ADS-B Receiver Module ADSB-MU4

Pricing available upon request.

Introduction

The ADSB-MU4 is a high-performance ADS-B signal Receiver Module featuring high expandability and ease of integration. It offers high signal reception sensitivity, enabling long-range ADS-B signal reception.

 

The module integrates a high-sensitivity 1090 MHz RF receiver module and a low-noise amplifier (LNA), enabling it to independently complete the entire process of signal reception, processing, and data parsing. It also incorporates a GNSS module, which provides high-precision timestamping for each ADS-B message.

 

For data output, the module supports output of raw ADS-B messages via a USB interface. Alternatively, it can be configured with a serial interface output, compatible with both RS232 and RS485 protocols.

 

Package List:

No.

Item

Quantity

1

ADSB-MU4 Module

1

2

USB Cable

1

 

 

 

 

ADS-B Receiver Module ADSB-MU4

 

Features

1. Easy to expand, suitable for embedded applications

2. Built-in low noise amplifier (LNA)

3. Outputs raw Mode-S (including ADS-B) data messages

4. Messages comply with the Beast Binary protocol

5. The message includes GPS/BDS timestamps and supports multilateration (MLAT)

6. High-precision nanosecond-level timestamp (when connected to a GNSS antenna)

7. Highly configurable, adaptable to various application scenarios

8. Supports customized output via multiple serial protocols

9. Optional calibrated signal strength output in dbm (RSSI, Received Signal Strength Indication)

 

 

Specifications

No.

Parameter

Specification

1

Power Supply

5V, 2A

2

Power Consumption

0.88 W

3

Receiving Frequency

1090 MHz

4

Sensitivity

≤ -105 dBm

5

Reception Range

> 400 km (no interference, no obstruction)

6

Dynamic Range

≥ 110 dB

7

Update Rate

≥ 1Hz

8

Target Capacity

> 750 targets

9

Processing Capability

> 4,000 messages/s

10

LNA Gain

31 dB

11

Data Format

Compliant with Beast Binary protocol;
binary format;
outputs raw Mode-S (including ADS-B) data messages

12

Timestamp Resolution

1 ns

13

Timestamp Accuracy

50 ns

14

Data Interfaces

Type-B USB, DB9 female (customized)

15

Serial Protocols

RS232 (customized), RS485 (customized)

16

ADS-B Antenna Connector

IPEX

17

GNSS Antenna Connector

IPEX

18

Dimensions

100 × 71 × 35 mm (main unit)

19

Weight

38 g (main unit)

20

Operating Temperature

-20℃ ~ +60℃

21

Storage Temperature

-20℃ ~ +70℃

22

Storage Humidity

10% ~ 80%

 

 

Interface Description

ADS-B Receiver Module ADSB-MU4
Main Unit Interfaces:

No.

Interface Name

Description

1

ADSB-ANT

ADS-B antenna interface, IPEX

2

USB

Data interface 1, Type-B connector (default output interface)

3

Indicator Light

Data indicator (green)

4

GPS-ANT

GPS/BDS antenna interface, IPEX

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the difference between ADSB-MU4 and ADSB-MU2?
ADSB-MU4 is an upgraded high-performance version compared with ADSB-MU2.
The main differences are:

Feature ADSB-MU2 ADSB-MU4
ADS-B/Mode-S reception Yes Yes
Raw DF17/DF18 output Yes Yes
Raw Mode-S message output Limited Yes
High-precision timestamp No Yes
MLAT support No Yes
GNSS module No Integrated
Receiving sensitivity ≤ -90dBm ≤ -105dBm
Dynamic range Standard ≥110 dB
Target capacity >300 targets >750 targets
Processing Capability > 1,500 messages/s > 4,000 messages/s
RSSI output No Optional calibrated RSSI output
Data Interfaces USB、RS232、RS485(Optional) USB、RS232(Optional)、RS485(Optional)



ADSB-MU2 is designed for basic ADS-B data acquisition and embedded applications, while ADSB-MU4 is designed for applications requiring higher performance, precise timing, and advanced surveillance capabilities.


2. Can ADSB-MU4 be used for MLAT systems?

Yes. ADSB-MU4 can support MLAT (Multilateration) applications.
Unlike basic ADS-B receiver modules that only output raw ADS-B messages without timing information, ADSB-MU4 provides GPS/BDS-based high-precision timestamps for received Mode-S/ADS-B messages.
The timestamp information allows an MLAT server to calculate the time difference of arrival (TDOA) between multiple receiving stations, which is essential for aircraft position calculation.
When connected to a GNSS antenna, ADSB-MU4 provides nanosecond-level timestamp resolution and high-accuracy timing performance, making it suitable for MLAT and other time-sensitive surveillance applications.


3. Does ADSB-MU4 support ADS-B message decoding?
No.
By default, ADSB-MU4 is designed as a high-performance raw data receiver module. It receives and outputs raw Mode-S messages, including ADS-B messages, allowing external software or systems to perform further decoding and processing.
Currently, the standard version does not output decoded ADS-B data. However, decoded ADS-B message output can be provided as a customized option according to customer requirements.
This flexibility allows ADSB-MU4 to be adapted for different OEM and system integration applications. Depending on the specific requirements, customized data formats, output interfaces, and decoding functions can also be developed for integration into specialized aviation surveillance systems.


4. What applications can ADSB-MU4 be used for?
ADSB-MU4 is suitable for various embedded and professional aviation applications, including:
· MLAT (Multilateration) systems 
· ADS-B ground stations 
· Airport surveillance systems 
· UAV/drone traffic monitoring systems 
· UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) platforms 
· Flight tracking systems 
· Aviation research and testing systems 
· ADS-B data collection networks 
· Customized aviation surveillance equipment 


5. Does ADSB-MU4 provide signal strength information?
Yes. ADSB-MU4 supports optional calibrated RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) output.
The signal strength can be provided in dBm units, allowing system developers to evaluate received signal quality, perform RF environment analysis, and support advanced ADS-B monitoring applications.


6. Can ADSB-MU4 be customized for OEM applications?
Yes. ADSB-MU4 supports customization for OEM and system integration applications.
Customization options include:
·  Customized mechanical design 
· Customized enclosure 
· Customized branding and logo 
· Customized data interfaces 
· Customized serial communication protocols 
· Customized software and functionality 
AvionixTech provides flexible OEM solutions for aviation equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and research organizations.

  

ADS-B Receiver Module ADSB-MU4 User Manual

Related Products

Our equipment is designed for information and surveillance purposes in industrial environments and must not be used for air traffic control, navigation, life-critical and military applications.

Our products are constantly evolving. New features, improvements, and capabilities are being added over time. Something that wasn't possible before may be possible today.

Please contact us for the most up-to-date manual and information for your reference and confirmation.


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