A novel multi-mode/multi-band receiver subsystem for onboard wireless communication in an airplane is designed and fabricated in this article. Combined with the ultra wideband antenna with multiple notched bands, the subsystem can provide several different wireless services such as the 3G mobile communication systems, WLAN systems, WiMax systems, etc. The channel bandwidth is variable according to the operation mode and the maximum channel bandwidth is up to 20 MHz and the prominent characteristics of subsystem is miniature size and low cost.