Sirius Satellite Radio

This is part of an article entitled “How Satellite Radio Works” written by Kevin Bonsor. In “Sirius Satellite Radio,” Bonsor compares the system to that of XM Satellite Radio. He also describes how the system works. Unlike XM Satellite Radio which uses two GEO satellites, Sirius Satellite Radio utilizes three SS/L-1300 satellites which were deployed by November 30, 2000. These three satellites form an elliptical constellation with each satellite spending at least 16 hours above the U.S. and with at least one above the country at all times ensuring non-stop coverage. Like XM Satellite, Sirius also beams signals to the satellites which then beam the information back to radio receivers on the ground. Also similar to XM Satellite is that Sirius uses ground repeaters in urban areas to prevent the signal from being disrupted by buildings. Those who use Sirius Satellite Radio can enjoy it from satellite car radios, home entertainment systems or portable kits for the car and home. Conventional car radios can also receive the Sirius signal through the use of an adapter.

There are two parts to the Sirius receiver: an antenna module and a receiver module. The main use of the antenna module is to pick up signals, amplify them and filter out interference. The receiver module receives signals and converts them to “a lower intermediate frequency” using a chipset made up of eight chips.

Aside from the number of satellites used, I believe Sirius and XM function in pretty much the same way. Sirius seems to have a more going for it though. The idea of the adapter for conventional radios is a great idea.

INTRODUCTION:

• Sirius uses three satellites instead of two like XM.
  
• The satellites are not GEO satellites but are SS/L-1300 satellites.
  
• The satellites form an elliptical constellation with each spending at least 16 hours above the U.S.
  
• On November 30, 2000 the satellite constellation was completed.
  
• It works the same way as XM radio by sending a signal to the satellites and having the satellites beam the signal information back to receivers and ground repeaters.
  
• The Sirius receiver consists of two parts: the antenna module and receiver module. The receiver module is used to amplify signals and filter interference while the receiver module converts the signals into “lower intermediate frequency” using eight chips.

RELATIVE ADVANTAGE:

• Sirius Satellite Radio filters out interferences.
  

COMPATIBILITY:

• Sirius Satellite Radio sells an adapter for conventional radios so that they can receive the satellite signal.

TRIALABILITY:

• Those who use Sirius Satellite Radio can enjoy it from satellite car radios, home entertainment systems or portable kits for the car and home. (456)