Aviation Glossary

ADS-B

A surveillance system in which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a data link transmitter. The aircraft or vehicle periodically broadcasts its GPS-derived position and other information (e.g., velocity) over the data link, which is received by a ground-based transmitter/ receiver (transceiver) for processing and display at an air traffic control facility.

source: FAA Advanced Avionics Handbook (FAA-H-8083-6)

A surveillance system that continuously broadcasts GPS position information, aircraft identification, altitude, velocity vector, and direction to all other aircraft and air traffic control facilities within a specific area. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) information is displayed in the flight deck via a flight deck display of traffic information (CDTI) unit, providing the pilot with greater situational awareness. ADS-B transmissions also provides controllers with a more complete picture of traffic and updates that information more frequently than other surveillance equipment.

source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16)

A surveillance system in which an aircraft or vehicle to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a data link transmitter. The aircraft or vehicle periodically broadcasts its GPS-derived position and other information such as velocity over the data link, which is received by a ground-based transmitter/receiver (transceiver) for processing and display at an air traffic control facility. (See GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM.) (See GROUND-BASED TRANSCEIVER.)

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B): A device used in aircraft that repeatedly broadcasts a message that includes position (such as latitude, longitude, and altitude), velocity, and possibly other information.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance system combining the advanced technologies of satellite positioning, aircraft avionics, and ground based transceivers. ADS-B equipped aircraft automatically broadcast their identification, current position, altitude, and velocity information approximately once per second. This continuous broadcast of flight data, improves aircraft position accuracy beyond the capabilities of current NAS radar/transponder based surveillance systems.

In the United States, two different data links have been adopted for use with ADS−B: 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) and the 978 MHz, Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). The 1090ES link is intended for aircraft that primarily operate at FL240 and above, whereas the UAT link is intended for use by aircraft that primarily operate at lower altitudes. From a pilot’s standpoint, the two links operate similarly and support ADS−B and Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B). The UAT link will provide additional weather and other aeronautical information through the Flight Information Service − Broadcast (FIS-B).

source: FAA/NOAA Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45G)