Garmin At, Inc.

Garmin International, Inc.

Thomas Lee Mosher

Emmett Griffith

Craig Hudson

Stephen A Roth

Techniques are described that allow information to be acquired by an ADS-B system of an aircraft without the installation of ADS-B dedicated flight crew controls or wired data interfaces in the aircraft. In one or more implementations, a receiver is associated with the ADS-B system in the aircraft. The receiver is configured to receive transmissions from a transponder of the aircraft, such as a radar transponder of a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), or the like. Information used by the ADS-B system is extracted from the received transmissions and furnished to the ADS-B transceiver for broadcast over the ADS-B datalink.

Self-configuring ADS-B system

A method is disclosed for optimally adjusting the received bit detection threshold in a digital communication system, such as a TDMA system that is characterized by very short duration burst transmissions. In one embodiment of the invention, a half-duplex radio modem is used for transmission and receipt of messages for airborne and ground-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) service. A feedback path is provided for in the transmission/receiver unit to provide the transmission signal to the receiver path. A bit detection threshold adjustment circuit receives the transmission signal. The circuit digitizes the analog baseband signal, detects the positive and negative peak values and calculates a peak-to-peak deviation value to define the bit detection threshold value.

Bit detection threshold in a TDMA burst communication system

An aircraft surveillance system that includes an uninterruptible aircraft information broadcasting system (such as an ADS-B system) for transmitting flight information from an aircraft, and one or more ground stations for receiving the broadcast flight information. The flight information preferably includes the aircraft's aircraft ID, current three-dimensional position, and intended path. Optional components according to the invention include a system and method for validating messages received from the aircraft, and an alternative system and method for determining the aircraft's position if a primary navigation aid, such as GPS, is not available. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a transmitter and an uninterruptible power supply that are disposed within a secure housing within the aircraft. This serves to prevent passengers and crew members from disabling the system.

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Salem, OR, United States of America

Thomas Lee Mosher