System Area Code
Encyclopedia
In air traffic control, the System Area Code (SAC) is part of a unique identifier assigned to each system which uses the ASTERIX
format. The Eurocontrol SuRveillance Data Exchange Task Force (RDE-TF) maintains these identifiers internationally and assigns them to regions such as countries, though sometimes more than one code is assigned within the same country, for example to distinguish between civilian and military uses.
Within each country, it is the responsibility of the relevant ANSP
to allocate a System Identification Code (SIC); up to 256 of them for each SAC.
In the Asterix
protocol
the SAC/SIC identifies the actual sensor from where the radar
information is sent.
The information being e.g. plot
& track.
ASTERIX (ATC standard)
ASTERIX is a standard for the exchange of air traffic control information. It is developed and maintained by the European ATC organization Eurocontrol...
format. The Eurocontrol SuRveillance Data Exchange Task Force (RDE-TF) maintains these identifiers internationally and assigns them to regions such as countries, though sometimes more than one code is assigned within the same country, for example to distinguish between civilian and military uses.
Within each country, it is the responsibility of the relevant ANSP
Air Navigation Service Provider
An Air Navigation Service Provider is the organisation that separates aircraft on the ground or in flight in a dedicated block of airspace on behalf of a state or a number of states....
to allocate a System Identification Code (SIC); up to 256 of them for each SAC.
In the Asterix
ASTERIX (ATC standard)
ASTERIX is a standard for the exchange of air traffic control information. It is developed and maintained by the European ATC organization Eurocontrol...
protocol
Communications protocol
A communications protocol is a system of digital message formats and rules for exchanging those messages in or between computing systems and in telecommunications...
the SAC/SIC identifies the actual sensor from where the radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
information is sent.
The information being e.g. plot
Plot (radar)
In naval terminology a Plot is a graphic display that shows all collated data from a ship's on-board sensors i.e. radar, sonar and EW systems. They also displayed information from external sources ie other vessel or aircraft reports. There are four different types of plot, each with varying...
& track.