Optimizing ADS-B RF coverage

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the Radiofrequency (RF) coverage analysis methodology used to design and build the radio site layout in support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Air Traffic Modernization Program. This layout is optimized to meet system performance, safety, and interference requirements while minimizing the number of radio station sites required for providing RF coverage in the entire airspace of the Unites States. In addition, it includes the process of designing and applying the radio station siting template for site selection process. This template provided the basis for development of computer algorithms that facilitated the selection of radio station sites during the proposal phase of ADS-B program. Because this algorithm did not take into account detailed terrain, the reverse viewshed analysis method was developed to account for terrain and optimize radio station siting, in particular, when designing for Terminal service volumes. This paper describes the utilization of reverse viewshed in radio station site selection, a method that allows for an exhaustive evaluation of all tower resources and greatly facilitates the radio site selection process. In addition, this paper provides an overview of the tool selected for the development of a model-based Service Volume engineering environment. The tool will be used to capture the service volume design and configuration parameters.