Changing Your World

In 1974, Rockwell Collins recognized the need for an in-house team that would focus exclusively on acquiring and developing new technologies for product innovations.   Over the last three decades, ATC has developed a rich legacy of technology accomplishments and contributions for Rockwell Collins and other companies.

Pioneered GPS Technologies
ATC pioneered GPS technology which now has applications for an array of users. Our Navstar Global Positioning System brought satellite-based navigation to a wide spectrum of applications: from the battlefield to the modern day cockpit.

Increased Portability
ATC later developed the world’s first GPS Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC.) The MMIC helped reduce the size, weight and cost of radios because it allowed them to operate at very lower power and high frequency with high bandwidth.

Reduced Size
In the 1990s, ATC developed the single-chip down conversion GPS receiver, which helped reduce the size, weight, cost and power needs for the receiver. ATC also developed the world’s first safety-critical, verified microprocessor for the development of lower-cost, flight-critical autopilot systems.
 

Minimized Power Requirements
ATC developed the world’s first 16-bit CMOS microprocessor called the Advanced Architecture Microprocessor (AAMP). These AAMP designs gave microprocessors the ability to achieve high performance while requiring minimal power.

Increased Display Readability under all Conditions
ATC also pioneered the use of shadow-mask Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology in avionics, which allowed Rockwell Collins to capture most of the world's color cockpit display business. ATC has also pioneered synthetic and enhanced vision cockpit displays for safer operations in all flight regimes and weather conditions.

Introduction of Digital Avionics
The Area Inertial Navigation System was the first commercial airborne application of a digital, computer-based system for flight management ushered in the digital revolution in avionics.

Today, ATC continues to look to the future with ongoing research and development to provide technology growth, based on strong internal support and a portfolio of related government contracts. ATC’s technology innovations will enable safe, efficient and effective flight operations under all conditions, exploiting changes in the communications and navigation marketplace, and taking advantage of the size, weight and cost opportunities associated with Moore’s Law, advanced display technologies and high assurance open software systems.