ARINC CHARACTERISTIC 718-4-1989 (1998) PDF

Full title and description

St ARINC CHARACTERISTIC 718-4-1989 (1998) — "718-4 Mark 3 Air Traffic Control Transponder (ATCRBS/Mode S)". This characteristic defines the functional, electrical and interchangeability requirements for Mark 3 airborne transponders (ATCRBS/Mode S), including receiver and transmitter performance, interfaces, altitude reporting, Mode S data link functions and provisions to support ADS‑B/extended squitter capabilities. The notation "(1998)" in many catalog records indicates a 1998 reissue/adoption or cataloging date; the original ARINC characteristic was published in 1989.

Abstract

ARINC 718-4 establishes the interface, performance, and interchangeability requirements for airborne ATCRBS/Mode S transponders of the Mark 3 family. It covers RF characteristics, receiver and transmitter limits, reply timing, protocol decoding, altitude reporting, Mode S data link behaviour, control and indication, environmental and power requirements, and test/verification methods. The characteristic was issued to ensure equipment from different manufacturers is functionally compatible with ground interrogators and with other airborne systems (e.g., TCAS, ADS‑B). The common catalog reference "(1998)" reflects a later reissue or catalog entry date while the characteristic's original publication date is 15 December 1989.

General information

• Status: Active / current in archive for Mark 3 transponder specifications (document remains a referenced characteristic for legacy Mark 3 equipment).
• Publication date: 15 December 1989 (original); frequently shown in catalogues with a 1998 reissue/adoption notation.
• Publisher: Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) / managed in standards catalogues and distributed via standards organizations and technical publishers.
• ICS / categories: 13.060.01 (Aeronautics; avionics equipment and standards); Aviation electronics; Avionics interoperability.
• Edition / version: ARINC Characteristic 718-4 (original issue 1989). Later ARINC follow‑on documents (718A series) provide updated Mark 4 and extended-interface characteristics.
• Number of pages: Approximately 130–135 pages (catalog listings commonly show 131 pages).

Scope

This characteristic specifies the requirements for Mark 3 ATCRBS/Mode S airborne transponders intended for installation on transport-category and other aircraft. It covers functional description, electrical and RF performance (receiver/transmitter), reply timing and jitter, altitude reporting, Mode S data link functions, control and display interfaces, environmental and power requirements, verification and test procedures, and interchangeability considerations so that transponders from different manufacturers will operate compatibly with ground systems and legacy airborne equipment.

Key topics and requirements

• System description and purpose of the Mark 3 transponder (ATCRBS and Mode S basics).
• Receiver characteristics: center frequency, bandwidth, sensitivity, spurious responses, desensitization/recovery.
• Transmitter characteristics: reply frequency, power output, emission spectrum, reply delay and jitter.
• Reply timing, pulse decoding tolerances, mutual suppression and dead time behavior.
• Mode S data link features, decoding of interrogations and replies, and Mode S lockout control.
• Altitude reporting (encoding and transmission), pressure-altitude formats and tolerance.
• Interface and interchangeability requirements for control units, antennas and installation.
• Environmental, power and EMC requirements for airborne installation.
• Test methods, verification procedures and conformance checks for performance and interoperability.
• Provisions and notes addressing ADS‑B/extended squitter compatibility as applicable to Mode S evolution.

Typical use and users

ARINC 718-4 is used by avionics equipment manufacturers (transponder designers and test engineers), airline and aircraft OEM engineering teams, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations, systems integrators, avionics test laboratories, and certification authorities when evaluating, installing or supporting Mark 3 ATCRBS/Mode S transponders and for maintaining compatibility with ground surveillance systems. It is also referenced by consultants and engineering teams working on avionics retrofits and legacy fleet compliance.

Related standards

Standards and documents commonly referenced together with ARINC 718-4 include RTCA/DO standards and EUROCAE documents for transponder and Mode S performance (for example RTCA DO‑181 / DO‑181E and EUROCAE ED‑73 series), ICAO Annex 10 Volume IV and ICAO surveillance guidance, ARINC 718A (later ARINC update/series for Mark 4 transponders), ARINC 735 (TCAS/traffic computer interfaces) and other ARINC 700‑series characteristics that address avionics interfaces and airborne equipment interoperability.

Keywords

ARINC 718-4; ARINC 718; Mark 3 transponder; ATCRBS; Mode S; transponder specification; ADS‑B compatibility; altitude reporting; datalink; avionics interchangeability; transponder testing; ARINC characteristic.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ARINC 718-4 is an ARINC characteristic titled "718-4 Mark 3 Air Traffic Control Transponder (ATCRBS/Mode S)". It documents the functional, electrical and interchangeability requirements for Mark 3 airborne transponders.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers receiver and transmitter RF performance, reply timing and decoding, Mode S datalink behavior, altitude reporting formats, control/interface requirements, environmental and power conditions, and tests/procedures required to verify compliance and interoperability with ground systems and other airborne equipment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Avionics manufacturers, airline/airframe engineering teams, MRO and test laboratories, certification authorities and systems integrators working with ATCRBS/Mode S transponders—especially when handling legacy/Mark 3 equipment or ensuring compatibility with surveillance infrastructure.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The characteristic is the original 1989 Mark 3 specification (published 15 December 1989) and remains the reference for Mark 3 transponders. For newer transponder designs and extended/modern interfaces, ARINC later issued updates in the 718A series (notably later editions covering Mark 4 and extended interface functions). Many catalogs show a 1998 reissue/adoption notation; that reflects cataloging or reissue activity rather than a change of the original 1989 technical content. Users should consult the ARINC/SAE catalogue for the most recent ARINC 718/718A publications when working on new designs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ARINC 718 is part of the ARINC 700‑series avionics characteristics. The 718 family has follow‑on and related documents (for example ARINC 718A editions) that extend or update the transponder characteristic for later Mark revisions and extended interface functions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mode S, ATCRBS, transponder, Mark 3, ARINC 718-4, ADS‑B compatibility, altitude reporting, datalink, avionics interoperability.