Department of Transportation

TSO-C166b
Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft Certification Service Effective
Washington, D.C. Date: 12/02/09

Technical Standard Order

Subject: Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast
(ADS-B) and Traffic Information Service - Broadcast (TIS-B)
Equipment Operating on the Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz
(MHz)
1. PURPOSE. This technical standard order (TSO) is for manufacturers applying for a TSO
authorization (TSOA) or letter of design approval (LODA). In it, we (the Federal Aviation
Administration, or FAA) tell you what minimum performance standards (MPS) your 1090 MHz
ADS-B and TIS-B equipment must first meet for approval and identification with the applicable
TSO marking.

2. APPLICABILITY. This TSO affects new applications submitted after its effective date.

a. All prior revisions to this TSO are no longer effective. Generally, we will not accept
applications after the effective date of this TSO. We may do so, however, up to six months after
it, if we know that you were working against the earlier MPS before the new change became
effective.

b. 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B equipment approved under a previous TSOA may still be
manufactured under the provisions of its original approval.

3. REQUIREMENTS. New models of 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B equipment identified
and manufactured on or after the effective date of this TSO must meet the MPS qualification and
documentation requirements for the applicable equipment class in RTCA, Inc. document
RTCA/DO-260B, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for 1090 MHz Extended
Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information
Services-Broadcast (TIS-B), Section 2, dated December 2, 2009.

a. Functionality.

(1) This TSOs standards apply to equipment intended to transmit and receive broadcast
messages about an aircrafts position (latitude and longitude), velocity, integrity, and other
parameters. Similarly-equipped operators will share these messages with one another and with
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ground-based facilities such as air traffic services. These message parameters form the basis for
various ADS-B, ADS-R, and TIS-B reports.

(2) This TSO supports two major classes of 1090 MHz ADS-B equipment. Class A
equipment consists of transmit and receive subsystems. Class B equipment contains a transmit
subsystem only.

(a) Class A equipment includes Classes A1, A1S, A2 and A3 as defined in

RTCA/DO-260B. We require 1090 MHz airborne Class A equipment to receive both ADS-B,
ADS-R, and TIS-B messages, deliver ADS-B, ADS-R, and TIS-B reports, and transmit ADS-B
messages. Class A equipment can also be defined as transmit only or receive only. Follow
guidance in RTCA DO-260B paragraph 2.1.12.1 for transmit only or paragraph 2.1.12.2 for
receive only equipment.

(b) Class B equipment includes Classes B1, and B1S as defined in

RTCA/DO-260B. Class B equipment is only required to transmit ADS-B messages.

(3) Use of ADS-B Reports in Airborne Applications. This TSO addresses only
broadcasting messages from transmit subsystems and assembling reports in receiver subsystems.
We dont address applications that use the information in reports.

(4) Added Message Elements: Do not add ADS-B message elements outside of the
message requirements outlined in Section 2 of DO-260B or populate message fields reserved for
future use.

b. Failure Condition Classifications. For 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B receiver
subsystems, we consider an un-annunciated failure that provides onboard applications with
incorrect reports a major failure condition. For 1090 MHz ADS-B transmitter subsystems, we
consider an un-annunciated failure that broadcasts incorrect ADS-B messages a major failure
condition. A failure resulting in loss of function defined in paragraph 3a of this TSO is
considered a minor failure condition. Develop the system to, at least, the design assurance level
equal to these two failure condition classifications.

NOTE: The major failure condition for transmission of incorrect ADS-B

messages is based on use of the data by other aircraft or Air Traffic Control for
separation services.

c. Functional Qualification. Demonstrate the required functional performance under the

test conditions in RTCA/DO-260B, Section 2.4.

d. Environmental Qualification. Demonstrate the required performance under the test

conditions specified in RTCA DO-260B Paragraph 2.3 using standard environmental conditions
and test procedures appropriate for airborne equipment.

