Automatic Dependent Surveillance-

Broadcast (ADS-B)
ADS-B is transforming all segments of aviation. Real-time precision, shared
situational awareness, advanced applications for pilots and controllers alike – these
are the hallmarks of ADS-B Next Gen surveillance.

 Real-time ADS-B is now the preferred method of surveillance for air traffic control
in the NAS  (National Airspace System)
 General aviation is safer with ADS-B traffic, weather, and flight-information
services
 Safety and efficiency improve with advanced ADS-B applications

ADS-B improves safety and efficiency in the air and on runways, reduces costs,
and lessens harmful effects on the environment.
The development of Mode S has led onto two related systems traffic alert and
collision avoidance systems (TCAS) and automatic dependent surveillance-
broadcast (ADS-B).
Both systems can exchange data directly between aircraft TCAS is a surveillance
system that provides warnings directly to the crew when other navigation systems
(including ATC) have failed to maintain safe separation of aircraft ADS-B is an
emerging technology for air traffic management (ATM) that is intended to
replace conventional secondary surveillance radar TCAS.
Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is intended eventually to
replace conventional ground-based ATC radar systems. The system also provides
surveillance in remote areas where ground radar coverage is not possible, e.g. over
oceans ADS-B forms part of the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) next
generation air transportation system (NGATS).
It will revolutionize how pilots obtain traffic and weather information. The
intention is to increase air navigation safety by providing crews with real-time
information about other traffic; this makes it possible for the crew to be
responsible for their own aircraft’s separation and collision avoidance. The system
is automatic in that no interrogation is required to initiate a transponder broadcast
from the aircraft; this type of unsolicited transmission is known as a squitter.
ADS-B utilizes conventional global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and
onboard broadcast equipment for communication via satellites making it
dependent. Air traffic coordination is thereby provided though surveillance
between aircraft; the system has a range of approximately 150 nm.
A significant benefit of ADS-B is the estimated 90% cost saving compared with
replacing ageing SSR (Secondary surveillance radar) system infrastructures. Other
benefits include greater access to optimum routes and altitudes; this leads to
reduced fuel consumption and greater utilization of aircraft. The system provides
real-time data for both flight crews and air traffic controllers.
Data is exchanged between aircraft and can be independent of ground equipment.
Since SSR is based on range and azimuth measurements, the accuracy of
determining an aircraft’s position reduces as a function of range from the antenna.
Two aircraft in close proximity, but some range from an SSR ground station, can
exchange data via ADS-B and calculate their relative positions more accurately.
ADS-B is being proposed with three methods of exchanging data:
 Mode S transponder extended squitter (ES)
 VHF digital link (VDL)
 Universal access transceiver (UAT).
There are advantages and disadvantages for these methods; each technology is
competing with the other, driven by technical, operational and political factors. A
combination of the above is being introduced on a progressive basis to serve the
needs of general aviation and commercial air transport. There are examples of
where Mode S and VDL have been integrated into single ground stations. The
reader is encouraged to monitor developments via the industry press.