Avidyne Announces Support for Industry-Standard Capstone Protocol

March 26, 2013
The Capstone Data Interface Protocol is an RS-422/RS-232 data stream designed to support the display of ADS-B Traffic and Weather broadcast services that comply with the DO-282B and DO-317 standards for ADS-B IN.

AEA 2013 - LAS VEGAS – March 26, 2013 Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced their support for and participation in the industry standardization effort for the ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) Capstone Data Interface Protocol for the display of traffic and weather services.

The Capstone Data Interface Protocol is an RS-422/RS-232 data stream designed to support the display of ADS-B Traffic and Weather broadcast services that comply with the DO-282B and DO-317 standards for ADS-B IN.   

“Capstone was a development program in Alaska for ADS-B, a key technology that is enabling the NextGen air transportation system,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer. “We support the Capstone Data Interface Protocol, as it defines an industry standard for communication between ADS-B transceivers and displays, providing commonality and flexibility for our customers as they plan for the impending U.S. mandate.”

“Avidyne is focused on developing certified avionics for general aviation aircraft and we are working toward a full line of products to satisfy the ADS-B requirements for customers all across this market,” said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President and CEO. “We recognize the investment that the FAA has made in Capstone and the importance of having industry-standard interface protocols that allow for compatibility with third-party products, as well as for future Avidyne products.”

Announcements about specific Avidyne products that support and are compatible with the Capstone Serial Data Interface Protocol will be forthcoming. 

Other companies including Aspen Avionics and FreeFlight Systems have also committed support of the Capstone Data Interface Protocol as the industry standard. 

About Capstone

Capstone is an FAA-funded program which used the Alaskan airspace as a test bed for developing the technologies needed to support the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), including Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).  ADS-B, the FAA's satellite-based successor to radar, makes use of global positioning system (GPS) technology to determine and share precise aircraft location information, and streams additional flight information, including traffic and weather, to the cockpits of properly-equipped aircraft.  The Capstone Data Interface Protocol (a.k.a. GDL90 Data Interface Specification) is now owned by the FAA and is available in the public domain. 

ADS-B Products from Avidyne

Avidyne has previously announced an AXP340 Mode S 1090MHz Extended Squitter Transponder that is designed to meet the U.S. and international mandates for ADS-B OUT.  Avidyne has also announced 1090MHz ADS-B IN capability for their TAS600A active-surveillance Traffic Advisory Systems (TAS-A Series). Both will be available later this year.  Additional ADS-B related announcements will be forthcoming from Avidyne.

About Avidyne Corporation (www.avidyne.com)
Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company offers a full line of panel-mounted avionics including their new IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM, AMX240 audio panel, AXP340 Mode S Transponder, and DFC90 digital flight control systems.  Avidyne’s product line also includes the industry-leading Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck  with DFC100 digital flight control system, datalink-capable EX600 multi-function displays, the dual-antenna TAS600 series of active traffic advisory systems with ADS-B, the MLB700 broadcast datalink receiver, the MLX770 world-wide datalink transceiver, and the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system. Headquartered in Lincoln, MA, the company has facilities in Columbus, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Boulder, CO.