A 1090 Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Reception Model for Air-Traffic-Management Simulations

Abstract

*† Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) has been identified by the FAA to be an enabling technology to support future ground and air traffic surveillance to provide traffic position, altitude, and aircraft identification to the air traffic controller as well as cockpit crews. To support NASA Langley’s air traffic management (ATM) research and development, a performance based ADS-B reception model using 1090 MHz data link has been developed to simulate reception of ADS-B messages based on range and airwave traffic interference for future ATM concept development. The reception model takes into account two major reception performance factors. One is the range effect, and the other is the interference resulting from overlapping messages at the receiver, due to the 1090 MHz data link sharing the same frequency as downlink Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)/Mode S/Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Upon successful reception, surveillance information such as position and identification of surrounding traffic can then be used for flight deck situation awareness and automation functions, e.g., conflict detection and resolution, and self separation to improve flight deck operations as well as flight safety and traffic flow. The model presented in this paper is mostly based on single message-level (rather than pulse-level) requirements and test procedures in the published Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), i.e., MOPS for ATCRBS/Mode S Airborne Equipment RTCA/DO-181C, and MOPS for 1090 MHz ADS-B and Traffic Information Services – Broadcast (TIS-B)/RTCA DO-260A. The model is also easily configurable according to other performance specifications and/or fielded equipment performance. A comparison with flight test data shows good model performance.