Patent ID: 8103271
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A data link radio system onboard an aircraft for communicating with a plurality of ground stations in the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, wherein each ground station employs one of a Mode A protocol for analog communication and a Mode 2 protocol for digital communication, the data link radio system comprising: a transceiver for communicating data bidirectionally with the plurality of ground stations, a particular one with which communication is occurring at a given time being referred to as a primary ground station; a secondary receiver for receiving signals from the plurality of ground stations; and a processor controlling operation of the transceiver and the secondary receiver; wherein when the primary ground station employs one of the Mode A protocol and the Mode 2 protocol, the secondary receiver determines availability of an alternative ground station that employs another one of the Mode A protocol and the Mode 2 protocol, and wherein when the primary ground station becomes unavailable, the transceiver automatically is configured for and begins communicating with the alternative ground station.