Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for providing enhanced features using an ATC Overlay data link. Further, there are provided systems and methods for ADS-B Mode Control that enable a transponder to selectively transmit data on a desired link, such as the ADS-B or ATC Overlay link, based on the control inputs such as current active ADS-B applications, thus reducing RF interference while maximizing the amount of pertinent data being transmitted. In various embodiments, ADS-B Mode Control also offers a mechanism to include pilot-entered data onto the ADS-B or ATC Overlay link, thereby producing flexibility for future ADS-B In applications.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are delineated for employing a TCAS to provide a radar function for a UAS. One such system comprises a TCAS having at least a transceiver and an antenna, and a processor coupled to the transceiver for receiving signals generated from receipt of reflected energy received over the antenna, the reflected energy resulting from the one or more of a Mode S interrogation waveform and an ATCRBS interrogation waveform transmitted from the antenna.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: Various antennas and systems of antennas can benefit from meta-material construction. For example, avionics antennas including weather antennas may benefit from being constructed of meta-materials. A method can include, for example, electronically scanning, by an antenna of an aircraft, an environment of the aircraft. The electronically scanning can include transmitting or receiving an electrical frequency over the antenna. The antenna can include a negative index of refraction meta-material. The electronically scanning can also include applying an electric field to control a dielectric constant of the antenna.

Abstract: Multipath mitigation can be performed in a surface environment by various systems and methods. For example, antenna beams from multiple antennas can be used to reduce the impact of multipath on a received signal. Thus, a method can include monitoring for a signal on at least one upper antenna beam of an aircraft. The method can also include monitoring for the signal on at least one lower antenna beam of the aircraft while monitoring on the at least one upper antenna beam. The method can further include processing the signal received by the at least one upper antenna beam and/or the at least one lower antenna beam.

Abstract: Various avionics systems may benefit from the proper handling of diversity with respect to antennas. For example, systems and methods for remote L-band smart antenna distance measuring equipment may benefit from being prepared to provide diversity against interference, such as a multipath interference. A method can include determining which antenna of a plurality of antennas of an aircraft is preferred for communication with respect to distance measuring equipment. The method can also include selecting the antenna based on the determination.

Abstract: Computer assistance in interval management may be beneficial in a number of ways. For example, digital communication of interval management instructions or information related to interval management may beneficially be communicated to aircraft with respect to other aircraft. This information may be communicated overlaid on air traffic control (ATC) communications, or otherwise. A method can include, for example, obtaining a spacing goal for an aircraft relative to a target aircraft. The method can also include determining clearance instructions for the aircraft, wherein the speed guidance is based on the spacing goal. The method can further include transmitting the clearance instructions in a computer-readable format to the aircraft. The instructions can be provided by an overlay-modulated signal of a provided modulated ATC signal. The instructions can be configured to enable control of the aircraft to achieve the spacing goal.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: Various avionics systems may benefit from providing remote L-band smart antennas. For example, smart antennas may be used in connection with transponders and other avionics equipment. The smart antenna may incorporate functionality that may obviate the need for coaxial RF cabling. According to certain embodiments, an avionics system may include an antenna having at least a radio frequency function included therewith. The avionics system may also include a data bus connecting the antenna to a digital receiver at avionics processing hardware.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for providing an avionics overlay data link. Through embodiments of the present invention, existing ATC (or other) modulated signals using existing frequencies (or other frequencies) may be utilized to transmit (e.g., from an aircraft transponder) additional information in a manner that does not render the transmitted signal unrecognizable by legacy ATC equipment. In various embodiments, legacy equipment may demodulate and decode information that was encoded in the transmitted signal in accordance with preexisting standard modulation formats, and updated equipment can also extract the additional information that was overlaid on transmitted signals.