NOTE: Although no specific version of RTCA DO-160 environmental

conditions and test procedures are specified, use of RTCA/DO-160D (with

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Changes 1 and 2 only, incorporated) or earlier versions will require

substantiation via the deviation process as discussed in paragraph 3g of this TSO.

e. Software Qualification. If the article includes software, develop the software

according to RTCA/DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment
Certification, dated December 1, 1992. The software design assurance level should be consistent
with the failure condition classifications defined in paragraph 3b of this TSO. Develop all
software included in the article definition according to RTCA/DO-178B.

f. Electronic Hardware Qualification. If the article includes a complex custom micro-

coded component to accomplish the function, develop the component according to RTCA/DO-
254, Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware. All complex custom
micro-coded components included in the article definition must be developed according to
RTCA/DO-254.

g. Deviations. We have provisions for using alternate or equivalent means of compliance

to the criteria in the MPS of this TSO. If you invoke these provisions, you must show that your
equipment maintains an equivalent level of safety. Apply for a deviation under 14 CFR 21.609.

4. MARKING.

a. Mark at least one major component permanently and legibly with all the information in
14 CFR 21.607(d). The marking must include the serial number.

b. Also, mark the following permanently and legibly, with at least the manufacturers
name, subassembly part number, and the TSO number:

(1) Each component that is easily removable (without hand tools), and

(2) Each subassembly of the article that you determined may be interchangeable.

c. If the article includes a deviation per paragraph 3g of this TSO, the marking must
include a means to indicate a deviation was granted.

d. If the component includes a digital computer, then the part number must include
hardware and software identification. Or, you can use a separate part number for hardware and
software. Either way, you must include a means to show the modification status.

NOTE: Similar software versions, developed and tested to different software

levels, must be differentiated by part number.

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e. Transmitting and receiving components must be permanently and legibly marked. The
following table explains how to mark components. Find the equipment class in RTCA/DO-
260B, Section 2.1.11 and the receiving equipment type in RTCA/DO-260B, Section 2.2.6.

If component can: Mark it with: Sample marking pattern:

Transmit and Equipment class it supports, and Class A1/Type 1
receive Receiving equipment type

Transmit, but not Equipment class it supports Class B1 or

receive Class A3 - Transmit Only
Receive, but not Equipment class it supports, and Class A2/Type 2 - Receive
transmit Receiving equipment type Only

5. APPLICATION DATA REQUIREMENTS. You must give the FAA aircraft certification
office (ACO) manager responsible for your facility a statement of conformance, as specified in
14 CFR 21.605(a)(1) and one copy each of the following technical data to support your design
and production approval. Under 14 CFR 21.617(a)(2), LODA applicants submit the same data
(excluding paragraph 5h) through their civil aviation authority.

a. Operating instructions and equipment limitations in an installation manual (IM),

sufficient to describe the equipments operational capability. Describe in detail any deviations.
If needed, identify equipment by part number, version, revision, and criticality level of
software/hardware, classification for use, and environmental categories.

b. Installation procedures and limitations in an IM, sufficient to ensure that the 1090 MHz
ADS-B equipment, when installed according to the installation procedures, still meets this TSOs
requirements. For non-transponder-based 1090 MHz ADS-B transmitting equipment,
manufacturers must include a limitation stating that the equipment cannot be co-installed in
aircraft with a Mode-S transponder (see RTCA/DO-260B Section 3.0). Limitations must
identify any unique aspects of the installation. The limitations must include a note with the
following statement:

This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards
required by a technical standard order (TSO). If you are installing this article on
or in a specific type or class of aircraft, you must obtain separate approval for
installation.

c. Schematic drawings of the installation procedures.

d. Wiring diagrams of the installation procedures.

e. List of components, by part number, that makes up the 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B
article. Include vendor part number cross-references, when applicable.

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f. A component maintenance manual (CMM) or IM, as appropriate, covering periodic

maintenance, calibration, and repair, for the continued airworthiness of the 1090 MHz ADS-B
and TIS-B equipment. Include recommended inspection intervals and service life, as
appropriate.

g. Material and process specifications list.

h. The quality control system (QCS) description required by 14 CFR 21.143 and
21.605(a)(3), including functional test specifications. The QCS should ensure that you will
detect any change to the approved design that could adversely affect compliance with the TSO
MPS, and reject the article accordingly. (Not required for LODA applicants.)

i. Manufacturers TSO qualification report showing results of testing accomplished

according to paragraph 3c of this TSO.

j. Nameplate drawing with the information required by paragraph 4 of this TSO.

k. List of all drawings and processes (including revision level) that define the articles
design.

