SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING TRANSPONDER TRANSMISSIONS

摘要

Transponder transmissions may be monitored through a direct, shielded connection of an RF coupler to a transponder antenna cable. The RF coupler may be added on an antenna cable of an older-style transponder to pick up altitude and reply codes, decode the information and transmit it digitally for use by a separate external monitor. As such, the pilot may be afforded the ability to monitor the older-style transponder's altitude and reply code transmissions to air traffic control so as to determine if a failure of the transponder has occurred. By having the direct connection between RF coupler and the transponder antenna cable, no transmissions of other transponders would be received.

主权项

1. A system for monitoring transponder transmissions without externally interrogating or self-interrogating the transponder, the system comprising:
an RF coupler connected to an antenna cable of the transponder through a direct, shielded connection, wherein the RF coupler monitors the transponder transmissions, decodes the altitude, reply code and identity information, and transmits the altitude, reply code and identity information digitally for use by a transceiver.