Abstract: A delineated collision avoidance system may comprise a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the collision avoidance system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the collision avoidance system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, generate from the received information a track for the other aircraft, and determine whether the track will intersect within a predefined period of time a region of interest around the host aircraft. In a variation, the system may include a display and the memory may include instructions to: determine whether a predefined condition is satisfied and change an appearance of a symbol shown on the display to indicate that the predefined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Systems and methods can provide alternatives to a global positioning system (GPS). For example, certain systems can operate on 1090 MHz and provide for methods of estimating location that can be used in place of GPS. Thus, a method can include obtaining an estimate of position of an own aircraft based on time of arrival of signals from a plurality of ground stations. The calculation of the estimate can be performed in the own aircraft. The method can also include using the estimate of position instead of a position from a global positioning system.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are delineated for employing a TCAS to provide a radar function for a UAS. One such system comprises a TCAS having at least a transceiver and an antenna, and a processor coupled to the transceiver for receiving signals generated from receipt of reflected energy received over the antenna, the reflected energy resulting from the one or more of a Mode S interrogation waveform and an ATCRBS interrogation waveform transmitted from the antenna.

Abstract: Spoof detection can be performed by various systems and methods. The systems and methods can provide for detection by passive listening, active interrogation, and other techniques. Moreover, systems and methods can also provide for reporting and displaying information relating to detected spoofing. For example, a method can include receiving, on a device, a signal providing a report for an aircraft. The method can also include determining, with the device, a first parameter for the aircraft from information in the report. The method can further include determining, with the device, a second parameter for the aircraft from at least one signal characteristic of the signal. The method can additionally include determining, with the device, a validity status of the report based on comparing the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: Multipath mitigation can be performed in a surface environment by various systems and methods. For example, antenna beams from multiple antennas can be used to reduce the impact of multipath on a received signal. Thus, a method can include monitoring for a signal on at least one upper antenna beam of an aircraft. The method can also include monitoring for the signal on at least one lower antenna beam of the aircraft while monitoring on the at least one upper antenna beam. The method can further include processing the signal received by the at least one upper antenna beam and/or the at least one lower antenna beam.

Abstract: An aircraft control system is delineated for a host aircraft, the system comprising a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the aircraft control system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the aircraft control system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, and generate from the received information a signal for use in the host aircraft to control separation between the host aircraft and the other aircraft while the aircraft are within a predefined range of a location where the aircraft plan to land.

Abstract: A transmitter provides a plurality of output signals. The transmitter includes a processor, a modulator, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The modulator provides a modulated signal responsive to the processor. The modulated signal includes an amplitude modulated radio frequency for transmitting a pulse. The first circuit provides a first output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The first output signal has a first phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second circuit provides a second output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The second output signal has a second phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second phase is controlled by the second circuit in accordance with the first phase, the second phase, and indicia of a third phase provided by the processor.

Abstract: The use of dynamic collision avoidance parameters in connection with automatic dependent surveillance, broadcast, as well as for other purposes in systems and methods may assist collision avoidance and/or advisory systems in properly identifying intruders for reporting to pilots. For example, a method can include monitoring for a triggering event with respect to at least one of geographic coordinates and a flight path of an aircraft. The method can also include detecting the triggering event. The method can further include altering at least one characteristic of at least one of a traffic alerting system and an advisory system based on detecting the triggering event.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes determining a phase offset by simultaneously providing a calibration signal to a first element of an antenna and a second element of the antenna opposite the first element. The method further includes receiving an intermix signal by a third element of the antenna, measuring an amplitude characteristic for the intermix signal, and determining a phase offset based on the amplitude characteristic. The phase offset can be used to adjust a signal provided to the first element so that signals transmitted from the first element and second element are in phase with each other. This method can account for phase errors due to the construction or design of the antenna, and allows antenna elements to be calibrated without the need for phase detector devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for providing an enhanced data link using overlaid modulation. Through embodiments of the present invention, existing ATC (or other) modulated signals using existing standard frequencies may be utilized to transmit (e.g., from an aircraft transponder) additional information in a manner that does not render the transmitted signal unrecognizable by legacy ATC equipment. Legacy equipment will be able to demodulate and decode information that was encoded in the transmitted signal in accordance with preexisting standard modulation formats, and updated equipment can also extract the additional information that was overlaid on transmitted signals.