome one of the biggest challenges for satellite radio—signal blockage—while keeping the cost of receivers low for consumers.

• Signal Blockage Mitigation The main problem for satellite signals is that they can be blocked by buildings, trees, and other obstacles. System B was designed with several “diversity” techniques to overcome this. For example, a receiver might use reception diversity by having two separate antennas; if one is blocked, the other can still receive the signal. Another method is satellite diversity, where the same audio stream is sent from two different satellites. A receiver on the ground is less likely to have both satellites blocked at the same time, ensuring a much more reliable connection.
• Designed for Low-Cost Receivers A major goal during the development of System B was to ensure that the technology could be implemented in relatively low-cost consumer receivers. By using a relatively simple design, manufacturers could produce radios for the system without requiring expensive, complex components.

While System B focused on low-cost receivers for general use, the next system we’ll examine was designed specifically for a commercial service that also prioritized inexpensive hardware.