l. A summary of the test conditions used for environmental qualifications for each
component of the article. For example, a form as described in RTCA/DO-160F, Environmental
Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, Appendix A.

m. If the article includes software: a plan for software aspects of certification (PSAC),
software configuration index, and software accomplishment summary. We recommend that you
submit the PSAC early in the software development process. Early submittal allows us to
quickly resolve issues, such as partitioning and determining software levels.

n. If the article includes a complex custom micro-coded component: a plan for hardware
aspects of certification (PHAC), hardware verification plan, top-level drawing, and hardware
accomplishment summary. We recommend that you submit the PHAC early in the hardware
development process. Early submittal allows us to quickly resolve issues.

o. Identify functionality, features or performance contained in the article that is not

evaluated under paragraph 3 of this TSO (i.e. non-TSO functions). These functions are not
approved under 14 CFR 21 Subpart O authorization, but can be approved in conjunction with the
TSO authorization under the authority of 14 CFR 21.305(d). You must include the following
information with your TSO application:

(1) Description of the non-TSO function(s), such as performance specifications and

software, hardware, and environmental qualification levels. Add a statement confirming that the
non-TSO functions dont interfere with the articles compliance with the requirements of
paragraph 3.

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(2) Installation and operating instructions/limitations for the non-TSO function(s). The
IM must contain the following statement: The non-TSO functions defined in this section are
not part of the TSO approval. The non-TSO function data included in this section is approved
under 14 CFR 21.305(d).

(3) Instructions for continued performance applicable to the non-TSO function(s)

defined in paragraph 5o(1).

(4) Interface requirements and applicable installation test procedures to ensure

compliance with the performance data defined in paragraph 5o(1).

(5) Results of test/analysis, as appropriate, to verify that performance of the hosting

TSO article is not affected by the non-TSO function(s).

(6) Results of test/analysis, as appropriate, to verify intended function of the declared

non-TSO function(s) as described in paragraph 5o(1).

6. MANUFACTURER DATA REQUIREMENTS. Besides the data given directly to us,

have the following technical data available for review by the responsible ACO or civil aviation
authority:

a. Functional qualification specifications for qualifying each production article to ensure

compliance with this TSO.

b. Equipment calibration procedures.

c. Corrective maintenance procedures (within 12 months after TSOA or LODA).

d. Schematic drawings.

e. Wiring diagrams.

f. Material and process specifications.

g. The results of the environmental qualification tests conducted according to paragraph 3d

of this TSO.

h. If the article includes software, the appropriate documentation defined in

RTCA/DO-178B including all data supporting the applicable objectives in RTCA/DO-178B
Annex A, Process Objectives and Outputs by Software Level.

i. If the article includes a complex micro-coded component, the appropriate hardware life
cycle data in combination with design assurance level, as defined in RTCA/DO-254, Appendix
A, Table A-l.

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j. If the article contains non-TSO function(s), you must also make available items 6a
through 6i as they pertain to the non-TSO function(s).

7. FURNISHED DATA REQUIREMENTS.

a. If furnishing one or more articles manufactured under this TSO to one entity (such as an
operator or repair station), provide one copy of the data in paragraphs 5a through 5f and 5l of
this TSO. Add any other data needed for the proper installation, certification, use, or for
continued compliance with the TSO, of the 1090 MHz ADS-B and TIS-B equipment.

b. If the article contains non-TSO function(s), include one copy of the data in paragraphs
5o(1) through 5o(4).

8. HOW TO GET REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.

a. Order RTCA documents from RTCA Inc., 1828 L Street NW, Suite 805, Washington,
D.C. 20036. Telephone (202) 833-9339, fax (202) 833-9434. You can also order copies online
at www.rtca.org.

b. Order copies of 14 CFR part 21, Subpart O from the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197. Telephone (202) 512-
1800, fax (202) 512-2250. You can also order copies online at www.access.gpo.gov. Select
Access, then Online Bookstore. Select Aviation, then Code of Federal Regulations.

c. You can find a current list of technical standard orders and advisory circulars on the
FAA Internet website Regulatory and Guidance Library at http://rgl.faa.gov/. You will also find
the TSO Index of Articles at the same site.

Susan J. M. Cabler
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering
Division

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